Aikido’s role and purpose in today’s age has become a bit of a conundrum with such vast perspectives on its form and function. Is aikido supposed to be a meditative art or something that someone can use in a self-defense scenario? Is the art just used as a teaching method for personal development or self-improvement? … Continue reading Thoughts on Aikido in the Modern World
Darrell Tangman began aikido while a student at the University of Illinois, unknowing that the art would become a lifelong pursuit. In 1975, he helped establish Twin Cities Aikido Center, and later Augusta Aikido Club in 1985. Throughout his journey, he has trained with pioneers like Akira Tohei and Rodney Grantham. Today, Tangman discusses training … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Shihan Darrell Tangman: Aikido with Akira Tohei and Rodney Grantham
A martial artist for more than sixty years, Florian aikido George Clark discusses aikido seminars and one memorable event with Kisshomaru Ueshiba at the Aikido Center of Atlanta in 1974. All images provided by George Clark. Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Welcome back Clark Sensei! Thank you for returning for another discussion on … Continue reading Interview with Florida Aikidoka George Kenneth Clark: Aikido and Seminars
The following is an excerpt from my recent book, Aikido Comes to America. This originally appeared on Tambuli Media here. Rodney Grantham (~1928-2008) played a pivotal role in the push of aikido in the American Southeast. Grantham began judo in 1950 while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan as a surgical scrub nurse during the Korean War. … Continue reading Rodney Grantham and Aikido in America’s Southeast
This is a transcript of an interview with the United States Aikido Federation’s Chairman of the Board of Directors George Kennedy Shihan in the summer of 2017 for research of my upcoming American aikido history book. In it, we discuss his first aikido instructor, Rodney Grantham, as well as Yoshimitsu Yamada and his role in … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Shihan George Kennedy: Rodney Grantham and Southeastern Aikido
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 