Tag: John Mazza

Interview with Korinji Founder Meido Moore: Being the Uchi Deshi of Fumio Toyoda, Part I

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Meido Moore began aikido as a way to complement his Buddhist studies in college. After training at an Indian monastery and returning to New Jersey, he met Fumio Toyoda at a seminar. There, Moore was enamored with Toyoda’s approach to both aikido and Zen and found himself quickly moving to Chicago, Illinois to be Toyoda’s … Continue reading Interview with Korinji Founder Meido Moore: Being the Uchi Deshi of Fumio Toyoda, Part I

My Thoughts and Remembrances by John Mazza

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Shihan Fumio Toyoda - Tenzan Gensho Rokoji “Brother to a Prince, Fellow to a Beggar” I am sure that you are thinking, how he can say such a thing... But, if you had spent only one moment with Shihan Toyoda you would understand. The above quote refers to the fact that Sensei was both regal … Continue reading My Thoughts and Remembrances by John Mazza

Interview with Rockland Aikido Founder Glen Matsuda: Fumio Toyoda and the Early Days

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Glen Matsuda began training aikido in 1970 at the Illinois Aikido Club. In four years, he would follow his local teacher in the transition to Ki Society and it was there that he found Fumio Toyoda. Today, Matsuda talks about his journey with Toyoda, the forming of the Aikido Association of America, Toyoda’s teaching methodology, … Continue reading Interview with Rockland Aikido Founder Glen Matsuda: Fumio Toyoda and the Early Days

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka John Bieszk: Fumio Toyoda in the Midwest, Part II

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John Bieszk first started judo after going through not the nicest part of Chicago. After finding some time between schooling, he arrived at the Illinois Aikido Club under Akira Tohei. After taking a leave of absence due to college work, he found Fumio Toyoda in 1980 and he never stopped. Once he earned his shodan … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka John Bieszk: Fumio Toyoda in the Midwest, Part II