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
Steaphen Fick was always interested in sword fighting, fighting at any chance he could get when he was a child. As he grew up, he found a touring fighting company in 1989, proceeding to participate in almost 2,000 duels and battles. It was not until the 1990s, where he found himself traveling all around Europe, … Continue reading Interview with Longtime HEMA Instructor Steaphen Fick: Sword Fighting and Teaching, Part II
Traditionally, within the context of modern times, martial arts have served as a way for the everyday person to participate in what's considered an ethnically and culture-based – even stylized – form or system of self-empowerment. The benefits have always included a level of better fitness, health, and well-being to physically and mentally live fuller … Continue reading The Misrepresentation of Martial Arts by Michael Aloia
What is oral history? In the most literal sense, it is a narrative, or parts of a narrative, that is never written down but passed onto the next generation through the spoken word. For the oral historian, it is their job (and part of my job too) to track down certain people and essentially archive … Continue reading Martial Arts and Conducting Oral History
There isn’t much more that can be said about 2020 and the effects it had on the world that hasn’t already been thought of, spoken about, argued, or even presented. Everyone has had their own choice words to describe 2020. As equally relayed are the emotions attached to what we have been saying and thinking … Continue reading Reflection: A Road Less Traveled By, by Michael Aloia
The Japanese martial arts, for the most part, adhere and follow the overarching philosophy of budo. Budo, or Martial Way, strives to develop the practitioner into a polite, courteous, and productive member of society. Traditionally and within this budo philosophy, many instructors place their students through the rote practice of mental, physical, and spiritual techniques … Continue reading Budo and Experimentation
The short answer would seem to be a simple yes. And on many levels, this is entirely true. Once an art form passes from teacher to student, in its most basic application, it has evolved past its origins. Additionally, once that art form begins to move around and relocate, it has evolved past its origins. Obviously … Continue reading Can a Martial Art Evolve Past Its Origins? By Michael Aloia
I thought it proper, after finishing Man in the High Castle, to share some thoughts on how the series portrayed aikido and, to a lesser extent, jodo through two of its characters. All plot points and plot holes aside, it was interesting that the series’ producers chose those arts, as both of them do not … Continue reading Martial Arts in Man in the High Castle
Originally written for an American History course during my graduate career, the following is the second part of a study that describes how continued martial arts training within the American police force can help better prepare officers for the situations that await them. This is the second part of a two part article. Read the … Continue reading Martial Arts and Police Training: Where Do They Intersect? Part II
Originally written for an American History course during my graduate career, the following is the first part of a study that describes how continued martial arts training within the American police force can help better prepare officers for the situations that await them. This is the first part of a two part article. Read the … Continue reading Martial Arts and Police Training: Where Do They Intersect? Part I
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 