Introduction Self-defense is often taught as a physical skill – a collection of techniques designed to repel or neutralize a physical threat. While this practical aspect is critical, it only forms part of the broader picture. Self-defense is a complex interplay of psychology, awareness, decision-making, and preparedness. The Self-Defense Theoretical Model seeks to address these … Continue reading A Theoretical Model of Self-Defense: Bridging Theory and Practice in Response to Real-World Threats By Michael F. Martin
Tag: Self-Defense
Interview with Aikikai Reykjavik Instructors Palmi Sinonarson and Marco Solimene: Iceland’s Aikido Roots
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
Animal Mode: Primal Self-Defense with Teeth, Nails, and Head by Michael Martin
Before there were spears, clubs, or even sharpened stones, there was the body. The earliest martial art wasn’t passed down through scrolls or techniques — it was born in blood, instinct, and survival. Long before structured combat systems, early humans defended themselves with what nature gave them: teeth to bite, nails to claw, and a … Continue reading Animal Mode: Primal Self-Defense with Teeth, Nails, and Head by Michael Martin
Interview with Vice Chairman Robert Robert: Adaptability in Jukido Jujutsu and Kokondo Karate
Since beginning his training in Jukido Jujutsu and Kokondo Karate in 1984, Robert Robert has dedicated himself to the relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring the teachings of Paul Arel continue to thrive while adapting them to meet the evolving needs of today's martial artists. Throughout this conversation, he offers insights into the unique philosophy behind … Continue reading Interview with Vice Chairman Robert Robert: Adaptability in Jukido Jujutsu and Kokondo Karate
Interview with Longtime Jukido Jujutsu Student Jenelle Codianne: The Fighting Spirit in Martial Arts Training
In joining her family member on their research of local martial art schools, Jenelle Codianne stepped into Florida Jukido Academy and has not looked back once. Intrigued by the self-defense and the endless journey a martial art offers, Codianne fell in love with the art and began enjoying the challenging training sessions led by George … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Jukido Jujutsu Student Jenelle Codianne: The Fighting Spirit in Martial Arts Training
Interview with Jukido Jujitsu Academy Founder and Author George Rego: Jukido, Kokondo, Self-Defense, and Adapting
George Rego first began training in Jukido Jujitsu when he was eight years old under the system’s founder Paul Arel. After soaking in his training, Rego volunteered to establish his Jukido Academy in Florida in 1999. Undeterred, Rego expanded and solidified Jukido Jujitsu in Florida and currently serves on a number of boards in the … Continue reading Interview with Jukido Jujitsu Academy Founder and Author George Rego: Jukido, Kokondo, Self-Defense, and Adapting
Interview with Broken Plow Founder Josh Parise: Creating Your Own Culture in Western Martial Arts, Part II
Josh Parise has always been into the martial arts, ranging from Mixed Martial Arts to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and taekwondo, from kendo to Western Martial Arts. After leaving the Marine Corps and learning Army Combatives, he found some videos and manuals on historical fencing and never looked back. In his pursuit of historical fencing, Josh established … Continue reading Interview with Broken Plow Founder Josh Parise: Creating Your Own Culture in Western Martial Arts, Part II
Interview with Aikido of Madison Cofounders Robin Cooper and John Stone: Their Journey Through Aikido and Beyond, Part III
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 III
Interview with Sunday Morning Keiko Founder Rick Hotton: Karate, Aikido, and Body Intelligence, Part I
Rick Hotton began training Shotokan Karate in the early 1970s, being one of the youngest practitioners to join the dojo. After taking responsibility for the dojo he once trained in, curiosity led him to aikido pioneer Mitsugi Saotome, who, to Hotton, is his best karate teacher. Today, Hotton discusses his karate journey, how Saotome influenced … Continue reading Interview with Sunday Morning Keiko Founder Rick Hotton: Karate, Aikido, and Body Intelligence, Part I
The Misrepresentation of Martial Arts by Michael Aloia
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










