Steven Wolf found himself in aikido by 1980, after training in judo and jujutsu as a child. By the next year, Wolf had joined Geroge Simcox’s dojo and attending summer camps with other Ki-Aikidoka. During that time, he learned much from Simcox until his death in 2000. Wolf assumed the role of head instructor of … Continue reading Interview with NOVA Ki-Aikido Instructor Steven Wolf: The Uniqueness of Ki-Aikido
Hugh Cassidy first found the martial arts in 1973 with Minna Jujutsu, a combination of judo, karate, and savate. By 1995, he transitioned to Shotokan Karate and Aiki-Budo in 2009. Today, Cassidy took some time to talk about his exciting journey through many different martial arts. All images provided by Hugh Cassidy. Martial Arts of … Continue reading Interview with Lifelong Martial Artist Hugh Cassidy: From Jujutsu to Karate to Daito-ryu
Michael Croke first heard about historical fencing in the late 2000s but it was not until 2013 that he found a fencing club near him. He joined one, becoming one of the top fencers there and Jake Norwood suggested he form his own club when the former fell apart. Since then, Croke has been heading … Continue reading Interview with Richmond KDF Founder Michael Croke: Fencing in Virginia
The following is an excerpt of an interview conducted for the upcoming Takahiko Ishikawa: Judo’s Quiet Master, which recounts the life, times, and impact of Ishikawa on East Coast Judo in the United States. Lou Moyerman retells some of his memories establishing the Liberty Bell Judo Classic and a visit from Ishikawa. Lou Moyerman began … Continue reading Lou Moyerman: Liberty Bell Judo and Ishikawa
Joe DeCapua’s introduction to aikido was in the mid-1970s, watching an old, black and white film of Morihei Ueshiba. It was not until he relocated to Maryland, near Washington, D.C., that he attended his first aikido class in 1982. The class was part of the Eastern Ki Society, one of the groups belonging to Shin … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Ki-Aikido Joe DeCapua: Ki-Aikido Curriculums
We are very excited to announce the pre-order of Takahiko Ishikawa: Judo's Quiet Master is now available! Secure your eBook today! Paperback and hardback available 9/16! Follow this link: https://rb.gy/sh48h6 Special Thanks to those who supported the crowdfunding campaign: Dan Piller, Robert McKeown, Philip Ameris, Barbara Russo, Gina Russo, Simona Zhuravska, Patrick deMunecas, Andrew Wai, … Continue reading Judo Biography Pre-order Available!
Jeffery Prather first began karate before finding ninjutsu from the Bujinkan. After earning a shodan in karate and an epic fight later, Prather found ninjutsu and started to study under Stephen Hayes, traveling long distances to learn this new art. When Hayes brought over Masaaki Hatsumi from Japan, Prather’s interest soared. Staying under the tutelage … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Ninjutsu Practitioner Jeffery Prather: From Special Forces to Everyday Life
Cyndy Hayashi began her training at Aikido of San Francisco in 1977. She trained there under Frank Doran, Robert Nadeau, and Bill Witt. She traveled to Iwama, Japan to train with Morihiro Saito where she received her shodan. After returning to the United States, she trained and taught at the Aikido Institute of Oakland and … Continue reading Interview with New Aikido West Chief Instructor Cyndy Hayashi: Leadership and the Future
Charley Cummings joined The Saber Legion’s founders Josh Linden and Terry Birnbaum in the first six months of the organization’s existence. From there, it was nowhere but up, becoming the owner and president in 2021. Today, Cummings talks about how The Saber Legion approaches it curriculum, scoring, martial ethos, and its community. Martial Arts of … Continue reading Interview with The Saber Legion President Charley Cummings: Playing Star Wars
After watching a demonstration in college, Jodi Hilton liked what he saw and sought out kendo. He joined the university’s club and indirectly helped create a more structured beginner’s class. From there, Hilton has yet to look back on anything he has done in both kendo and iaido. Today, Hilton joins us to speak on … Continue reading Interview with Memphis Kendo and Iaido Club Chief Instructor Jodi Hilton: Kendo and Iaido
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 