Interview with West Chester University Judo Club President Matt Toole: It’s Good to be President

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Matt Toole is the president of the West Chester Judo Club, where the interviewee first started judo. Today, Toole took some time to talk about the club and his ascension to club president. All images courtesy of the West Chester Judo Club. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Hello and welcome! It’s great to … Continue reading Interview with West Chester University Judo Club President Matt Toole: It’s Good to be President

Interview with Berk Fencing Club Member Zachary Sturgis: The Excitement of the Sport

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Beginning to fence was like a dream come true for Zachary Sturgis. Starting at the young age of twelve, Sturgis has taken to the sport and its history, constantly honing his craft. At the time of the interview, he lives in Italy, training under Marco Vannini and Dario Finetti. Today, Sturgis took some time to … Continue reading Interview with Berk Fencing Club Member Zachary Sturgis: The Excitement of the Sport

Interview with North Florida School of Aikido Chief Instructor Mike Page: Florida Aikido and Individualized Training

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Mike Page wanted to start aikido sooner, but the stars did not align until his graduate career at Florida State University, where he quickly joined the college’s club. From there, he trained under Yoshimitsu Yamada and Thomas “Doc” Walker, soon learning from Mitsugi Saotome, Dennis Hooker, and John Messores. Today, Page took some time to … Continue reading Interview with North Florida School of Aikido Chief Instructor Mike Page: Florida Aikido and Individualized Training

Interview with Berks Fencing Club Founder Jon Weaver: The Beginning

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Jon Weaver first began fencing in 2000 but had a spark to join back in 1964. After publishing an article in his local newspaper and recruiting Adam Feldman, they established the Berks Fencing Club in 2001. Since then, Weaver has consistently taught beginners at the club, giving them a firm foundation to grow from. Today, … Continue reading Interview with Berks Fencing Club Founder Jon Weaver: The Beginning

Interview with Progressive Era Historian Wendy Rouse: The Beginnings of the Women’s Self-Defense and Empowerment Movements

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Dr. Wendy Rouse took her first step into the world of martial arts at the age of ten after watching The Karate Kid. She took to history when in college, focusing on the Progressive Era of the United States, eventually earning her doctorate. During her research for her dissertation, she found something that later inspired … Continue reading Interview with Progressive Era Historian Wendy Rouse: The Beginnings of the Women’s Self-Defense and Empowerment Movements

Interview with San Diego Kendo Bu Head Instructor Henry Kikunaga: Kendo in Universities – UCSD Recreational Class for Kendo

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Henry Kikunaga began his kendo training as a boy, starting with his father and older brother. Once in college, he enrolled in San Diego Kendo Bu under the joint tutelage of John Yamamoto and Kikuo Uyeji. In 2014, Kikunaga assumed the role of Head Instructor. Today, Kikunaga took some time to talk about his kendo … Continue reading Interview with San Diego Kendo Bu Head Instructor Henry Kikunaga: Kendo in Universities – UCSD Recreational Class for Kendo

Interview with Berks Fencing Club President Dan Bonfitto: Fencing in Berks County

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Dan Bonfitto began French foil fencing while in college, then turned to stage fighting. He soon found Berks Fencing Club and was hooked after the first practice. By 2019, the club elected him as president. Today, Bonfitto took some time to talk with us about Olympic Fencing in Pennsylvania. All images provided by Dan Bonfitto. … Continue reading Interview with Berks Fencing Club President Dan Bonfitto: Fencing in Berks County

Interview with Kokikai Regional Coordinator Cecelia Ricciotti: Aikido and Philadelphia Pioneer Shuji Maruyama

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Cecelia Rocciotti began training under Shuji Maruyama in 1974 in Philadelphia, following him in that year’s Koichi Tohei split from the Aikikai and Maruyama’s exit from the Ki Society in 1986. She currently teaches at Philadelphia Aikido. Today, Rocciotti took some time to talk about her time and experience with Maruyama while he was in … Continue reading Interview with Kokikai Regional Coordinator Cecelia Ricciotti: Aikido and Philadelphia Pioneer Shuji Maruyama