Hauteville, Cédric. Back to the Source - Historical European Martial Arts Documentary, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DBmNVHTmNs. In beginning my research into Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), I scoured different resources that would give me a general overview of what HEMA is, how it started, and what is its purpose. When discussing my research with another colleague, they … Continue reading Reflecting on Back to the Source
Just by way of introduction for those who do not know me and question my privilege to an opinion on this subject: after four years of judo, I started aikido in 1962, with Ueshiba Kisshomaru, Tohei Koichi, and Takahshi Isao Senseis. From early 1967, while O-Sensei was still alive, I trained at Hombu until his death. I … Continue reading Aikido Now by Walther von Krenner
One of the original HEMA practitioners in Arizona, Richard Marsden began studying under Greg Hinchcliff, and later Jim Barrows. In 2011, Marsden and John Patterson established the Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship. More recently, Marsden has authored two HEMA: one on Polish sabers and European martial arts in their contexts. All images provided by Richard … Continue reading Longtime HEMA Practitioner Richard Marsden: HEMA in Arizona and the Modern Revival Movement
Jane Ozeki began her aikido journey in 1971, becoming a student under Yoshimitsu Yamada at his New York Aikikai. Today, we had the chance to talk with Ozeki, discussing what the training was like at the New York Aikikai, along with her family. All images provided by Jane Ozeki. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Jane Ozeki: New York Aikikai and Family
Richard Kang of Mountain View Kendo Dojo took some time to talk with us about his kendo journey and remembering Masami Yamaguchi, who passed away earlier this year, and everything he has done for kendo and the Northern California Kendo Federation. All images provided by Richard Kang. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Thank … Continue reading Interview with Mountain View Kendo Dojo Student Richard Kang: In Memoriam of Masami Yamaguchi
Kathleen Nekomoto began training kendo in 1990, under the guidance of Dick Okaji. She became a secretary for the Hawaii Kendo Federation, later serving as the organization’s president between 2008 to 2019. Teaching out of her Kenyukai Dojo, Nekomoto took some time to talk about her time as president of the Hawaii Kendo Federation. All … Continue reading Interview with Former Hawaii Kendo Federation President Kathleen Nekomoto: Her Time as President
In some ways, she was learning judo while her mother was pregnant with her while on the mat. Jean Kanokogi, a Senior Special Agent for the United States, began training under her parents, Rena “Rusty” and Ryohei Kanokogi. A prolific author herself, Jean began helping her mother write her memoir, Get Up and Fight! in … Continue reading Interview with Judoka and Author Jean Kanokogi: Get Up & Fight and Rena “Rusty” Kanokogi
The following are remembrance pieces from a handful of J. Donald Burrier's students. Some were there from the beginning; others were there near the end. The individual's starting time does not hinder the effect and influence Burrier had on them and how they moved forward in life and martial arts. Images provided by Irvin Gill. … Continue reading Martial Arts Making a Difference: Kenpo Karate’s J. Donald Burrier
April marks a special month in Philadelphian martial arts history, especially for the American Kenpo Karate practitioners in the area. This month would be the ninetieth birthday of the late Sifu J. Donald Burrier. Many of the older, more seasoned Kenpo practitioners would remember a Navy man who knew his art through and through, who … Continue reading Unveiling: Martial Arts Making a Difference
Aikido Sangenkai chief instructor Christopher Li began training aikido in the early 1980s under Mitsugi Saotome and Yoshimitsu Yamada, later traveling with the latter to Japan to train at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. By the 1990s, Li began to explore the internal power side of both aikido and the martial arts, ultimately affiliating with Dan Harden. … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Sangenkai Chief Instructor Christopher Li: Internal Martial Arts in Hawaii
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 