By accident, I came across this book while exploring social media. With a title that includes “You’re Doing It Wrong!” was bound to promote a reaction. It did, and I wanted to find out what Prince Gharios had to say about the current state of aikido and how to pull the art from the brink … Continue reading A Response to Prince Gharios’ Aikido: You’re Doing It Wrong!
In preparation of a test, I was tasked to write my thoughts on one of the types of training found in aikido. Below are some of my thoughts on the concept of shugyo. Shugyo, by rough translation, means “determined training that fosters enlightenment.” To me, shugyo is in other words, a very intense and rigorous … Continue reading What is Shugyo?
This is the fourth installment in an ongoing series of "A Layman's Observations" where I discuss my observations on martial arts and combat sports. Read the prior installment here. Recently, as I stepped onto the dojo’s mats, my mind began contemplating the overall role of uke in partner-based arts that I train. What is it … Continue reading A Layman’s Observations: The Role of Uke in Training
Both Robin Cooper and John Stone started aikido at the same time, beginning their study in a dojo affiliated with Akira Tohei. After moving to California in the late 1970s, both of them trained with a variety of aikidoka and schools, ranging from Frank Doran, Bob Bryner, Bob Nadeau, and Bill Witt, to LA Aikikai … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Madison Cofounders Robin Cooper and John Stone: Their Journey Through Aikido and Beyond, Part II
The jo; the short staff; a long stick. Not sharp but blunt. It can’t cut a limb off, but it can bludgeon and injure one, rendering the limb useless. However, several direct blows to the head could have a grave outcome as well. The jo is a weapon wielded in aikido training. But what do … Continue reading The Jo and Aikido by Antonio Aloia and Michael Aloia
Kirby, George. Jujitsu: Toward One Technique. California: Black Belt Publishing, 2019. In his most recent release, American jujitsu pioneer George Kirby discusses the journey to achieve one technique. This “one technique” is not the single or only technique a jujitsuka must or should learn – it is more than that. The “one technique” Kirby discusses … Continue reading Reflecting on Jujitsu Pioneer George Kirby’s Towards One Technique
In an intimate room, painted with large wall posters and filled with recording equipment and small computer monitors, two men sit at opposite ends of a table donning headphones and conversing through microphones. To one side sits Joe Rogan, the comedian/martial arts podcaster and on the other, sits neuroscientist Andrew Hill. In the course of … Continue reading Changes in Aikido’s Curriculum: Is it Really Warranted?
A short piece discussing the concept and the practice of ukemi, usually translated or defined as "the art of falling." Here, we try to look past this surface definition or translation. This originally appeared in jujitsu pioneer Geroge Kirby's Kokoro newsletter in March 2019 issue. In the traditional Japanese martial arts, many practitioners learn that ukemi … Continue reading More Than Just Falling: The Art of Self-Preservation
A short piece discussing the role of uke, the receiver of the technique, in training. This originally appeared in jujitsu pioneer Geroge Kirby's Kokoro newsletter in October 2018 issue. Uke – the “attacker,” the “opponent,” or the “one who is being thrown” – is the counterpart role of nage/tori, the one who performs the technique/throw. During … Continue reading The Benefits of Receiving
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 