I recently watched a video where two martial artists discussed the topic of martial arts history. One of the hosts outright states that such a topic is “bullshit,” simply because it does not help one fight better, or apply a joint lock better, kick better, instill a certain frame of mind, or anything else for … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Martial Arts History Does Matter
The inception of modern Mixed Martial Arts in the early 90s threw a massive curveball at the fighting world. Not only did the beginnings of the UFC and Pride Fighting Championship introduce Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the larger combat sports community, but it was also the first time that different martial arts were pitted against … Continue reading What MMA Can Learn from Traditional Martial Arts by Andy Salazar
In a recent editorial, we discussed some of the possibilities that can develop after rote kata and renshu training – more specifically, scenario training. Scenario training, in short, is an expanded approach that works to help aikidoka apply what they have learned in kata and renshu training: the basic movements, techniques, and principles of aikido. … Continue reading Implementing Competition-Like Exercises in Aikido Training
As we train for longer periods of time in Aikido, different questions begin to arise through the rigor of regular and consistent practice. While we train at the dojo in a controlled environment by martial arts standards, a question may arise in those hours of perfecting the techniques: how would we, as nage, find ourselves … Continue reading Scenario Training: The Hidden Secret Weapon by Antonio and Michael Aloia
Part of this editorial was inspired by a chapter from my 2020 book, Aikido Comes to America, and my 2024 book, Takahiko Ishikawa, bringing two related ideas together and pairing them with a third. Authority is something people look for, whether it is to wield it or to seek those who are in similar positions. … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Who Really has Authority in the Martial Arts?
I recently finished a biography of an instructor who may have created a training atmosphere that may have bordered on the side of toxic and abusive. Such actions were under the guise of hard training and/or attempting to push students to their limit and achieve something greater. In finishing that biography, I realized that I … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Blind Loyalty Within the Martial Arts
Another year has arrived, perhaps too quickly from the previous year, but it is another year to take a few more steps closer to achieving our goals, milestones, and ambitions. Training, preserving the past, and analyzing it for the future consumption takes time, effort, discipline, and dedication – no matter how big or small. I … Continue reading Goals and Plans for 2025
Reflecting the past and pondering the future is a common practice and tradition around the end of a current year and the start of a new one. Such reflection seems to affect me more so this season than any other time of year. It is one more year finished; one more year older; and one … Continue reading Reflecting and Pondering the Past and Future: Taking Inspiration
I initially wrote this short article in preparation for my shodan exam, answering the question: "What is aikido?" Below are some of my thoughts around shodan. What is aikido? You could say aikido is an art that was created by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 1900s and was later used by actor Steven Seagal in … Continue reading What is Aikido?
In preparation of a test, I was tasked to write my thoughts on one of the types of training found in aikido. Below are some of my thoughts on the concept of shugyo. Shugyo, by rough translation, means “determined training that fosters enlightenment.” To me, shugyo is in other words, a very intense and rigorous … Continue reading What is Shugyo?
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 