When I went to Japan in 2007, I learned that one must find one’s own way in Aikido, regardless of style, affiliation, or teacher. Two teachers confirmed this, one ancient (85), and one relatively modern (53), each...
Archive - July 2016
Josh GoldA look through the veil by Louis Gonzalez-Coca
“Sincere attacks including grabs and strikes are required to study the effective application of any technique…” Today I will start by attacking you with a Yokomenuchi aimed to your right side, I will...
Rank Versus Skill by Salvatore Forestieri
In the martial arts we all strive for a purpose. Some of us may have multiple purposes, but in general most of us strive for physical and mental development through shugyo. Some individuals might want to develop a...
“Aikido and the Reality of Self-Defense” by Jim Sullivan, Ph.D.
“In reality our primary need for self-defense today is truly defense against ourselves!” This article highlights a topic of great importance for all aikidoka and martial artists. I have written a number of...
Kazuo Chiba — Ruthless Awareness by Tom Collings
“The emotional intensity, and range of emotions in that class was amazing — terror, fearlessness, vulnerability, and invincibility.” The following text recalling special training with Kazuo Chiba Sensei at...
Longevity and Optimal Performance for the Martial Artist
Aikido is a deep and complex art. While some techniques can be learned quickly, the art takes decades to master. With our ability to grow within our art over a lifetime, how can we best prepare our bodies to ensure high...
Using Koichi Tohei’s Model as a Baseline by Mike Sigman
“Tohei has shown substantive use of physically-verifiable aspects of ki in his techniques since well before he left Hombu Dojo as the Chief Instructor.” One of the big problems with many of the Aikido...
Grab releases by Josh Gold
Aikido practitioners typically embrace the grab of an attacker and use it to their advantage. However, there are times when escape is the best course of action. This is when grab releases become valuable. Purpose At...