Finding an Uke: It’s Not What You Do, But How You Do by It? by George Kirby

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The following editorial was submitted by George Kirby. It originally appeared in the August 2005 issue of his monthly newsletter, Kokoro. Finding and retaining uke can be a serious problem for everyone who really wants to learn a martial art. Regardless of art you ultimately need a workout partner. Getting an uke, especially on a … Continue reading Finding an Uke: It’s Not What You Do, But How You Do by It? by George Kirby

Shibui by Walther von Krenner

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The Japanese have a special word to describe the bitter taste one experiences after biting into an unripe persimmon. This taste is called Shibui, and has a meaning, something far beyond taste. Shibui sometimes translated as rustic simplicity or austere elegance. Shibui has long been associated with an intimate understanding of the truth and beauty … Continue reading Shibui by Walther von Krenner

Interview with Wiktenauer Editor-in-Chief Michael Chidester: HEMA in the United States

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Michael Chidester is the Editor-in-Chief of Wiktenauer and, as Director of the Wiktenauer, an officer of the non-profit HEMA Alliance. Michael is a Research Scholar of the Meyer Freifechter Guild, a founding member of the Society for Historical European Martial Arts Studies (SHEMAS), a member of the Western Martial Arts Coalition (WMAC), and a Lifetime … Continue reading Interview with Wiktenauer Editor-in-Chief Michael Chidester: HEMA in the United States

Interview with Californian Aikidoka Robert Noha: Aikido’s Spiritual Aspect

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Robert Noha began his aikido journey in 1966 and never looked back after finding a lifelong teacher and friend in Robert Nadeau. Under Nadeau’s guidance, Noha began to experience something more than the technical aspects of aikido – he began to see that the spiritual message left by O-Sensei would influence him for the rest … Continue reading Interview with Californian Aikidoka Robert Noha: Aikido’s Spiritual Aspect

The Sensei Conundrum: Shodan to Nidan by George Kirby

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The following editorial was submitted by George Kirby. It originally appeared in the January 2015 issue of his monthly newsletter, Kokoro. When a jujitsu student becomes a black belt, it means that they are a “sensei,” a teacher. That is one of the main reasons I will promote a student to shodan: because I feel … Continue reading The Sensei Conundrum: Shodan to Nidan by George Kirby