Tag: Seigo Yamaguchi

Interview with Aikikai Reykjavik Instructors Palmi Sinonarson and Marco Solimene: Iceland’s Aikido Roots

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Nestled in Midtown Reykjavik, you would pass the Aikikai Reykjavik Dojo if you did not know what you were looking for. After teaching and participating in an energetic class, Palmi Sinonarson and Marco Solimene sit down to talk about aikido’s foothold in Iceland, highlighting the importance of both local and international community and how that … Continue reading Interview with Aikikai Reykjavik Instructors Palmi Sinonarson and Marco Solimene: Iceland’s Aikido Roots

Interview with Aikido Authors Bob Noha and Laurin Herr: Robert Nadeau and the Art of Transformation, Part I

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Laurin Herr found himself training under Robert Nadeau after a company merger and spending time in Japan training under Michio Hikitsuchi in Shingu. Bob Noha, on the other hand, trained with Nadeau since he was a teenager. Herr, Noha, and four other students of Nadeau came together during the Covid Pandemic to co-author what is … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Authors Bob Noha and Laurin Herr: Robert Nadeau and the Art of Transformation, Part I

A Layman’s Observation: Martial Arts History Does Matter

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I recently watched a video where two martial artists discussed the topic of martial arts history. One of the hosts outright states that such a topic is “bullshit,” simply because it does not help one fight better, or apply a joint lock better, kick better, instill a certain frame of mind, or anything else for … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Martial Arts History Does Matter

A Layman’s Observation: Who Really has Authority in the Martial Arts?

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Part of this editorial was inspired by a chapter from my 2020 book, Aikido Comes to America, and my 2024 book, Takahiko Ishikawa, bringing two related ideas together and pairing them with a third. Authority is something people look for, whether it is to wield it or to seek those who are in similar positions. … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Who Really has Authority in the Martial Arts?

Interview with Shobu Aikido Founder William Gleason: The Spirituality Elements of Aikido

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

After training with Mitsunari Kanai for six months in Boston and meeting a relative of Seigo Yamaguchi, William Gleason relocated to Tokyo to train with Yamaguchi and explore the philosophical aspects of aikido. In 1980, he returned to Boston to establish Shobu Aikido and five years later, he joined Aikido Schools of Ueshiba headed by … Continue reading Interview with Shobu Aikido Founder William Gleason: The Spirituality Elements of Aikido

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Bob Toabe: Training Under Mitsunari Kanai, Part II

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In 1974, Bob Toabe stepped onto the mats of Shodokan to learn aikido under Fred Newcomb. Mitsunari Kanai, Newcomb’s instructor and New England Aikikai founder, made the trip on the last Friday of each month to teach. When Toabe enrolled into Boston University, he was able to train at both Shodokan and New England Aikikai, … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Bob Toabe: Training Under Mitsunari Kanai, Part II

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka George Ledyard: The Past and the Future of Aikido, Part I

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During a time of anti-violent movements, George Ledyard stumbled upon an aikido demonstration while living in Washington DC. After watching the demonstration and talking with the leader of the group, Mitsugi Saotome, Ledyard was convinced to try out a class. From that moment, he was hooked. As the years went by, Ledyard trained in other … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka George Ledyard: The Past and the Future of Aikido, Part I

Interview with Aikido Arts of Shin Budo Kai Founder Marc Abrams: Shizuo Imaizumi and His Ever-Changing Legacy

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In 1988, Marc Abrams attended a class led by Shizuo Imaizumi at the suggestion of some friends. After attempting to attack Imaizumi for real, Abrams was completely surprised at the result and convinced him to continue training under Imaizumi. Abrams later became the intermediary between his instructor and the outside aikido world. Since Imaizumi retired … Continue reading Interview with Aikido Arts of Shin Budo Kai Founder Marc Abrams: Shizuo Imaizumi and His Ever-Changing Legacy

Interview with Aikido of Kohala Founders Rikko and Kristina Varjan: Aikido, Hawaii, and Kazuo Chiba Legacy, Part I

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Kristina Varjan found aikido after watching Koichi Tohei Sensei at a Manhattan high school while Rikko assumed the role as uke during his first-ever aikido demonstration. By the late 1980s, they found Kazuo Chiba Sensei, and enrolled in his Kenshusei teacher program. After four intensive years of aikido, iaido, and zazen, the couple emerged as … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Kohala Founders Rikko and Kristina Varjan: Aikido, Hawaii, and Kazuo Chiba Legacy, Part I

Interview with Todd Jones: Thomas “Doc” Walker and Growing Aikido in Florida

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Todd Jones, founder of American Butokukan, began his martial arts journey in 1971 with taekwondo, moving to aikido two years later. This is a transcript of an interview conducted the fall of 2018 for research of my upcoming American aikido history book. Here, we discuss his time under Thomas “Doc” Walker, the early days of … Continue reading Interview with Todd Jones: Thomas “Doc” Walker and Growing Aikido in Florida