On February 25, 2023 I attended Yamada Sensei’s Memorial in New York. Really a celebration of life packed with hundreds of people, with an abundance of food and drink, and moving remembrances, it was held in a building across the street from the New York Aikikai. As I walked down 18th, I could see the … Continue reading One Year Remembrance of Yamada Sensei by Lynne Morrison
In 1988, Marc Abrams attended a class led by Shizuo Imaizumi at the suggestion of some friends. After attempting to attack Imaizumi for real, Abrams was completely surprised at the result and convinced him to continue training under Imaizumi. Abrams later became the intermediary between his instructor and the outside aikido world. Since Imaizumi retired … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Arts of Shin Budo Kai Founder Marc Abrams: Shizuo Imaizumi and His Ever-Changing Legacy
Mark Kerstein first started training in Taekwondo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when he was 15 years old in 1970. He later moved to Houston, Texas in 1983, and after spending some time searching for an instructor, he found Darrell Craig at the Houston Budokan. After observing a Kendo practice, Kerstein was hooked and has spent over … Continue reading Interview with Southern United States Kendo & Iaido Federation President Mark Kerstein: The Development of Kendo in Texas
What is the point of doing weapons work, especially what some may perceive as outdated weapons work? Not many people carry swords, sticks, staves, clubs, shields, bucklers, polearms, or even daggers. Not in 2024. Not in the developed world. While the practical applications of such weapons are not the most socially acceptable (or the easiest … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Weapons, Distance, and Application
Alan Tamayo began training in aikido in 2005 after purchasing a martial arts supply company. He walked into the Aikido Kokikai of Rochester and immediately felt the camaraderie and have yet to stop training. In 2016, Tamayo established his Aikido Kokikai of Queens where he continues to teach and learn from Shuji Maruyama. Today, Tamayo … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Kokikai of Queens Founder Alan Tamayo: Lessons from Shuji Maruyama
Robert Brooks began sabre fencing in 1987 and almost stumbled upon the Dawn Duellists Society with Guy Windsor and Paul Macdonald in 1994 when he attended Napier University. In 2003, Brooks established his Hotspur School of Defence, eventually bringing the messer into more common use. Additionally, he authored At Your Mercy in 2023, expanding the … Continue reading Interview with Hotspur School of Defence Founder Robert Brooks: Finding Common Ground Through Fencing
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 