Month: October 2026

“Relax Completely Means Relax Completely:” David Fultz Remembers John Eley and the Early Years of Ki Society Aikido Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

David Fultz began studying Judo in 1968 at the University of Chicago Judo Club, where he trained under Dr. Paul Harper and Barry Brunsden. In January 1975, Fultz began studying Aikido with John Eley at the University of Chicago Aikido Club. He remained with Eley for twenty-seven years, serving as his second in command and … Continue reading “Relax Completely Means Relax Completely:” David Fultz Remembers John Eley and the Early Years of Ki Society Aikido Part II

“Relax Completely Means Relax Completely:” David Fultz Remembers John Eley and the Early Years of Ki Society Aikido Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 2 Comments

David Fultz began studying Judo in 1968 at the University of Chicago Judo Club, where he trained under Dr. Paul Harper and Barry Brunsden. In January 1975, Fultz began studying Aikido with John Eley at the University of Chicago Aikido Club. He remained with Eley for twenty-seven years, serving as his second in command and … Continue reading “Relax Completely Means Relax Completely:” David Fultz Remembers John Eley and the Early Years of Ki Society Aikido Part I

Preserving the Yoshinkan Tradition in Chicago: Charles Southern Remembers Robert Hackett and Gilbert James Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

Charles Southern began studying Yoshinkan Aikido in 1982 while attending college after his sister told him about a class near her workplace. He began training under Robert Hackett and Gilbert James, two early Yoshinkan practitioners in Chicago, who had studied under Robert “Commander” Cramer and helped establish the Midwest Yoshinkan Aikido Association in the late … Continue reading Preserving the Yoshinkan Tradition in Chicago: Charles Southern Remembers Robert Hackett and Gilbert James Part II

Preserving the Yoshinkan Tradition in Chicago: Charles Southern Remembers Robert Hackett and Gilbert James Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

Charles Southern began studying Yoshinkan Aikido in 1982 while attending college after his sister told him about a class near her workplace. He began training under Robert Hackett and Gilbert James, two early Yoshinkan practitioners in Chicago, who had studied under Robert “Commander” Cramer and helped establish the Midwest Yoshinkan Aikido Association in the late … Continue reading Preserving the Yoshinkan Tradition in Chicago: Charles Southern Remembers Robert Hackett and Gilbert James Part I

The Hidden Gem: Unlocking a Veiled History

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

The recent biography of Shin-Budo Kai’s Shizuo Imaizumi, Aikido’s Hidden Gem, is not singular in nature – rather, the work is threefold in its purpose. Firstly, Aikido’s Hidden Gem serves as a life story of Imaizumi. Secondly, the biography showcases and illustrates the relationship between Imaizumi, Fumio Toyoda, and Shuji Maruyama within Ki Society. Thirdly, … Continue reading The Hidden Gem: Unlocking a Veiled History

“It was real training”: Interview with Retired Aikidoka Donna Carlson

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After many attempts from a friend to try out aikido, Donna Carlson finally stepped onto the mat when Koichi Tohei came to New York City in 1975. Though she only signed up for three days, she was immediately hooked and attended the rest of the week-and-a-half long seminar, bringing her friends and acquaintances over the … Continue reading “It was real training”: Interview with Retired Aikidoka Donna Carlson

“He Was The Sensei:” Training under Shizuo Imaizumi from John Zenkewich’s Perspective Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

John Zenkewich was given a choice: train at the Aikikai in New York City to learn technique or train at the Ki Society to know how aikido is supposed to feel. After calling the dojo, Shizuo Imaizumi answered the phone, leading Zenkewich to become a lifelong student of Imaizumi. Joining in 1978, he witnessed the … Continue reading “He Was The Sensei:” Training under Shizuo Imaizumi from John Zenkewich’s Perspective Part II

“He Was The Sensei:” Training under Shizuo Imaizumi from John Zenkewich’s Perspective Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

John Zenkewich was given a choice: train at the Aikikai in New York City to learn technique or train at the Ki Society to know how aikido is supposed to feel. After calling the dojo, Shizuo Imaizumi answered the phone, leading Zenkewich to become a lifelong student of Imaizumi. Joining in 1978, he witnessed the … Continue reading “He Was The Sensei:” Training under Shizuo Imaizumi from John Zenkewich’s Perspective Part I