I thought it proper, after finishing Man in the High Castle, to share some thoughts on how the series portrayed aikido and, to a lesser extent, jodo through two of its characters. All plot points and plot holes aside, it was interesting that the series’ producers chose those arts, as both of them do not … Continue reading Martial Arts in Man in the High Castle
The following editorial was submitted by George Kirby. It originally appeared in the January 2015 issue of his monthly newsletter, Kokoro. When a jujitsu student becomes a black belt, it means that they are a “sensei,” a teacher. That is one of the main reasons I will promote a student to shodan: because I feel … Continue reading The Sensei Conundrum: Shodan to Nidan by George Kirby
Every time I look at an Aikido dojo webpage or dojo advertising, I see O-Sensei’s sayings and ideas quoted, in most cases, out of context and without understanding of the real meaning. Since I was there and had sixty years to train and practice in this art, I feel entitled to an opinion and would … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Aikido and Budo by Walther von Krenner
In O-Sensei’s lectures, as many have seen in my previous writings, the circle is an important component. I remember the old Hombu Dojo in Shinjuku having a bronze mirror in the Tokonoma of the Kamiza. The round mirror represents the circle on the outside and the great void on its surface. It is present in … Continue reading The Traditional Dojo by Walther von Krenner
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
Time is a very valuable thing to most of us. One way that I use my time, when I am not working, training, researching, or writing, is to read. Recently, I grabbed one slim, white book that I know I read years prior: Joe Hyams’ Zen in the Martial Arts. I remember one of the … Continue reading Time and Training
I was recently left without the use of my eyes for a few days, and boy was it frustrating. I could not enjoy reading, watching television, or the multitude of activities that we use our eyes for. While I slowly moved around the home, trying to find the refrigerator for something to eat, or navigating … Continue reading Positioning: Between You and Your Partner
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
A short essay relating aikido's philosophy with the concept of a budo life. Over the years as the Art of Aikido has grown and reached new generations of practitioners and followers, many interpretations of its definition as well as its philosophy have been offered. Some maintain a vague reference, whereas others have delved into … Continue reading Aikido Philosophy: A Budo Life by Michael Aloia
On April 16th, Aiki Extensions hosted what would become the first of many conferences, bringing together aikido practitioners from all around the world. In an effort for solidarity, event organizers Robert Kent, Jamie Zimron, and Quentin Cooke invited speakers from Israel, Turkey, Greece, Poland, and other locations to convey the effects of the recent COVID-19 … Continue reading COVID-19 and the Aikido Community: The Aiki Extensions Initiative
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 