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

Interview with Studio City Kendo Dojo Cofounder Shigeshi Takei: His Journey in Kendo

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Shigeshi Takei began training kendo while in middle school, later meeting Michihiro Nakashima through the late Atsushi Hori, and the two founded Studio City Kendo Dojo. Today, Takei spent some time today discussing his kendo journey. Special thanks to Carolyn Yatomi for proctoring this interview. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Hello and welcome … Continue reading Interview with Studio City Kendo Dojo Cofounder Shigeshi Takei: His Journey in Kendo

Tactical Response: How it Pertains to the Individual by Michael Aloia

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Your definition or personal interpretation of tactical response, of course, would have a great bearing on many levels and weigh on one's own history, experience and exposure, association, and level of understanding and ability to apply concepts and procedures related to such endeavors. Experience ranging from military duty, law enforcement service, and/or medical field involvement … Continue reading Tactical Response: How it Pertains to the Individual by Michael Aloia

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Kiyoshi Yasutake: His Time With Midwest Pioneer Akira Tohei

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Kiyoshi Yasutake was Akira Tohei’s first student to go from white belt to black belt under him. Beginning in 1973, Yasutake took to aikido with much vigor, learning from and supporting Tohei in his many endeavors through the Midwest Aikido Center and the Midwest Aikido Federation. Today, Yasutake took some time to discuss his time … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Kiyoshi Yasutake: His Time With Midwest Pioneer Akira Tohei

Interview with West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo President Koichi Suyama: Torataro Nakabara

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Koichi Suyama enrolled himself into West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo in 1983 at the invitation of the late Torataro Nakabara. Under Atsushi Hori, Suyama helped establish the bylaws of the Southern California Kendo Organization (SCKO). Today, Suyama, the current president of West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo, took some time to discuss the impact of Torataro … Continue reading Interview with West Los Angeles Kendo Dojo President Koichi Suyama: Torataro Nakabara