Tag: Donovan Waite

Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Siblings Anne and Edo Slui trained in aikido since they were children, having their parents unwavering support. They trained under many of the European greats, but found a special connection with Donovan Waite, making their way to many of his seminars throughout the years. Today, the two siblings sat down to talk about their experiences … Continue reading Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part II

Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Siblings Anne and Edo Slui trained in aikido since they were children, having their parents unwavering support. They trained under many of the European greats, but found a special connection with Donovan Waite, making their way to many of his seminars throughout the years. Today, the two siblings sat down to talk about their experiences … Continue reading Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part I

A Layman’s Observation: Martial Arts History Does Matter

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

I recently watched a video where two martial artists discussed the topic of martial arts history. One of the hosts outright states that such a topic is “bullshit,” simply because it does not help one fight better, or apply a joint lock better, kick better, instill a certain frame of mind, or anything else for … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Martial Arts History Does Matter

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka John Lepore: The Impact of Donovan Waite

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John Lepore first entered aikido in Pittsburgh for graduate school. When he returned to Philadelphia, he found Donovan Waite. From the first moment learning from him, Lepore had found his teacher. Today, Lepore took some time to talk about what made Waite stand out from other instructors, what impacted him the most from Waite, and … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka John Lepore: The Impact of Donovan Waite

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

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

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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 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

Interview with Boston Aikikai Founder Vu Ha: Remembering Akira Tohei and Mitsunari Kanai

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

Vu Ha first started aikido seriously while at the Texas Tech Aikido Club by invitation from a friend. Ha moved to Chicago after completing his studies to further train under Akira Tohei, who regularly came to the Texan aikido club. He stayed with Tohei until the latter’s passing and after much deliberation, moved to Massachusetts … Continue reading Interview with Boston Aikikai Founder Vu Ha: Remembering Akira Tohei and Mitsunari Kanai