Modern Aikidoist Podcast: Recent Episodes
Tristan Chermack
Thoughts and ideas for the aikido practitioners and any martial artists interested in martial arts history, training, strategy, and growth.
Is combatives training useful, or the best approach for self-defense training?
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Growth is about change and evolution. How does our training evolve as we grow? How can we improve ourselves, our skills, and our understanding?
This episode takes a look at the influences of changes and growth in the training and learning.
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All martial artists progress, but only some progress to the point where they internalize what they learn to achieve a high degree of prowess.
How do you you do it? This podcast talks about why, when, and how should you do it.
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Our discussion covers many reasons why martial arts become too specialized, sometimes to their detriment. How do we spot it and what can we do to make sure our art doesn't become impractical or irrelevant.
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An in depth conversation with a long time aikido instructor who trained under some of O'sensei's primary students. We talk about how aikido and training has changed over the long span of time and under different influences.
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It is widely acknowledged that strikes (atemi) are a crucial aspect of aikido, based on quotes from Morehei Ueshiba and other shihan.
Are we looking at striking comprehensively in our aikido training?
This podcast gives you some perspectives to consider when it comes to striking and how it applies to aikido.
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The weapons of aikido (tanto, bokken, and jo) seem integral to aikido, but is that true and does how these are trained benefit or detract from aikido's image and reputation?
This podcast goes in depth with many points to examine and think about for how you think about weapons training.
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We cover a variety of topics about aikido and its future, including suggestions from members of the Aikido: the Martial Side forum.
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Aikido often claims to value de-escalation as a core value. It is a crucial self-defense skill, but is it included in our training and how do we do that?
We discuss this in depth, and provide some suggestions for how to look at integrating conflict management skills from a practical standpoint.
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We discuss the future of Yoshinkan aikido, and the material shared in the first of three conversations posted on the Aikido Shudokan YouTube channel.
Link to that discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4xiIFRRCCg&t=17s&ab_channel=AikidoShudokan
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The martial arts are going through a major evolution in a number of ways currently. Our discussion covers how this affects dojos and practitioners alike.
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How would you approach forming a new dojo or looking at your current dojo's training and practices with an eye on how to improve? What traditions would you keep, lose, or change?
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Our discussion dives deep and covers an examination of many aspects of how we can adjust aikido's martial future.
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Martial arts training must include a live element to develop applicable skills and discover deficiencies. Our discussion covers how to approach this, and how not to approach it.
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Our discussion covers many aspects of the relationship between aikido and grappling, including whether aikido is a grappling art.
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Striking is often overlooked or omitted from aikido. Was this always the case? We discuss this topic as well as bringing striking back and integrating it with aikido training.
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Etiquette is used both as a method for showing respect and for safe practices. Etiquette and respect can go too far and create a negative experience, sometimes driving people away.
In this discussion, we take on the elephant in the room of when it can go too far.
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We discuss adjusting your training to make your aikido more martially viable, useful and practical for self-defense.
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Our discussion goes into depth about the widely held belief that aikido is purely defensive in nature. Is it fact or myth - or somewhere in between?
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Misunderstandings and myths about what violence is, how it goes, and how to handle it are common among martial artists of all kinds. We discuss real violence and how understanding it better positively affects our martial arts training.
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We discuss Dunken's video series, going into the topics he covers in greater detail.
Aikido of Silverdale's playlist of the video series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA520V4pOPWKrvo27LauSOC8qiPQKH7hK
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We discuss Dunken's video series, going into the topics he covers in greater detail.
Aikido of Silverdale's playlist of the video series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA520V4pOPWKrvo27LauSOC8qiPQKH7hK
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It is often said of aikido that it doesn't require strength. Is this strictly true? Not necessarily.
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It is often said of aikido that it doesn't require strength. Is this strictly true? Not necessarily.
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All arts evolve, sometimes for good and sometimes not. Steven Scott and I discuss how martial arts training are evolving, both for good and bad.
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All arts evolve, sometimes for good and sometimes not. Steven Scott and I discuss how martial arts training are evolving, both for good and bad.
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There are many times in history when martial arts changed significantly. From how arts evolved in terms of function, as well as how they are perceived by the public, these changes in the times led to revolutions in how the martial arts were practiced and how they became popular - or lost their popularity.
Are we currently at such a point in history?
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All arts have great things to offer, but also have their drawbacks.
We go through a number of martial arts and provide an overview breakdowns of their advantages and weaknesses. These can give you ideas for good arts to cross train in or which art(s) which may suit your own particular interests.
