About Aikido Journal

For over 45 years, Aikido Journal has been an authority on, and champion of, the martial art of aikido. Founded in 1974 (as Aiki News) by Stanley Pranin, Aikido Journal has built and published the world’s most extensive collection of aikido media and research.

Our community is unique.  Tied together digitally, we transcend differences in geography, culture, political affiliation, and technical style. We are a self-selecting tribe of individuals united in our love and pursuit of aikido.

Aikido Journal reaches over 500,000 people each month, connecting with community members across 40 countries.

Stanley Pranin, Founder

Stanley Pranin with Morihiro Saito

Stanley Pranin (1945-2017) was the founder and editor-in-chief of Aikido Journal (formerly Aiki News). A researcher and archivist of aikido, he created a vast collection of stories, interviews, videos, and analyses. Stanley Pranin was a highly influential and pioneering figure in the aikido world. He pursued a life path of relentless discovery and efforts to promote and elevate the art of aikido.  

Pranin originally began practicing aikido in California in 1962. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he taught aikido in California. In 1974, Pranin founded the journal Aiki News; in 1977 he moved to Japan, living there for 20 years and continuing to publish his journal in Japanese and English. Later, returning to America, Stan transformed Aiki News into Aikido Journal, and led its transition into the digital age. We will always remember Stanley Pranin.

Josh Gold, Executive Editor

As Executive Editor, Josh is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Aikido Journal and supporting the teams that create the journal’s content and lead its projects and initiatives. Josh first met Stanley Pranin at the Aiki Expo in 2002, and later developed a strong friendship and working relationship with him.

Josh is also Chief Instructor and co-founder of Ikazuchi Dojo , and CEO and co-founder of Budo Accelerator, a nonprofit with a mission to elevate youth and forge a new generation of leaders through aikido-based programs that reach teens and young adults across North America. Josh is a notable speaker on the martial art of aikido, having led presentations and discussions for Fortune 500 companies and at premier events and idea festivals like Summit LA19. He has over 30 years of aikido experience, having begun his training under Haruo Matsuoka in 1991.

Earlier in his career, Josh built over 15 years of entrepreneurial and executive management experience in the technology sector, having founded a series of start-ups and led special projects for clients such as Intel, Sony, Disney, and Formula One.

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