The following is an excerpt from my recent book, Aikido Comes to America. This originally appeared on Tambuli Media here. Rodney Grantham (~1928-2008) played a pivotal role in the push of aikido in the American Southeast. Grantham began judo in 1950 while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan as a surgical scrub nurse during the Korean War. … Continue reading Rodney Grantham and Aikido in America’s Southeast
The history of the Obukan Kendo Dojo is an interesting one. After interviewing a few members of the dojo, it seemed appropriate to pen a brief history of the dojo from its first establishment in 1926 to the present day. Officially, the Obukan began teaching kendo in 1926, however, the school has its roots even … Continue reading History of the Obukan Kendo Dojo
Below is a short biography on Takahiko Ishikawa and his time in Philadelphia, based on a few interviews on MAYTT and some outside sources. This is by no means an extensive biography of the judo champion from Japan. This is, however, an overview of his actions and influences during his time in the city. Being … Continue reading Takahiko Ishikawa and the Philadelphia Judo Club
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 