What is the point of doing weapons work, especially what some may perceive as outdated weapons work?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
Alan Tamayo began training in aikido in 2005 after purchasing a martial arts supply company. He walked into the Aikido Kokikai of Rochester and immediately felt the camaraderie and have yet to stop training. In 2016, Tamayo established his Aikido Kokikai of Queens where he continues to teach and learn from Shuji Maruyama. Today, Tamayo … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Kokikai of Queens Founder Alan Tamayo: Lessons from Shuji Maruyama
Eric Pearson first stared into the window at the practicing aikidoka during his smoke break at a local pizza shop, convincing himself that his kung fu skills would take out all of them. Then something inspired him to walk in for practice, and he never looked back. He began training under Russell Waddell and Chuck … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Daito-ryu Practitioner Eric Pearson: Finding the Aiki in Everything, Part II
Eric Pearson first stared into the window at the practicing aikidoka during his smoke break at a local pizza shop, convincing himself that his kung fu skills would take out all of them. Then something inspired him to walk in for practice, and he never looked back. He began training under Russell Waddell and Chuck … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Daito-ryu Practitioner Eric Pearson: Finding the Aiki in Everything, Part I
Jack Bieler has a seventh dan in aikido and a sixth dan in jodo from the Fugakukai and Kaze Uta Budo Kai. He received Gomokuroku in Shindo Muso-ryu Jodo from Osato Kohei, Menkyo Kaiden of the Nihon Jodokai. He is eighth dan Kyoshi in the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaido Seitokai under Fukui Masato Soke. In … Continue reading Interview with Multi-Martial Artist Jack Bieler: Daito-ryu, Aikido, and Weapons
Larry Feldman first started with Hakko-ryu Jujutsu by the end of his high school career. He later moved to Texas and looked for aikido at the suggestion of his former high school gym teacher. Feldman began training with Greg Swarens and later learned from Mark Leidig. Under Leidig, Feldman experienced Shizuo Imaizumi’s approach to aikido. … Continue reading Interview with Atlanta School of Aikido Founder Larry Feldman: Mark Leidig, Shizuo Imaizumi, and Internal Power
1986 started Patrick Parker into the martial arts world with taekwondo, switching to karate while in college. At that time, he came across some people “holding hands and dancing around,” training aikido. After investigating and experiencing one class, Parker was hooked, beginning his journey in aikido, judo, and jodo. Following the Karl Geis lineage of … Continue reading Interview with Mokuren Dojo Founder Patrick Parker: Judo, Aikido, and Everything Else
Marsha Turner began aikido in 1986 under Kevin Choate after experiencing ballet, gymnastics, and foil fencing. Her reasons for trying and for her continued stay changed and evolved over the course of her tenure in aikido. She currently heads Chicago Aikikai and took some time today to discuss her early years of training, the late … Continue reading Interview with Chicago Aikikai Chief Instructor Marsha Turner: Reminiscing About Aikido
Though starting Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu in 1994 under Roy Goldberg, Manny Jimenez has experienced martial arts since 1973. But Daito-ryu was different to where his previous training did not overly prepare him for what was Daito-ryu. Currently, Jimenez heads his Daito-ryu NJ school, teaching to all who enter. Today, Jimenez took some time to talk about … Continue reading Interview with Daito-ryu NJ Founder Manny Jimenez: The Essence of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu
Tiffany Doan first started in the striking arts and never thought about aikido until a colleague introduced her to the art. After taking a few classes, she was hooked, showing up three times a week for three hours a day. From there, she competed in many events and headed three different schools in three different … Continue reading Interview with Tomiki Aikido of the Americas’ Tournament Director Tiffany Doan: Teaching and Competing in Tomiki Aikido
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 