Tag: Hal Lehrman

Interview with Longtime Battodo Practitioners Zach Biesanz and Michael Shane: Aikido, Battodo, and the United States, Part II

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Zach Biesanz and Michael Shane both studied aikido and later sought instruction in battodo after repeatedly hearing aikido teachers say aikido movements “come from the sword.” Turns out, there's a lot more to cutting with a sword than mimicking the external movements. Biesanz, after training with Sang Kim, opened his Zentokan Dojo in 2016 with … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Battodo Practitioners Zach Biesanz and Michael Shane: Aikido, Battodo, and the United States, Part II

Interview with Aikido of Park Slope Founder Hal Lehrman: Time with Yoshimitsu Yamada

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Between judo and ballet, Hal Lehrman was content until judo’s footsweeps interfered with dance training. Ironically, his judo instructor told him about aikido, leading Lehrman to Yoshimitsu Yamada and the New York Aikikai. Immediately, he was hooked and quit judo. Lehrman slowly began teaching, soon having his own class at the New York Aikikai and … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Park Slope Founder Hal Lehrman: Time with Yoshimitsu Yamada

Interview with Aikido of Raritan Valley Founder Paul Manogue: From Japan and Back Again

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One could say that the martial arts called out to Paul Manogue, as he experienced everything from fencing, kendo, aikido, judo, and kenjutsu. He first found aikido when he was going to university in Japan and began training under Gozo Shioda. When he returned home, Manogue began studying under Yukio Utada in Philadelphia. Soon, he … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Raritan Valley Founder Paul Manogue: From Japan and Back Again

Interview with Former New York Aikikai Instructor Ruth Peyser: Supporting Gender Equity and the Independent Coalition of USAF Women’s Petition

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Ruth Peyser began training aikido in 1980 after observing a class at the New York Aikikai. For the better part of forty years, she trained under Yoshimitsu Yamada, Seiichi Sugano and Donovan Waite. In late 2019, she signed the Independent Coalition of USAF Women’s petition, resulting in her banishment from the New York Aikikai. Today, … Continue reading Interview with Former New York Aikikai Instructor Ruth Peyser: Supporting Gender Equity and the Independent Coalition of USAF Women’s Petition