After spending some time within the martial arts, multiple terms start to appear more often during one's research and conversations. Such terms begin to define what certain concepts mean or where techniques originated, or even how one should approach newer students. One such term, spoken by many high-ranking practitioners, is shuhari, or stylized as shu-ha-ri, … Continue reading Shuhari: When Do We Know We Are Progressing?
Before there were spears, clubs, or even sharpened stones, there was the body. The earliest martial art wasn’t passed down through scrolls or techniques — it was born in blood, instinct, and survival. Long before structured combat systems, early humans defended themselves with what nature gave them: teeth to bite, nails to claw, and a … Continue reading Animal Mode: Primal Self-Defense with Teeth, Nails, and Head by Michael Martin
The law enforcement profession has always been a tough field to work in. Police officers respond to unfolding situations where the opportunity for injury or even worse is real. The initial academy training and the number of iterations needed to correctly handle the myriad of situations an officer will encounter while maintaining the fitness standard … Continue reading Partnering Up Law Enforcement With Taekwondo by Brad Yakots
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
The inception of modern Mixed Martial Arts in the early 90s threw a massive curveball at the fighting world. Not only did the beginnings of the UFC and Pride Fighting Championship introduce Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the larger combat sports community, but it was also the first time that different martial arts were pitted against … Continue reading What MMA Can Learn from Traditional Martial Arts by Andy Salazar
As we train for longer periods of time in Aikido, different questions begin to arise through the rigor of regular and consistent practice. While we train at the dojo in a controlled environment by martial arts standards, a question may arise in those hours of perfecting the techniques: how would we, as nage, find ourselves … Continue reading Scenario Training: The Hidden Secret Weapon by Antonio and Michael Aloia
In preparation for my nidan test in 2014, I was required to compose an essay in how aikido has positively effected my life. Below is how I felt aikido effected my life during that time. Aikido has changed me in many different ways. For starters, aikido has given me an opportunity to take my frustration … Continue reading How Aikido Changed My Life
Even during its formation, Aikido has taken on many permutations and multiple interpretations. In brief, its origins are a mixture of physical movements, battlefield ideologies, cultural philosophies, and religious beliefs. More than 80 years after its coining, Aikido continues to take on many forms and interpretations. With the art now moving into a new era … Continue reading A Distinctive Dilemma: How Aikido Struggles to Find an Identity in the Modern World by Michael Aloia
The reasons why we take a martial art (or many) varies from person to person. One person may want to learn the inner workings of themselves, another may want to find a decent form of exercise, and someone else may want to learn to fight and compete. Each person uses an art for their own … Continue reading The “Do” in the Martial Arts
What is leadership and how does it benefit those whom we lead? The essence of real leadership is the ability to inspire others to achieve greatness. Greatness, being a relative term, is the best that anyone can be and often great leaders, by example, have the capability to release that power in those they serve. … Continue reading True Leadership by Michael Aloia
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 