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It is often taught that Aikido's heritage was the ancient Japanese battlefield, where it's techniques were born. Is this true?
This episode is a conversation which is a follow up to the previous episode (ep. 167) with Ellis Amdur where he goes into the history of aikido back as far as Sokaku Takeda.
In this episode, we go back much farther into Japanese history and cover the development of the samurai, their weapons, and armor.
A link to Ellis' book, which we discuss on the show - Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions (Expanded Edition)
https://edgeworkbooks.com/old-school/
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Facing someone who is faster than you are seems impossible to survive, but speed can be countered. We can train to be fast ourselves, but there will always be someone faster.
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Reg shares his background with live weapons training and how it helped him improve his aikido and both self-defense and self-protection skills.
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It is commonly believed and stated that aikido is about conflict management. Is it true and does aikido training really cover conflict management skills?
There is more to it than meets the eye.
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What is the martial mindset and how should martial artists use it within our training.
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Budo, the way of the warrior, is the underlying principle of the martial arts path. We explore Budo in this in depth discussion.
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We discuss the state of aikido prior to covid, the impact of covid, and where aikido may go from here.
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Our discussion goes into detail about the role irimi (entering) plays in aikido, and how necessary it is to be balanced with more passive movements and tactics.
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Ki is probably the most confusing word in all of the martial arts. It is also a major red flag which may point out a charlatan instructor.
We will dig in and try to get to the bottom of the issue of ki.
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Our discussion covers the timings of attack (go no sen, sen, sen no sen, and sensen no sen) and their relationship to self-defense.
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We do into depth on the topic of Aikido's history and the many influences which brought it about. Our discussion includes Sokaku Takeda and Morehei Ueshiba, and the martial influences of both men. We also discuss the influences of some of the influential seniors such as Kenji Tomiki, Gozo Shioda, and more.
Here are links to some of the sources mentioned in the discussion.
Tenjin Shinyo-ryu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGFlk-hsyHE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4e8Rzkz_Fw
Yagyu Shingan-ryu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8dobbUP7lU
Ono-ha Itto-ryu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7jQXBai9-k
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfhtYKQ-iU0
Hozoin-ryu Yari:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lnmg6g4R6c
Kashima Shinto-ryu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI-sR6BGH7s
Pre-war Embu at Omoto:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmMgMRS9bSc
Maniwa Nen-ryu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIgzMdtZ_HI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xrBgqXAJTY
Hidden in Plain Sight by Ellis Amdur:
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Plain-Sight-Esoteric-Traditions/dp/1937439321
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We discuss 'the Fence', made widely known by Geoff Thompson. We discuss using the hands as a protective barrier for situations which pose some potential for violence to occur.
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There is a difference between self-protection and self-defense. We go into depth on the differences and ways to think about how that affects our mindset and training.
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Our discussion goes into depth of Kenji Tomiki and the organization he founded: Shodokan. Tomiki was a prominent figure in the aikido world, and he brought some very innovative ideas to teaching aikido.
Shodokan Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Tomiki/
"Supplementary" youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/c/nytomiki
Al's school: https://www.watanabejudo.com/
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Why is aikido is difficult to describe? People are often confused about what it is, which is a major obstacle for attracting students. We discuss the problems and practical ideas for improving aikido's image.
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What is it to build high level skill, and transfer that skill to students?
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Grappling is an important part of the skill set of a well-rounded martial artist.
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An in depth conversation on what martial artists often misunderstand about conflict, how it turns into violence, and the profound affects it has on self-protection and self-defense.
Coach Blauer's website: https://blauerspear.com/
Making Friends with Fear ebook: https://getknowfear.com/ebook
Know Fear Podcast: https://knowfear.libsyn.com/
Essentials of Personal Safety (Live Online Course): https://blauerspear.com/eops
An in depth discussion on what traits are specific to aikido, both physical as well as spiritual/philosophical.
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Our discussion covers these two topics: What is aikido missing, and where did aikido stray off track?
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How can we train for 100% realism, with full intensity, without getting hurt or injured? This is the unsolvable problem with regards to training. It is often the excuse for training very lightly and not building adequate skill.
This conversation is a deep dive into the matter and breaks down how to better look at it. We also discuss how to tackle training both safely and effectively to build the necessary skills to handle full intensity.
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We hear about how devastating an eye jab can be. Here we see how it goes and the effects of one.
