Tag: Aikido

Interview with Akayama Ryu Jujutsu Headmaster Doug Bedsaul: History, Application, and Future

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Doug Bedsaul found Akayama-Ryu Jujutsu after training in Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Judo. In 2024, Bedsaul assumed the mantle of Headmaster with the passing of Mark Barlow. Today, Bedsaul took some time to discuss his vision for expanding the reach of Akayama-Ryu, the importance of quality instruction, and how the system continues to evolve through rigorous … Continue reading Interview with Akayama Ryu Jujutsu Headmaster Doug Bedsaul: History, Application, and Future

Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Kenneth Cadogan: The Impact of Donovan Waite

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Kenneth Cadogan met Donovan Waite during his second aikido class, not knowing fully the impact of the latter would have on his path. After earning his shodan, the lessons began to sink in. Today, Cadogan took some time to talk about the significance of Waite, not only to his understanding of aikido, but to many … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Kenneth Cadogan: The Impact of Donovan Waite

A Layman’s Observation: Who Really has Authority in the Martial Arts?

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Part of this editorial was inspired by a chapter from my 2020 book, Aikido Comes to America, and my 2024 book, Takahiko Ishikawa, bringing two related ideas together and pairing them with a third. Authority is something people look for, whether it is to wield it or to seek those who are in similar positions. … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Who Really has Authority in the Martial Arts?

Interview with Montgomery County Historical Fencing Founder Peter Concannon: The Historical Fencing Community

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Sword fighting was something Peter Concannon always wanted to do, ever since his youth. He gravitated towards Society for Creative Anachronism and stage combat, but they were not the stuff he was looking for. Later – two and a half decades later – Concannon received a Groupon for German longsword lessons and was hooked, training … Continue reading Interview with Montgomery County Historical Fencing Founder Peter Concannon: The Historical Fencing Community

Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Tony Fiore: Remembering a Friend, Donovan Waite

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Anthony Fiore first started aikido in 1982 with Yukio Utada in Philadelphia, then moved away from the city, continuing his training with Jim Walsh. Under Walsh, Fiore met and trained with Donovan Waite for the rest of his life. Fiore reflects on the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Waite, sharing his deep connection with … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Tony Fiore: Remembering a Friend, Donovan Waite

Interview with Bothell Aikido Founder Amanda Ambrosio: Jiyushinkai’s Uniqueness

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Amanda Ambrosio first studied Taekwondo. When she relocated for an internship in Oklahoma, she could not find any Taekwondo schools that she liked and found an aikido dojo that welcomed her. Over the years she learned from Jiyushinkai founder Chuck Clark and his son and current head, Aaron. Ambrosio has since moved to Washington State … Continue reading Interview with Bothell Aikido Founder Amanda Ambrosio: Jiyushinkai’s Uniqueness

Interview with Granite State Aikido Club Instructor Linda Hovan: Meeting Donovan Waite

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Linda Hovan found herself in aikido with her husband, Michel, as he took her to many a seminar, both in New York and Pennsylvania. It was during one of these seminars that she met Donovan Waite and his teaching intrigued her and Michel, so much so that the couple traveled to Philadelphia regularly to train … Continue reading Interview with Granite State Aikido Club Instructor Linda Hovan: Meeting Donovan Waite

Interview with Aikido of Ramapo Valley Founder Eran Vardi: Memories of Donovan Waite

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Eran Vardi first saw Donovan Waite at New York Aikikai, who was teaching both regular and ukemi classes. Intrigued by Waite’s style and approach, Vardi made it a point to visit Waite regularly when the latter opened his Philadelphia dojo, ultimately having a major influence on Vardi. Today, Vardi took some time to discuss the … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Ramapo Valley Founder Eran Vardi: Memories of Donovan Waite