Category: Editorials

Tactical Response: How it Pertains to the Individual by Michael Aloia

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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

Teachable Moment! Being Honest — And Positive With Students by George Kirby

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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

Budo and Experimentation

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

The Japanese martial arts, for the most part, adhere and follow the overarching philosophy of budo. Budo, or Martial Way, strives to develop the practitioner into a polite, courteous, and productive member of society. Traditionally and within this budo philosophy, many instructors place their students through the rote practice of mental, physical, and spiritual techniques … Continue reading Budo and Experimentation

Does Tradition Create An Obstacle and Prevent An Art From Growing? By Michael Aloia

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It is not uncommon to hear the sentiment expressed, "training for the sake of tradition." Such a comment is often professed when there may not be a clear-cut answer or reason as to why things are as they are. More often, in response to a question from a student as to why we are doing … Continue reading Does Tradition Create An Obstacle and Prevent An Art From Growing? By Michael Aloia

Ancient Martial Arts Wisdom? by George Kirby

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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

Can a Martial Art Evolve Past Its Origins? By Michael Aloia

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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