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Our discussion covers why we need to address this and some practical suggestions for how to approach doing it. We also dispel some myths regarding self-defense training.
Remy's Martial Art 1 on 1 Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL7R7Ex1yhibJXYJ8KmXRLA
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One of the most common clichés about self-defense is to "just run away" from violence. We discuss this in depth.
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A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video even more.
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Koichi Tohei codified four principles of ki, also referred to as the principles of mind-body unification. We discuss these principles and their relevance to aikido training.
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Martial artists often believe that they will never take part in a fight willingly. Is this belief true? Watch this video and give it some thought.
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We go in depth on the controversial topic of whether aikido has enough within it to be a comprehensive art, or if it is merely an add on art as some believe it to be.
This conversation goes some unexpected and interesting places!
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We discuss training with a focus on real world situations, adopting skills and methods to make aikido applicable for self-defense.
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Movie and TV present martial arts and violence in a certain way. Whether we like it or not, it affects how we perceive them and forms our expectations. Our discussion covers both the positive and negative influences of entertainment on martial arts.
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Looking toward the positive, we try to identify aikido's biggest issues and discuss potential solutions towards a healthy future of the art.
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There are many different perspectives on aikido, including the difference between so-called hard and soft styles. We get into the topic rather deeply, including the influence of Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu.
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We discuss the influence of rank, and even titles, within the martial arts and whether they are constructive.
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There are many criticisms of aikido, and some are quite valid. We cover a number of them and the most common responses used to justify them.
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We go in depth answering a listener question about the role of sacrifice throws in martial arts. Our discussion covers the differences between sport applications and self-defense.
The Martial View Podcast:
https://www.themartialview.com/
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Our discussion covers a number of topics which are integral to understanding the realities of knives (and other deadly weapons) as well as the implications of the use of deadly force from a self-defense perspective.
Matt's Modern Samurai Blog:
http://www.modernsamuraiblog.com/
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Our conversation goes into depth about the warrior spirit and the warrior mindset. We discuss how the relates to martial arts and training, as well as how it applies to living life in general.
Col. Hulsey's Dirt Wasp Podcast:
https://www.thedirtwasppodcast.com/
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A discussion on the importance of the physical side of martial arts training, and how it leads to the mental and spiritual realms.
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An in depth analysis of Steven Seagal's randori, and how his method translates to his movie action sequences.
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Audio Credits: Jingle Punks. Thank you for making royalty-free music available!
A fascinating discussion where Brian shares his experience with realizing his martial art needed to be practical, and what he did about - including learning other arts such as aikido.
Bunkai Bastards website: http://www.bunkaibastards.co.uk/
Bunkai Bastards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCAdtEsuGev3GF4Vr5ZVxLEg
Zanshin Academy Channel: https://youtube.com/c/ZanshinKarateAcademyDojoSessions
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Our discussion includes breaking from the limits of strict tradition to explore practical martial arts skills.
Website: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iainabernethy
Instagram and Twitter: @iainabernethy
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We discuss Shoji Nishio Shihan, his history and influence on aikido.
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We discuss cross training, the atmosphere of culture at Aikikai hombu dojo, and take a variety of viewer questions. Rionne also shares his opinion on where aikido is headed in the future.
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We discuss Stanley Prannin and Josh's massive project of taking over Aikido Journal. We cover his experimentation with Jeff Imada and putting aikido's knife defenses to pressure testing.
Josh also shares his views on the future of aikido and his new leadership project.
Aikido Journal: www.aikidojournal.com
Budo Accelerator: www.budoaccelerator.org
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An in depth interview with Larry Reynosa Shihan. He goes into detail about his kyu testing format up through the ranks, as well as his views on the future of aikido and much more.
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Being an excellent uke (training partner) in aikido requires many skills and the right mindset.
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We discuss cultivating the martial spirit, teaching, commanding respect as an instructor, and much more.
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The interview is the process used leading up to many real world attacks. It isn't random, except to the target. I go into detail of the process and describe what you should be on the lookout for. This knowledge will help your awareness immensely.
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We discuss the new course I put together for Aikido University - Aikido-Based Self-Defense. This course is everything I did to overhaul the first belt test for new students, using aikido's easiest to learn and most reliable techniques along with more rounded skills from other arts.
Check out Aikido University:
http://www.aikidouniversity.org/
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An analysis of a great clip of a randori by Mitsugi Saotome from 1970.
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We discuss koryu arts and how they differ from practical arts, as well as some history of Miyamoto Musashi. We also discuss aikido in the real world, particularly in the health field - among other topics.
