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
Just by way of introduction for those who do not know me and question my privilege to an opinion on this subject: after four years of judo, I started aikido in 1962, with Ueshiba Kisshomaru, Tohei Koichi, and Takahshi Isao Senseis. From early 1967, while O-Sensei was still alive, I trained at Hombu until his death. I … Continue reading Aikido Now by Walther von Krenner
The following are remembrance pieces from a handful of J. Donald Burrier's students. Some were there from the beginning; others were there near the end. The individual's starting time does not hinder the effect and influence Burrier had on them and how they moved forward in life and martial arts. Images provided by Irvin Gill. … Continue reading Martial Arts Making a Difference: Kenpo Karate’s J. Donald Burrier
The following editorial was submitted by George Kirby. It originally appeared in the August 2005 issue of his monthly newsletter, Kokoro. Finding and retaining uke can be a serious problem for everyone who really wants to learn a martial art. Regardless of art you ultimately need a workout partner. Getting an uke, especially on a … Continue reading Finding an Uke: It’s Not What You Do, But How You Do by It? by George Kirby
The Japanese have a special word to describe the bitter taste one experiences after biting into an unripe persimmon. This taste is called Shibui, and has a meaning, something far beyond taste. Shibui sometimes translated as rustic simplicity or austere elegance. Shibui has long been associated with an intimate understanding of the truth and beauty … Continue reading Shibui by Walther von Krenner
Cross training. A word that has become more and more popular since the 1990s, but something that has been happening for centuries. Sometimes, instructors are alright with their students doing so, others, not so much. If one goes to a martial arts’ social media enclave, they will find that many practitioners are training in multiple … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Cross Training
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
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 