Danielle Smith began training under Stanley Pranin in 1973, eventually taking over Pranin’s Aikido of Monterey three years later. As she continued through her aikido journey, she had the opportunity to experience many different early instructors, like Frank Doran, Mary Heiny, Linda Holiday, and Motomichi Anno. She also trained in Hakko-ryu Jujutsu, Seibukan Jujutsu, and … Continue reading Interview With Aikido of Monterey Dojo-Cho Danielle Smith: Aikido in Northern California, Part I
Tag: O-Sensei
Interview with Ravenwood Aikikai Chief Instructor David Hurst: Akira Tohei’s Legacy
David Hurst began his aikido journey in January 1988 after watching a demonstration led by Akira Tohei. He was enamored by Tohei’s ability and quickly took to his teachings. In addition to Tohei, Hurst had the opportunity to train under Hawk Durham and Judy Leppert. Currently, he holds the rank of sandan and is the … Continue reading Interview with Ravenwood Aikikai Chief Instructor David Hurst: Akira Tohei’s Legacy
Interview with Shindai Aikikai Chief Instructor Steve Fasen: Dennis Hooker and His Legacy, Part II
Steve Fasen found aikido almost by accident. After training in karate for a number of years before coming to the Orlando area, he wandered into an aikido class when his kids’ gymnastics class ran over. A few weeks later, Fasen met Dennis Hooker and proceeded to follow his teachings and later became friends with his … Continue reading Interview with Shindai Aikikai Chief Instructor Steve Fasen: Dennis Hooker and His Legacy, Part II
Interview with Shindai Aikikai Chief Instructor Steve Fasen: Dennis Hooker and His Legacy, Part I
Steve Fasen found aikido in Central Florida almost by accident. After training in karate for a decade prior to moving to the Orlando area, he wandered into an aikido class when his kids’ gymnastics class ran over. A few weeks later, Fasen met Dennis Hooker and proceeded to follow his teachings. Today, Fasen met up … Continue reading Interview with Shindai Aikikai Chief Instructor Steve Fasen: Dennis Hooker and His Legacy, Part I
Interview with North Florida School of Aikido Chief Instructor Mike Page: Florida Aikido and Individualized Training
Mike Page wanted to start aikido sooner, but the stars did not align until his graduate career at Florida State University, where he quickly joined the college’s club. From there, he trained under Yoshimitsu Yamada and Thomas “Doc” Walker, soon learning from Mitsugi Saotome, Dennis Hooker, and John Messores. Today, Page took some time to … Continue reading Interview with North Florida School of Aikido Chief Instructor Mike Page: Florida Aikido and Individualized Training
Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Kiyoshi Yasutake: His Time With Midwest Pioneer Akira Tohei
Kiyoshi Yasutake was Akira Tohei’s first student to go from white belt to black belt under him. Beginning in 1973, Yasutake took to aikido with much vigor, learning from and supporting Tohei in his many endeavors through the Midwest Aikido Center and the Midwest Aikido Federation. Today, Yasutake took some time to discuss his time … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Kiyoshi Yasutake: His Time With Midwest Pioneer Akira Tohei
Aikido Now by Walther von Krenner
Just by way of introduction for those who do not know me and question my privilege to an opinion on this subject: after four years of judo, I started aikido in 1962, with Ueshiba Kisshomaru, Tohei Koichi, and Takahshi Isao Senseis. From early 1967, while O-Sensei was still alive, I trained at Hombu until his death. I … Continue reading Aikido Now by Walther von Krenner
Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Jane Ozeki: New York Aikikai and Family
Jane Ozeki began her aikido journey in 1971, becoming a student under Yoshimitsu Yamada at his New York Aikikai. Today, we had the chance to talk with Ozeki, discussing what the training was like at the New York Aikikai, along with her family. All images provided by Jane Ozeki. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Jane Ozeki: New York Aikikai and Family
Interview with Californian Aikidoka Robert Noha: Aikido’s Spiritual Aspect
Robert Noha began his aikido journey in 1966 and never looked back after finding a lifelong teacher and friend in Robert Nadeau. Under Nadeau’s guidance, Noha began to experience something more than the technical aspects of aikido – he began to see that the spiritual message left by O-Sensei would influence him for the rest … Continue reading Interview with Californian Aikidoka Robert Noha: Aikido’s Spiritual Aspect
Some Thoughts on Aikido and Budo by Walther von Krenner
Every time I look at an Aikido dojo webpage or dojo advertising, I see O-Sensei’s sayings and ideas quoted, in most cases, out of context and without understanding of the real meaning. Since I was there and had sixty years to train and practice in this art, I feel entitled to an opinion and would … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Aikido and Budo by Walther von Krenner