A Return to Print Publishing for Aikido Journal?

With a 45 year history,  Aikido Journal has been one of the leading authorities and publishers for the art of aikido. An all-digital publisher, Aikido Journal stopped creating printed magazines and books decades ago, when digital publishing became the dominant way to disseminate information. 

But I’ve wondered if now, in 2020, there’s a place for Aikido Journal to make a return to print publishing, not purely as a method to transmit information, but as an opportunity to create beautiful “artifacts” that can be treasured for generations to come. We decided to stop wondering and find out. And it’s up to you. 

We’ve just launched a Kickstarter campaign to redesign and republish one our most meticulously researched books. With your support, we will republish Aikido Pioneers of the Prewar Era,  a groundbreaking book written by our founder, Stanley Pranin. Originally published as a softcover book, this new reprint will be a numbered, limited edition large format (9”x12″) hardback coffee table style book.  We’ll use the highest quality materials and expert craftsmanship to create a tome the entire aikido community can be proud of. 

If the community votes to support our return to print publishing by greenlighting this project, we’ll explore other initiatives, like creating a beautiful annual print edition of our editorial work. Aikido Journal is very happy to focus exclusively on digital content, but we know we can do great things in the print medium if there’s demand and support for it. 

I personally would like this project to succeed so we can create this book as a tribute to Stanley Pranin. His tireless and passionate dedication to his work produced a truly groundbreaking book. I believe this work deserves to be embodied in a form worthy of its significance and heritage. I know Stan would be thrilled to see the community honor his work in this way and would be encouraged to see more aikido practitioners learn more about the development and founding of the art they practice.  

We hope you’ll take a look at our Kickstarter page here and consider supporting this project. 

Josh Gold

Executive Editor // Aikido Journal