Interview with Aikido of Ramapo Valley Founder Eran Vardi: Memories of Donovan Waite

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Eran Vardi first saw Donovan Waite at New York Aikikai, who was teaching both regular and ukemi classes. Intrigued by Waite’s style and approach, Vardi made it a point to visit Waite regularly when the latter opened his Philadelphia dojo, ultimately having a major influence on Vardi. Today, Vardi took some time to discuss the … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Ramapo Valley Founder Eran Vardi: Memories of Donovan Waite

Interview with Longtime Hawaiian Kenshi Braxton Fukutomi: Rebuilding Hawaiian Kendo After Covid

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Hailing from a multigenerational kendo family, Braxton Fukutomi began training in the art at the age of four. As he progressed through kendo, Fukutomi became the head instructor of the Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club, while his mother continues to run the Waipahu Seibukan Kendo Club. At the Aiea Taiheiji kendo Club, Fukutomi tries to develop … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Hawaiian Kenshi Braxton Fukutomi: Rebuilding Hawaiian Kendo After Covid

Interview with Boston Academie d’Armes Founder Justin Aucoin: For the Love of Fencing

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After seeing Disney’s The Three Musketeers, Justin Aucoin was hooked and wanted everything to do with swords. He found that outlet when he stumbled onto historical fencing after traying his hand in Olympic Fencing. From there, he explored the limited inventory of translated sources and manuals, blossoming when platforms like YouTube and Deullo.tv became available, … Continue reading Interview with Boston Academie d’Armes Founder Justin Aucoin: For the Love of Fencing

Interview with Goshu-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Founder Michiharu Mori: Aikido’s Future in Australia, Part II

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After reading a book on internationalization and Gozo Shioda’s biography, Michiharu Mori was convinced of spreading Japanese culture and aikido outside of Japan. Once graduating high school, Mori enrolled himself into the Honbu Dojo of Yoshinkan Aikido in Tokyo. After training for nine years – three years with Takafumi Takeno, three years with Chida, and … Continue reading Interview with Goshu-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Founder Michiharu Mori: Aikido’s Future in Australia, Part II

Interview with Goshu-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Founder Michiharu Mori: Aikido’s Future in Australia, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

After reading a book on internationalization and Gozo Shioda’s biography, Michiharu Mori was convinced of spreading Japanese culture and aikido outside of Japan. Once graduating high school, Mori enrolled himself into the Honbu Dojo of Yoshinkan Aikido in Tokyo. After training for nine years – three years with Takafumi Takeno, three years with Chida, and … Continue reading Interview with Goshu-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Founder Michiharu Mori: Aikido’s Future in Australia, Part I

Interview with Hawaiian Kenshi Jack Yamada: Rebuilding Kendo in Hawaii

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Jack Yamada began training kendo under his father, Katsumi Yamada, at a young age. His father headed the Kenshikan Dojo for two decades before passing the position to Garrett Matsumoto. Today, Jack Yamada returns today to talk about the reemergence of the kendo community on the Hawaiian. All images provided by Jack Yamada. Martial Arts … Continue reading Interview with Hawaiian Kenshi Jack Yamada: Rebuilding Kendo in Hawaii

Interview with Longtime Kokikai Aikidoka Matt Shomo: Kokikai and Shuji Maruyama’s Legacy

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With him and his brother being interested in Steven Seagal films, Matt Shomo joined the Penn State University Aikido Club shortly after his brother. There he practiced diligently until meeting Shuji Maruyama at a Winter Camp. After a surprising experience with Kokikai Aikido’s founder, Shomo had more zeal to train. Today, Shomo took some time … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Kokikai Aikidoka Matt Shomo: Kokikai and Shuji Maruyama’s Legacy

Koji Shimada: Culturally Connecting to Takahiko Ishikawa

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The following is an excerpt of an interview conducted for the newly released Takahiko Ishikawa: Judo’s Quiet Master, which recounts the life, times, and impact of Ishikawa on East Coast Judo in the United States. Koji Shimada retells some of Ishikawa's personality. MAYTT: How did Ishikawa’s family view his judo endeavors? Were they supportive or … Continue reading Koji Shimada: Culturally Connecting to Takahiko Ishikawa