Interview with 417 HEMA Founder José Ortiz-Inchausty: Fencing From Puerto Rico to Missouri

Like many historical fencers before the explosion of the internet, YouTube, and other platforms, José Ortiz-Inchausty early training was composed of pieces of information coupled with his background in previous martial arts. His interest in historical fencing became more apparent while he was in college and a few of his friends helped him and each … Continue reading Interview with 417 HEMA Founder José Ortiz-Inchausty: Fencing From Puerto Rico to Missouri

Interview with Austin Historical Weapons Guild Founder Anthony Buonomo: Historical Fencing in Texas, Part II

Anthony Buonomo explored the Eastern martial arts before finding historical fencing, though he was always interested in swords and the like. When he moved to Austin, Texas in 2012, he finally found a group and began teaching historical fencing after nine months of training, drawing on his previous martial arts training. This experience soon led … Continue reading Interview with Austin Historical Weapons Guild Founder Anthony Buonomo: Historical Fencing in Texas, Part II

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka John Bieszk: Fumio Toyoda in the Midwest, Part I

John Bieszk first started judo after going through not the nicest part of Chicago. After finding some time between schooling, he arrived at the Illinois Aikido Club under Akira Tohei. After taking a leave of absence due to college work, he found Fumio Toyoda in 1980 and he never stopped. Once he earned his shodan … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka John Bieszk: Fumio Toyoda in the Midwest, Part I

Interview with HMA Instructor and Researcher Guy Windsor: Growth of the Movement in Europe

When Guy Windsor enrolled in University in 1992, he quickly joined every martial arts club that was available. Soon, he found that fencing was his calling, but not the modern sport. In 1994, he co-founded the Dawn Duellists' Society to explore historical fencing. That exploration has led him to author numerous books, create a swordfighting … Continue reading Interview with HMA Instructor and Researcher Guy Windsor: Growth of the Movement in Europe

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 Senior Shindai Aikikai Instructor Brain Canin: Dennis Hooker and Aikido

Brian Canin first started tai chi until he tried aikido with David Jones after one of his tai chi classes. He never looked back. A little bit later into his aikido journey, he met Dennis Hooker and began training under him. Canin would train under Hooker until the latter’s passing, assuming a leadership role at … Continue reading Interview with Senior Shindai Aikikai Instructor Brain Canin: Dennis Hooker and Aikido

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