A great discussion and one you don't want to miss!
Reg mentions this post in the discussion, which caused some uproar in the aikido community. Here it is in it's entirety:
This group seems very responsive so I’d like to pose a question.
Which is more important, form or function?
As most of us are aikidoka I believe many of us are too concerned with form. Don’t misunderstand me form has it’s place, for example in a test. But what about function? When I worked in the security field I used my budo on a regular basis. I never thought about things like “if they attack me with a, b or c I’ll use defense e,f or g”. They would attack and in whatever the position ended up in I would apply a technique. Many times later when reviewing the CCTV I would recognize what I had done but it was not cognitive.
守破離 shu, ha, ri or take, break and leave is a common term in Japanese martial arts. I always think of it as form, logic and application (that’s not the dictionary or poetic translation, it’s how I think of it). In my opinion I’m more interested in seeing the function than the form.
Any interesting thoughts on this?
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Our discussion covers some of Azu's experiences with aikido on the job as a doorman and bouncer. We also get talking about how aikido training can evolve to be more real-world applicable and still be fun.
This was a fun conversation and very informative!
Aikidoflow Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhLazRwMSdXeF-MBFUo4gg
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We start out the discussion on the topic of how tradition can degrade the quality of a martial art, and go from there. We also discuss real world violence and how it is different from traditional martial arts as well as sport fighting.
Don't miss this great discussion!
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We discuss the positive influences on our aikido which come from martial sport fighting. We specifically shed light on some major misunderstandings and myths about sport fighters and competitive training.
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We discuss training in other arts and how they influence aikido, collaborative projects between Bruce and Ellis, and much more.
Links mentioned in the discussion:
https://edgeworkbooks.com/
https://kogenbudo.org/
https://academy.aikidojournal.com/aikido-extensions-with-bruce-bookman-detail
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An in depth analysis of some clips of Gozo Shioda's randori.
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An interview with Sensei Oliver Martinez. We discuss the background of Bill Sosa Shihan and the influences he brought into his aikido.
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Two recent, real-world attacks serve as good learning lessons for us. Violence can happen anywhere and be initiated by the most unexpected of sources.
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Today, these are separate and distinct arts. What is their relationship?
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Kicks are an integral part of fighting. What usefulness would kicks provide to an aikido practitioner?
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This discussion covers how to watch demonstrations and video, and identify specifics which make techniques useful and practical.
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Is the power we train to have a virtue, and what responsibilities and obligations go with that power?
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Some effective ways to increase the intensity of your training, and things to avoid.
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An examination on the weapons of aikido and how their study may be adapted to better fit modern times.
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What is the relationship between violence and negotiation, and why is it relevant to martial artists?
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A different take on a probably the most important issue with martial arts training which results in students with no practical skills. Including, how we can solve the problem.
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Overthinking is a common problem with martial arts training.
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We discuss aikido as a self-defense capable martial art, the current state and aikido's future, and other various topics in a friendly and provocative conversation.
Training in other arts is beneficial to your growth as a martial artist.
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Films and videos have generated interest in aikido. New developments in how video is created and distributed has had profound affects on how aikido is perceived and even practiced.
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Organizations are a tradition and common in all martial arts. Are they a blessing or a curse to the art(s) themselves? Is there a better system?
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Bruce Lee brought massive innovations to Wing Chun and modernized it. What if someone did something similar to aikido?
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The bokken (wooden sword) and jo (walking stick) are core parts of aikido's curriculum. Are the way these are practiced and studied valid and useful?
Discussion on Morehei Ueshiba's Weapons (part 1 of 3):
youtube.com/watch?v=ALnqv83O0gE
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The black belt is a widely recognized standard, but what does it mean?
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It is often said "there are no rules in a fight", but is this true?
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A variety of creative ways to approach your aikido training without needing a partner.
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A deeper look at what kind of violence aikido is particularly suited for.
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The Japanese sword is a revered weapon in aikido. Miyamoto Musashi is one of the most famous swordsmen of history, and his influence on Japanese martial heritage is profound.
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100th anniversary episode! Some interesting and exciting developments, and a few behind the scenes insights.
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What is going on with coronavirus and how is it impacting martial arts? Things are moving very fast, and the impacts are proving to be profound.
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Virtually every martial artist envisions themselves as a warrior. What are the traits of a warrior?
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Aikido is known as "the art of peace". Koppo Jitsu refers to techniques which cause injury or death. How does aikido reconcile this?
