Tag: Masahiko Kimura

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

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

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 Takahiko Ishikawa Student Bob Karr: The Impact of a Legend, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Bob Karr began learning judo at the age of thirteen in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. There, he met Thomas Blair, Joe Condello, Howie Wray, and many others. Within a year, Karr began to train with Takahiko Ishikawa in Philadelphia. As he trained under Ishikawa, Karr got to meet and practice with many strong and soon to be … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Takahiko Ishikawa Student Bob Karr: The Impact of a Legend, Part II

By Example: Aiki in Real-Time Application from Judo Master Takahiko Ishikawa

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

When the concept of aiki arises within the aikido paradigm, many practitioners default to a variety of sources; pointing directly to the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, to different Daito-ryu forms and practitioners, or to the more internal energy-leaning teachings, like zazen, across the martial arts’ resource community. Aiki, by definition, “usually refers to the principle of … Continue reading By Example: Aiki in Real-Time Application from Judo Master Takahiko Ishikawa

Koji Shimada: Culturally Connecting to Takahiko Ishikawa

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

The following is an excerpt of an interview conducted for the newly released Takahiko Ishikawa: Judo’s Quiet Master, which recounts the life, times, and impact of Ishikawa on East Coast Judo in the United States. Koji Shimada retells some of Ishikawa's personality. MAYTT: How did Ishikawa’s family view his judo endeavors? Were they supportive or … Continue reading Koji Shimada: Culturally Connecting to Takahiko Ishikawa

Interview with Art Bourgeau, Part I: Training Under Takahiko Ishikawa

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Beginning his judo training under the famed Takahiko Ishikawa at the Ishikawa Judo Club in 1968, Art Bourgeau soon inherited the club in 1983, being the head instructor for twenty-five years, under the Philadelphia Judo Club namesake. Today, Art discusses his relationship with Ishikawa and his training under him. This is part one of a … Continue reading Interview with Art Bourgeau, Part I: Training Under Takahiko Ishikawa