Category: Interviews

Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Lou Moyerman first started judo after being jumped by some kids, enrolling in a program led by Helen Foos. Moyerman would come to view Foos as a second mother and would be introduced to Takahiko Ishikawa through her. When he enrolled in Temple University and began a judo club there. From there, Moyerman took to … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part II

Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Lou Moyerman first started judo after being jumped by some kids, enrolling in a program led by Helen Foos. Moyerman would come to view Foos as a second mother and would be introduced to Takahiko Ishikawa through her. When he enrolled in Temple University and began a judo club there. From there, Moyerman took to … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part I

Interview with Coalition Founder Lynne Morrison: Her Experience with the Independent Coalition of USAF Women

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With a background in dance and a love for movement, Lynne Morrison found herself drawn to Aikido when she saw it for the first time in 1972 with Yoshimitsu Yamada leading a class at the New York Aikikai. Immediately, she signed up and trained intensely when, in 1978, she began teaching classes at New York … Continue reading Interview with Coalition Founder Lynne Morrison: Her Experience with the Independent Coalition of USAF Women

Interview with Judo Referee Susan Oles: Getting Judo in Your Blood

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

On a whim, Susan Oles decided to try judo after trying to enroll in a jazz class at night school. She studied under Rudy Kizitaff, who would take her to see Takahiko Ishikawa. It was with Ishikawa that she would gain a better appreciation for the art and for his dedication to judo. Today, she … Continue reading Interview with Judo Referee Susan Oles: Getting Judo in Your Blood

John Eley: Aikido in Chicago, Through His Eyes, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

In 2023, I was in conversations with an intermediary to scheduling an interview with John Eley, one of the longest American students of Koichi Tohei and active member within the Ki Society. Unfortunately, the interview never materialized, however I was offered a previous interview Eley did in 2008. The quality is not the greatest, however, … Continue reading John Eley: Aikido in Chicago, Through His Eyes, Part II

Interview with Takahiko Ishikawa Student Koji Shimada: A Candid Look at the Judo Champion

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Arriving at Takahiko Ishikawa’s Philadelphia dojo in July of 1968, Koji Shimada encountered a man whose courtesy and humility stood in stark contrast to his legendary status in Japanese judo. What began as formal instruction soon unfolded into a deeper education. In this conversation, Shimada offers a rare and honest perspective on Ishikawa’s years in … Continue reading Interview with Takahiko Ishikawa Student Koji Shimada: A Candid Look at the Judo Champion

Interview with Longtime UK Kenshi and Historian Paul Budden: Kendo’s Varied History and its International Future, Part II

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Growing up close to Hadrian’s Wall – erected during Rome’s reign of the British Isles – Paul Budden found his interest in history. His interest of Japanese sword – born out of his love of history – led him into a kendo dojo and has not looked back since. Throughout his time in kendo, he … Continue reading Interview with Longtime UK Kenshi and Historian Paul Budden: Kendo’s Varied History and its International Future, Part II

Interview with Longtime UK Kenshi and Historian Paul Budden: Kendo’s Varied History and its International Future, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Growing up close to Hadrian’s Wall – erected during Rome’s reign of the British Isles – Paul Budden found his interest in history. His interest of Japanese sword – born out of his love of history – led him into a kendo dojo and has not looked back since. Throughout his time in kendo, he … Continue reading Interview with Longtime UK Kenshi and Historian Paul Budden: Kendo’s Varied History and its International Future, Part I

Interview with DoyleStick Instructor John Borter: An Insider’s Look at Irish Stick Fighting, Part II

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After training in many martial arts, John Borter stumbled onto Irish stick fighting by accident. Once he found out more, he was hooked and continues to teach and learn today. In this interview, Borter covers the world of Doyle Irish stick, sharing the techniques, traditions, and history that make it both a battle-tested martial art … Continue reading Interview with DoyleStick Instructor John Borter: An Insider’s Look at Irish Stick Fighting, Part II

Interview with DoyleStick Instructor John Borter: An Insider’s Look at Irish Stick Fighting, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

After training in many martial arts, John Borter stumbled onto Irish stick fighting by accident. Once he found out more, he was hooked and continues to teach and learn today. In this interview, Borter covers the world of Doyle Irish stick, sharing the techniques, traditions, and history that make it both a battle-tested martial art … Continue reading Interview with DoyleStick Instructor John Borter: An Insider’s Look at Irish Stick Fighting, Part I