Tag: Inclusivity

Interview with Aikido Kokikai Pittsburgh Founder Barbara Litt: Kokikai in America, Part I

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For Barbara Litt, aikido was not on her mind until one of her friends invited her to try a class; and that class was led by Shuji Maruyama, Kokikai Aikido’s founder. That first class and how the community welcomed her on the mat convinced her to train. Since she has joined the Kokikai Aikido community, … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Kokikai Pittsburgh Founder Barbara Litt: Kokikai in America, Part I

Interview with Devner Historical Fencing Academy Co-founder Jason Barrons: Diversity in Sword Fighting

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Jason Barrons began training in historical fencing in 2014 at the New York Historical Fencing Association. He later found himself in Denver, Colorado with Aaron Karnuta and Sam Ross where the three of them founded the Denver Historical Fencing Academy. Since then, Barrons remains as the sole founder of the school but is joined by … Continue reading Interview with Devner Historical Fencing Academy Co-founder Jason Barrons: Diversity in Sword Fighting

Interview with Round Table Historical Fencing Founder Jacob McDonald: Jeremy Pace’s Influence in the Northeast

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Jacob McDonald first began training in empty-hand martial arts like karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but then the “martial realities” of weapons-based arts took hold of him, finding an instructor with Jeremy Pace of Cymbrogi School of Western Martial Arts in Oklahoma. After returning to Maryland in 2017, McDonald established his Round Table Historical Fencing, then … Continue reading Interview with Round Table Historical Fencing Founder Jacob McDonald: Jeremy Pace’s Influence in the Northeast

Interview with Brooklyn Aikikai Founder Ryūgan Savoca: Kazuo Chiba, Aikido, and Inclusivity

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Ryūgan Robert D. Savoca began training judo at 12 years old and took up aikido after his judo instructor suggested it to him. After that he learned from many teachers in California until he met Juba Nour, who taught him the “essence of Chiba Sensei.” Shortly afterwards, Savoca became Chiba’s uchi deshi, learning the intensity … Continue reading Interview with Brooklyn Aikikai Founder Ryūgan Savoca: Kazuo Chiba, Aikido, and Inclusivity