Tag: Judo

Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Lou Moyerman first started judo after being jumped by some kids, enrolling in a program led by Helen Foos. Moyerman would come to view Foos as a second mother and would be introduced to Takahiko Ishikawa through her. When he enrolled in Temple University and began a judo club there. From there, Moyerman took to … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part II

Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Lou Moyerman first started judo after being jumped by some kids, enrolling in a program led by Helen Foos. Moyerman would come to view Foos as a second mother and would be introduced to Takahiko Ishikawa through her. When he enrolled in Temple University and began a judo club there. From there, Moyerman took to … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Judo Coach Lou Moyerman: The Lasting Effects of Judo, Part I

Martial Arts Historian: The Wider Implications

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Some time ago, there was an interaction on social media that revolved around a video about aikido history. After reading the comments, I was left feeling unsettled; I was disappointed and frustrated by how the online exchange unfolded. However, before explaining what happened, it may be best to come to terms with the idea, definition … Continue reading Martial Arts Historian: The Wider Implications

Interview with Judo Referee Susan Oles: Getting Judo in Your Blood

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

On a whim, Susan Oles decided to try judo after trying to enroll in a jazz class at night school. She studied under Rudy Kizitaff, who would take her to see Takahiko Ishikawa. It was with Ishikawa that she would gain a better appreciation for the art and for his dedication to judo. Today, she … Continue reading Interview with Judo Referee Susan Oles: Getting Judo in Your Blood

John Eley: Aikido in Chicago, Through His Eyes, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

In 2023, I was in conversations with an intermediary to scheduling an interview with John Eley, one of the longest American students of Koichi Tohei and active member within the Ki Society. Unfortunately, the interview never materialized, however I was offered a previous interview Eley did in 2008. The quality is not the greatest, however, … Continue reading John Eley: Aikido in Chicago, Through His Eyes, Part II

Interview with Takahiko Ishikawa Student Koji Shimada: A Candid Look at the Judo Champion

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Arriving at Takahiko Ishikawa’s Philadelphia dojo in July of 1968, Koji Shimada encountered a man whose courtesy and humility stood in stark contrast to his legendary status in Japanese judo. What began as formal instruction soon unfolded into a deeper education. In this conversation, Shimada offers a rare and honest perspective on Ishikawa’s years in … Continue reading Interview with Takahiko Ishikawa Student Koji Shimada: A Candid Look at the Judo Champion

Interview with Longtime UK Kenshi and Historian Paul Budden: Kendo’s Varied History and its International Future, Part I

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Growing up close to Hadrian’s Wall – erected during Rome’s reign of the British Isles – Paul Budden found his interest in history. His interest of Japanese sword – born out of his love of history – led him into a kendo dojo and has not looked back since. Throughout his time in kendo, he … Continue reading Interview with Longtime UK Kenshi and Historian Paul Budden: Kendo’s Varied History and its International Future, Part I

Howard Wray on Judo and Training with Takahiko Ishikawa, Part II

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Howard Wray found judo through a night school where Al Wallace was teaching. Wallace would take his students down to Philadelphia and introduce them to his instructor, Takahiko Ishikawa. From then on, Wray began to learn from both judo men. In this conversation in the summer of 2023, Wray recalls how Ishikawa structured his classes … Continue reading Howard Wray on Judo and Training with Takahiko Ishikawa, Part II

Howard Wray on Judo and Training with Takahiko Ishikawa, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Howard Wray found judo through a night school where Al Wallace was teaching. Wallace would take his students down to Philadelphia and introduce them to his instructor, Takahiko Ishikawa. From then on, Wray began to learn from both judo men. In this conversation in the summer of 2023, Wray recalls how Ishikawa structured his classes … Continue reading Howard Wray on Judo and Training with Takahiko Ishikawa, Part I