This is part 2 of a discussion series with Haruo Matsuoka Sensei and Stan Pranin Sensei. In this segment, Matsuoka Sensei talks about seeking new mentors and the insight and inspiration he’s gained from these...
Archive - May 2016
“Applying modern training methodologies to Aikido practice” by Peter Kelly
“Their movements lacked the integrity and focus that are precursors to understanding the physical space control necessary to dissipate or dissolve physical conflict.” Peter Kelly submitted this message as a...
Haruo Matsuoka and Stanley Pranin Discussion Series: Part 1
This is part one of an interview series with Matsuoka Sensei, conducted by Stan Pranin Sensei of Aikido Journal. In this segment, Matsuoka Sensei talks about his introduction to the art of aikido and his early days of...
The Seminar: A New Blueprint by Josh Gold
The Standard Seminar Formula The standard weekend seminar format is well known and has become refined over decades of modern martial arts training. A typical seminar will host a master or senior instructor for a weekend...
Who were the Shapers of Postwar Aikido? by Stanley Pranin
“What was done instead was to de-emphasize the martial pedigree of aikido’s techniques, and eschew practice conditions that led to the cultivation of a strong martial spirit.” Revival of aikido after World...
Is Aikido a traditional martial art? by Francis Takahashi
Per Wikipedia, the following definition is one of many interpretations and beliefs, but arguably the most identifiable and accepted version by most cultures of what the notion of “martial arts” has meant over the ages...
Historical photo: “Takuma Hisa, the bridge between Daito-ryu and Aiki Budo,” by Stanley Pranin
Back in April 1979, I met a slight old man who had suffered a stroke and spoke in a halting, somewhat slurred voice. I am embarrassed to say that I have only a vague recollection of the circumstances of my introduction...
“Irimi,” by Ellis Amdur
I recently read a post which includes an oft-used phrase—“get off the line and enter.” Not only does this phrase not do full justice to the concept of irimi (I confess I’ve used it myself), it leads to a mistaken...