Interview with Longtime HEMA Instructor Steaphen Fick: Sword Fighting and Teaching, Part II

3 Nov 20224 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

The Misrepresentation of Martial Arts by Michael Aloia

16 Mar 20222 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

Martial Arts and Conducting Oral History

8 Dec 20212 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

Reflection: A Road Less Traveled By, by Michael Aloia

18 Aug 20212 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

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

Budo and Experimentation

28 Jul 20212 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

Can a Martial Art Evolve Past Its Origins? By Michael Aloia

16 Jun 20212 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

Martial Arts in Man in the High Castle

22 Feb 20212 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

Martial Arts and Police Training: Where Do They Intersect? Part II

30 Dec 20202 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

Martial Arts and Police Training: Where Do They Intersect? Part I

28 Dec 20202 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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

Interview with Army Sergeant Harry Gill: Army Combatives

13 Nov 20202 Nov 2022 ~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Harry Gill entered military service in 2007 and has taken some time to discuss Army combatives and mindset both in the military and in civilian life. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Welcome Sergeant Gill and thank you for taking some time to talk with us! Harry Gill: Thank you for inviting me! MAYTT: … Continue reading Interview with Army Sergeant Harry Gill: Army Combatives