Article "Balance from Destruction: Secret Teachings of O-sensei":
https://tampaaikido.com/articles/balance-from-destruction-secret-teachings-of-o-sensei/
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Is it possible to regain aikido's reputation? I think it is. Here are some thoughts on how that might work.
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Logical fallacies are common to poor arguments, and these plague the martial arts community. Learn to spot the most common ones so you can avoid falling for them, and be a better communicator yourself.
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Aikido knife defenses need to be overhauled and updated. I go into my crisis of faith regarding knife defenses, and share the approach I decided on to address it.
Josh Gold's article "Knife Defenses: Death by Disarm" on Aikido Journal:
https://aikidojournal.com/2016/09/06/knife-defenses-death-by-disarm/
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How useful are gloves and protective equipment, and what are some of their uses?
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I go in depth on the reason aikido training tends to fall short for preparing practitioners for real violence, and some creative training ideas which are both productive and fun.
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Learning new skills follow this method to acquire competence as directly as possible.
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Aikido has come complex and easy to fail techniques. Too much so for self-defense?
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These terms are constant source of debate about what they truly mean.
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Some important facts about and history behind the use of throws, joint locks, and strikes in aikido.
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Chokes are integral to martial arts and physical conflict, but is using them immoral?
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What is a talent hotbed, and how does it relate to your training?
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Making the most out of your practice time is a benefit to students. Being able to do this as an instructor will make your classes far more effective.
You can also make sure you are getting the most out of your own practice using this concept.
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Thoughts on the letter recently sent out by the Aikikai, and the ramifications of it.
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Randori in aikido is the ultimate expression of its capabilities. This is my interest and passion, and I'm looking for like minds and people who want their aikido to include strong randori skills.
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The importance of owning your technique and your art.
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How do we know if what we are being taught is correct?
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Spotting body language which indicates aggression or that a fight is about to start is a valuable skill.
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One of the most important and most overlooked skills of the application of martial arts.
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Some observations about the martial arts online world and how it can be beneficial to the growth of martial arts, if we can get past the nonsense.
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How and why I completely overhauled my rank test criteria to better suit aikido from a self-defense perspective, and to give students a solid base in their first six months of training which would suit them on their longer martial arts journey.
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Aikido's relationship with self-defense, and its identity as a martial art. I also cover my experience with cross training to make my aikido more self-defense capable.
Tele-Summit debate: Is Aikido a Martial Art:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkYeAncP9Go
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Everyone has been faced with difficult partners. How can you turn it into a positive experience?
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What is the culture and atmosphere which has been created in your dojo, or the dojo you are looking at joining?
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The purpose of aikido is a matter of debate, which means it is not clear. If aikido is to remain a martial art, what exactly is its goal?
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There are several ways to add to your aikido training on your own.
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Kata are ubiquitous with martial arts training, but are they beneficial to building excellence?
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I examine this common claim.
Video of samurai re-enactors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giJ928xjeRA
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Thoughts on what makes a superb teacher.
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Thoughts on what makes an elite martial artist, and the specific traits they tend to have.
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A discussion on the current state of martial arts currently and the potential future.
Check out Tony's new program:
https://www.gunjiuniversity.com/
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
Aikido's popularity tends to pick up when it is seen in movies and on TV. Would it help aikido to get this attention again?
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
I address a listener question about staying motivated. There are many reasons why you may struggle to keep motivated. Here are things to watch for and solutions to the problems.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
An examination of why martial arts organizations are more detrimental than they are helpful to the arts they are supposed to support and grow.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
A common claim that aikido is a complete art, but is it true?
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
The founder of aikido was a phenomenal martial artist by all accounts, but can we say he was a good teacher?
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
This common claim has been going around the martial arts community since the first UFC. What is the truth?
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
Seminars are often disappointing, and no one really wants to admit it.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
Can real people who do not train like professional fighters learn to deal with highly skilled opponents? Some perspective on the expectations people often have about martial arts training.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
Ki is an integral aspect of aikido, but there is great confusion about what exactly it is.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
An interview with Jorge Angulo, a long time (and current) student of Steven Seagal, sheds more light on the past and present of Steven Seagal and Tenshin dojo.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
A deeper look at the phrase masaktasu agatsu.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
A fast jab poses a problem most aikidoka have experienced. How do we solve it?
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
A interview with Jaime Calderon sensei to clarify information provided in my interview with Lenny Sly sensei.
For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
As of November 1st, 2019, Spirit Aikido Online is now live. This podcast is a description of what it is, how it came about, and what its goals are.
