There isn’t much more that can be said about 2020 and the effects it had on the world that hasn’t already been thought of, spoken about, argued, or even presented. Everyone has had their own choice words to describe 2020. As equally relayed are the emotions attached to what we have been saying and thinking … Continue reading Reflection: A Road Less Traveled By, by Michael Aloia
To meld is to blend or combine two or more things. In martial arts, it is now referred to as Mixed Martial Arts. In days past, cross training was regarded as a way to train and gain knowledge from various styles at one time, though the idea of blending multiple styles together was often frowned … Continue reading Martial Melding: Finding the Similarities
Cary Mizobe began kendo training later than most, however, his love for the art has remained strong. Starting out at the Torrance Kendo Dojo, he later established his Westside Kendo Dojo in 1987. Today, Mizobe talks about his time training under Chris Mori, Torao Mori’s son, the philosophical side of kendo, and some personal experiences … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Kenshi Cary Mizobe: Kendo and Life, Part II
Cary Mizobe began kendo training later than most, however, his love for the art has remained strong. Starting out at the Torrance Kendo Dojo, he later established his Westside Kendo Dojo in 1987. Today, Mizobe talks about his time training under Chris Mori, Torao Mori’s son, the philosophical side of kendo, and some personal experiences … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Kenshi Cary Mizobe: Kendo and Life, Part I
The Viñas Arnis System followed the old tradition of hiding different aspects of the art from students. That all changed with Nonong Viñas and the current head of the System, Russell T. Mackler. Here, Mackler discusses how he is pushing the boundaries of the Viñas Arnis System and how the Historical European Martial Arts community … Continue reading Interview with Viñas Arnis System Inheritor Russell T. Mackler: Arnis and HEMA
The Japanese martial arts, for the most part, adhere and follow the overarching philosophy of budo. Budo, or Martial Way, strives to develop the practitioner into a polite, courteous, and productive member of society. Traditionally and within this budo philosophy, many instructors place their students through the rote practice of mental, physical, and spiritual techniques … Continue reading Budo and Experimentation
Bryan Imanishi of Cascade Kendo Kai feels like he was born into kendo, starting his training at the age of eight. With most of his family participating in the art, to him, it felt like the right thing to do. Today, Imanishi discusses his kendo journey, from childhood to adulthood, some history of the Cascade … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Kenshi Bryan Imanishi: Kendo Training and Cascade Kendo Kai
While attending the University of California Berkeley, author Diana Paxson and others helped organize a medieval tournament that laid the foundations for future tournaments and the establishment of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Paxson spent ten years serving on the SCA’s Board of Directors, furthering its growth. Today, Paxson talks about the formation of … Continue reading Interview with Author Diana Paxson: The Early Years of the Society of Creative Anachronism
It is not uncommon to hear the sentiment expressed, "training for the sake of tradition." Such a comment is often professed when there may not be a clear-cut answer or reason as to why things are as they are. More often, in response to a question from a student as to why we are doing … Continue reading Does Tradition Create An Obstacle and Prevent An Art From Growing? By Michael Aloia
Beginning his kendo journey at the age of fifty-seven, Steven Timbrook enrolled at Santa Barbara Kendo Dojo, studying under Mikio Hattanda. Today, Timbrook discusses his kendo journey. All images supplied by Steven Timbrook. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Welcome Timbrook Sensei! Thank you for joining us! Steven Timbrook: I look forward to your … Continue reading Interview with Kenshi Steven Timbrook: Starting a Bit Later
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 