The jo; the short staff; a long stick. Not sharp but blunt. It can’t cut a limb off, but it can bludgeon and injure one, rendering the limb useless. However, several direct blows to the head could have a grave outcome as well. The jo is a weapon wielded in aikido training. But what do … Continue reading The Jo and Aikido by Antonio Aloia and Michael Aloia
Traditionally, within the context of modern times, martial arts have served as a way for the everyday person to participate in what's considered an ethnically and culture-based – even stylized – form or system of self-empowerment. The benefits have always included a level of better fitness, health, and well-being to physically and mentally live fuller … Continue reading The Misrepresentation of Martial Arts by Michael Aloia
Skill is a combination of time, technique, and training of the basics. Most things we do in life are a series of procedures or methods. Even the simplest of tasks involves a procedure to activate an additional series of actions and achieve an end result. Those tasks that are involuntary or natural and those that … Continue reading Essentially the Basics by Michael Aloia
Your definition or personal interpretation of tactical response, of course, would have a great bearing on many levels and weigh on one's own history, experience and exposure, association, and level of understanding and ability to apply concepts and procedures related to such endeavors. Experience ranging from military duty, law enforcement service, and/or medical field involvement … Continue reading Tactical Response: How it Pertains to the Individual by Michael Aloia
This editorial first appeared in George Kirby's Kokoro in December 2010. Although I have many positive memories of Sensei Seki, there is one negative memory that does not sit well with me. I tell it here only because I feel it is appropriate. There was a middle-aged lady who joined Seki’s jujitsu class at Valley … Continue reading Teachable Moment! Being Honest — And Positive With Students by George Kirby
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Until they run out of gas. The old adage of perseverance, determination, and fortitude in the eye of overwhelming odds may have its place on the field of play, but when running the risk of burnout from overexposure and improper attention to personal wellness, it can … Continue reading The Critical Zone by Michael Aloia
There isn’t much more that can be said about 2020 and the effects it had on the world that hasn’t already been thought of, spoken about, argued, or even presented. Everyone has had their own choice words to describe 2020. As equally relayed are the emotions attached to what we have been saying and thinking … Continue reading Reflection: A Road Less Traveled By, by Michael Aloia
To meld is to blend or combine two or more things. In martial arts, it is now referred to as Mixed Martial Arts. In days past, cross training was regarded as a way to train and gain knowledge from various styles at one time, though the idea of blending multiple styles together was often frowned … Continue reading Martial Melding: Finding the Similarities
The following editorial was submitted by George Kibry. It was originally appeared in the August 2008 issue of his monthly newsletter, Kokoro. I frequently get questions from students about their jujitsu uniforms. Sometimes I can give them accurate factual answers. However, sometimes answers are based upon historical lore rather than facts. Sometimes the answers are … Continue reading Ancient Martial Arts Wisdom? by George Kirby
The short answer would seem to be a simple yes. And on many levels, this is entirely true. Once an art form passes from teacher to student, in its most basic application, it has evolved past its origins. Additionally, once that art form begins to move around and relocate, it has evolved past its origins. Obviously … Continue reading Can a Martial Art Evolve Past Its Origins? By Michael Aloia
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 