In researching American Aikido, I came across a teacher so silent that not many within the art knew his name - nor of his existence. But hidden away in the far corners of Manhattan resided a gem of an instructor that few learned from and even less would propagate his knowledge beyond. I was intrigued. … Continue reading Crowdfunding Campaign Announcement
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 III
Some time ago, there was an interaction on social media that revolved around a video about aikido history. After reading the comments, I was left feeling unsettled; I was disappointed and frustrated by how the online exchange unfolded. However, before explaining what happened, it may be best to come to terms with the idea, definition … Continue reading Martial Arts Historian: The Wider Implications
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
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
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
This year began with wide horizons: a plan to expand our jujutsu coverage, deepen our editorial and historical writing, and finish a new book. While not every target was fully met, the year proved foundational. The work we completed, and the work we set in motion, positions the chronicle for an even stronger year ahead. … Continue reading A Year in Review: 2025
Note: This work of Useful Fiction offers an alternative narration of a spiritual martial art created from Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu to physically express the spiritual concepts of Omoto-kyo through a fictional collaboration between Onisaburo Deguchi, Morihei Ueshiba, and Omoto-kyo students. In the early 20th century, martial arts were viewed primarily as practical tools for self-defense or … Continue reading Omoto-Ryu Kami-Jutsu: Spirit/Divine Art by Michael Martin
When a dancer discovers aikido, the meeting point of art and budo can lead to something profound. For Natanja den Boeft, that encounter began in a Freiburg, Germany dance studio in 1986, where ki training was introduced as part of her dance education. Completely intrigued, Boeft found herself training aikido and later learning from Shizuo … Continue reading Interview with Dutch Aikidoka Natanja den Boeft: International Student of Shizuo Imaizumi
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 I
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 