The reasons why we take a martial art (or many) varies from person to person. One person may want to learn the inner workings of themselves, another may want to find a decent form of exercise, and someone else may want to learn to fight and compete. Each person uses an art for their own … Continue reading The “Do” in the Martial Arts
As a regular reader here at Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, many are well aware that what inspires people to enter into their first martial arts class varies greatly, from movies to books and from political reasons to family tradition. What, perhaps, has been overlooked is the power of cartoons, more specifically anime. … Continue reading Inspirations: Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball Z
What is the point of doing weapons work, especially what some may perceive as outdated weapons work? Not many people carry swords, sticks, staves, clubs, shields, bucklers, polearms, or even daggers. Not in 2024. Not in the developed world. While the practical applications of such weapons are not the most socially acceptable (or the easiest … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Weapons, Distance, and Application
I recently completed the necessary education and received the proper certification for entering into a new career field. As I am applying for jobs, I have already received a handful of responses that contain the unfortunate words of, “We have decided to offer the position to another candidate,” that so many jobseekers’ dread. In this … Continue reading Ukemi: Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight; Life Begins Now
Trust is the glue that holds most things together. Trust is the distinction between what is perceived to be real and what's not. The idea of “being real” often invokes a mental and emotional picture or feeling that defines our state of belief; making things authentic and logical, and therefore trustworthy. In any relationship, trust … Continue reading Building Trust on the Mat by Michael Aloia
This is the fourth installment in an ongoing series of "A Layman's Observations" where I discuss my observations on martial arts and combat sports. Read the prior installment here. Recently, as I stepped onto the dojo’s mats, my mind began contemplating the overall role of uke in partner-based arts that I train. What is it … Continue reading A Layman’s Observations: The Role of Uke in Training
Over the years, I have heard many an instructor say to leave your worldly thoughts and concerns at the door of the dojo before entering. I even worked with a fellow instructor who placed a trashcan at the entrance of the training area to tangibly remind practitioners to dump their "baggage" or "personal trash" before … Continue reading Building On the Mat Spirituality by Michael Aloia
This is the third installment in an ongoing series of "A Layman's Observations" where I discuss my observations on martial arts and combat sports. Read the prior installment here. Since the early 2010s, there has been a movement that attempts to make aikido functional in a combat situation. The question of aikido’s effectiveness as a … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Aikido’s Aiki and Its Foundational Benefits
Perception is a unique, individual characteristic shared by each of us. How we perceive will often determine how we respond. Similar or even the exact situation shared or experienced by two or more individuals may have a completely different end result simply because interpretations are different. Many factors play a role as we discern circumstance: … Continue reading That Thing You Do by Michael Aloia
So many of us want to be where the action is, we want to be the one who saves the day. We want to be the hero. There is a certain rush in knowing who played a hand in something out of the ordinary and that who was me. It is commendable, it is admirable, … Continue reading When Does the Training End and The Reality Begin? By Michael Aloia
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 