Michael Aloia began training aikido in the 1990s, after practicing judo. In 2000, he established his Asahi Dojo, outside of Philadelphia. During his time in aikido, he traveled to see and learn from various teachers throughout the region, one of them being Donovan Waite. Today, Aloia takes some time to discuss his experiences with the … Continue reading Remembering Donovan Waite: Michael Aloia
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?
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
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
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
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
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
Another year has arrived, perhaps too quickly from the previous year, but it is another year to take a few more steps closer to achieving our goals, milestones, and ambitions. Training, preserving the past, and analyzing it for the future consumption takes time, effort, discipline, and dedication – no matter how big or small. I … Continue reading Goals and Plans for 2025
After reading a book on internationalization and Gozo Shioda’s biography, Michiharu Mori was convinced of spreading Japanese culture and aikido outside of Japan. Once graduating high school, Mori enrolled himself into the Honbu Dojo of Yoshinkan Aikido in Tokyo. After training for nine years – three years with Takafumi Takeno, three years with Chida, and … Continue reading Interview with Goshu-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Founder Michiharu Mori: Aikido’s Future in Australia, Part II
After reading a book on internationalization and Gozo Shioda’s biography, Michiharu Mori was convinced of spreading Japanese culture and aikido outside of Japan. Once graduating high school, Mori enrolled himself into the Honbu Dojo of Yoshinkan Aikido in Tokyo. After training for nine years – three years with Takafumi Takeno, three years with Chida, and … Continue reading Interview with Goshu-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Founder Michiharu Mori: Aikido’s Future in Australia, Part I
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 