Over the years, I have heard many an instructor say to leave your worldly thoughts and concerns at the door of the dojo before entering. I even worked with a fellow instructor who placed a trashcan at the entrance of the training area to tangibly remind practitioners to dump their "baggage" or "personal trash" before … Continue reading Building On the Mat Spirituality by Michael Aloia
Andrew Wai is not your average aikidoka, for he cannot see. But this has not stopped him from recently achieving his shodan! He first began aikido while he enrolled in Princeton University and continued on from there. Without his sight, he focuses on the feel of the technique and his ukemi. Today, Wai took some … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Andrew Wai: Feeling is Seeing
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
Skill is a combination of time, technique, and training of the basics. Most things we do in life are a series of procedures or methods. Even the simplest of tasks involves a procedure to activate an additional series of actions and achieve an end result. Those tasks that are involuntary or natural and those that … Continue reading Essentially the Basics by Michael Aloia
Your definition or personal interpretation of tactical response, of course, would have a great bearing on many levels and weigh on one's own history, experience and exposure, association, and level of understanding and ability to apply concepts and procedures related to such endeavors. Experience ranging from military duty, law enforcement service, and/or medical field involvement … Continue reading Tactical Response: How it Pertains to the Individual by Michael Aloia
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Until they run out of gas. The old adage of perseverance, determination, and fortitude in the eye of overwhelming odds may have its place on the field of play, but when running the risk of burnout from overexposure and improper attention to personal wellness, it can … Continue reading The Critical Zone by Michael Aloia
To meld is to blend or combine two or more things. In martial arts, it is now referred to as Mixed Martial Arts. In days past, cross training was regarded as a way to train and gain knowledge from various styles at one time, though the idea of blending multiple styles together was often frowned … Continue reading Martial Melding: Finding the Similarities
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
The following are remembrance pieces from a handful of J. Donald Burrier's students. Some were there from the beginning; others were there near the end. The individual's starting time does not hinder the effect and influence Burrier had on them and how they moved forward in life and martial arts. Images provided by Irvin Gill. … Continue reading Martial Arts Making a Difference: Kenpo Karate’s J. Donald Burrier
This is a transcript of an interview with Asahikan Dojo head instructor Michael Aloia in the spring of 2019. Here, we discuss the current state of aikido in the United States. All images provided by Michael Aloia. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Welcome and thank you for taking the time to talk with … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Michael Aloia: The Art of Harmony in America
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 