Interview with Boulder Shotokan Karate Chief Instructor Bruce Green: The Current State of Karate in America

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Beginning his karate training in 1970, Bruce Green placed as a finalist in the Japanese Karate Association National Collegiate Karate Championships consecutively from 1973 to 1975. He became the chief instructor of Boulder Shotokan Karate in 1980. The following is a transcript from Spring 2019 discussing the current state of karate in America. All images … Continue reading Interview with Boulder Shotokan Karate Chief Instructor Bruce Green: The Current State of Karate in America

Reflecting on Aikido Extensions with Bruce Bookman

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

The following is a reflection of Aikido Journal’s Aikido Extension course, available through their Aikido Journal Academy. Bruce Bookman’s and Aikido Journal’s Aikido Extensions demonstrates what an aikidoka looks like with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training – a martially rounded aikido practitioner. Demonstrating a myriad of aikido and BJJ techniques using refined aiki concepts and principles, … Continue reading Reflecting on Aikido Extensions with Bruce Bookman

Interview with Arielle Herman, Part II: The Independent Coalition of USAF Women and the Future of Aikido in America

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 2 Comments

Arielle Herman of Rivertide Martial Arts and Yoga became a part of the Independent Coalition of USAF Women in late 2019, and soon became a representative of the Coalition in meetings with the USAF. Today, Arielle talks about her experiences with the Coalition and the future of aikido in America in relation to the event. … Continue reading Interview with Arielle Herman, Part II: The Independent Coalition of USAF Women and the Future of Aikido in America

Interview with Arielle Herman, Part I: The Independent Coalition of USAF Women and the Future of Aikido in America

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

Arielle Herman of Rivertide Martial Arts and Yoga became a part of the Independent Coalition of USAF Women in late 2019, and soon became a representative of the Coalition in meetings with the USAF. Today, Arielle talks about her experiences with the Coalition and the future of aikido in America in relation to the event. … Continue reading Interview with Arielle Herman, Part I: The Independent Coalition of USAF Women and the Future of Aikido in America

Aikido Philosophy: A Budo Life by Michael Aloia

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

A short essay relating aikido's philosophy with the concept of a budo life. Over the years as the Art of Aikido has grown and reached new generations of practitioners and followers, many interpretations of its definition as well as its philosophy have been offered.  Some maintain a vague reference, whereas others have delved into the … Continue reading Aikido Philosophy: A Budo Life by Michael Aloia

The Indirect Effects of Martial Arts on Community Development and Urbanization: A Look at West Coast Communities of the United States, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Originally written for an Urban History course during my graduate career, the following is the second part of a study that explores the connection between martial arts and community development/urbanization. This is the second part of a two-part article. Read the first part here. Martial Arts in Different Communities Judo to the Japanese immigrant communities, … Continue reading The Indirect Effects of Martial Arts on Community Development and Urbanization: A Look at West Coast Communities of the United States, Part II

Aikido Solstice Seminar Meeting: Aikido and COVID – What Now?

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Over sixty participants gathered on a Saturday afternoon to discuss the future of aikido amidst the COVID pandemic. A panel of six aikidoka with which included medical and business backgrounds, facilitated the discussion on how the aikido community should move forward, looking at both the scientific and the business aspects of this global crisis. On … Continue reading Aikido Solstice Seminar Meeting: Aikido and COVID – What Now?

The Indirect Effects of Martial Arts on Community Development and Urbanization: A Look at West Coast Communities of the United States, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Originally written for an Urban History course during my graduate career, the following is the first part of study that explores the connection between martial arts and community development/urbanization. This is the first part of a two-part article. Read the second part here. Introduction Martial arts and its effects on urbanization in the United States … Continue reading The Indirect Effects of Martial Arts on Community Development and Urbanization: A Look at West Coast Communities of the United States, Part I

Interview with Aikido Shihan Bill Witt: The Early Days of Aikido in Northern California

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Bill Witt Sensei began training in aikido in 1967, under Ueshiba Morihei – O-Sensei – at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. After O-Sensei passed away in 1969, Witt Sensei began training under Saito Morihiro Sensei in Iwama, Japan. He cofounded the Takemusu Aikido Association in 2002, based in California, and currently has been teaching at Aikido … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Shihan Bill Witt: The Early Days of Aikido in Northern California

Interview with Art Bourgeau, Part II: History of the Philadelphia Judo Club and J.B. Gross

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Beginning his judo training under the famed Takahiko Ishikawa at the Ishikawa Judo Club in 1968, Art Bourgeau soon inherited the club in 1983, being the head instructor for twenty-five years, under the Philadelphia Judo Club namesake. Today, Art discusses the history of one of the longest judo clubs in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Judo Club, … Continue reading Interview with Art Bourgeau, Part II: History of the Philadelphia Judo Club and J.B. Gross