For more information, visit:
http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline
Aikido: the Martial Side Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1426312564098161/
Facing some of the main criticisms about aikido not being practical, which are based in the lack of reality in training.
A special episode: the 50th. I'll look at where aikido was 50 years ago, where it is today, and speculate on where it may be in 50 years from now.
An excellent listener question sponsors a number of related topics about whether you know or feel you are good enough to be a black belt rank.
Martial arts work differently for people with different body types. Today's podcast is on some of the differences and how they affect your martial art.
Recent events have gone public about problems in the leadership of the United States Aikido Federation.
A conversation with Robert Van Valkenburgh of Kogen Dojo about atemi (striking) in aikido.
A conversation with Robert Van Valkenburgh of Kogen Dojo about atemi (striking) in aikido.
This podcast is part 1 of 2.
All martial artists deal with frustration and performance plateaus. Some get stuck for a long time and can become so frustrated they think of quitting. This podcast I talk about common sources of frustration and ways to deal with them.
Aikido practitioners tend to have a lot of poor excuses and comebacks to criticism. Are some valid or could we do better?
We look to O-sensei as our inspiration, but is this the best approach? Are there other sources we can also use to improve our aikido?
Kyushojitsu is the use of pressure points. I discuss their use and a bit of background, including Dim Mak.
Why should self-defense be a fairly high priority for any martial artist? Just because you don't see or encounter violence on a regular basis doesn't mean there are no threats, regardless of how safe you believe yourself to be.
This podcast includes some insights to real things in the world around you that need to be understood.
I take a sobering look at the realities of threats to peace and safety. The more you know, the better prepared you are to handle them correctly.
Warning: This podcast includes accounts of violence which may be uncomfortable to hear. Listener discretion is advised.
Link to news story about real attacks:
https://www.fox9.com/news/targeted-for-cell-phones-robbery-victims-beaten-in-downtown-minneapolis-crime-spree
The second of a two part in depth interview with Lenny Sly Sensei in which we discuss the past and present of Steven Seagal Sensei and Tenshin aikido.
The first of a two part in depth interview with Lenny Sly Sensei in which we discuss the past and present of Steven Seagal Sensei and Tenshin aikido.
Titles and colored belts are nearly universal in the martial arts community. Where do they come from and are they a positive or negative influence?
Aikido is often referred to by the lineage of your instructor. Today's podcast covers this topic.
There are some important things to think about when deciding on whether to carry a weapon for self-defense, and if so - what to carry.
Several fantastic comments and points brought up by listeners, along with my thoughts on them.
Pain is a tool every martial artist must understand well, and have not only the control to apply it but the judgment of when it is needed, appropriate, or even useful.
Many students are hesitant to teach. Today I discuss the benefits of teaching and the ramifications if a student avoids it.
I address a listener question about practitioners from other martial arts training in aikido.
It is quite common for practitioners to quit their martial arts training once they get promoted to black belt. This podcast covers some of the reasons why and poses some solutions.
Not all violence is the same, and civilian is far different from sport fighting or military combat. Today we look at who can benefit from the approach aikido specializes in.
Ideas for how getting the best out of the limited time you have for training, both for students and instructors.
A very interesting interview with Matt Stait, a martial artist with abundant real world and competitive experience.
We cover some training, his observations of the videos of Lenny Sly and Corky Quakenbush, as well other fascinating topics. There are a few surprises waiting for you in this one.
If you are interested in Matt's projects, here are links to them so you can find out more.
Prioritizing Self-Defense and Martial Arts:
http://www.prism-org.uk/
Team Fight Back:
https://www.teamfightback.org/
Modern Samurai Online, and link to some of his writings:
http://www.modernsamurai.online/
https://modernsamuraiblog.online/
Modern Samurai YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6XV7UTm-uaGg-LZ4vwjAA
We also mention the new Shinjitsu Aikido Alliance, which I announced in my first podcast, and make another exciting announcement.
Shinjitsu Aikido Alliance Facebook group (all are welcome):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/743269209437153/
We are launching a new organization focused on advancing practical aikido, and using internet technology to help bring practitioners together to share ideas and help one another.
You can reach us through these methods to get involved:
Shinjitsu Aikido Alliance Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/743269209437153/
You can also contact any of the founders through Facebook:
Lenny Sly
Francisco de los Cobos
Tristan Chermack
If you are not on Facebook, you can contact us at this email:
shinjitsuaikidoalliance@gmail.com
Background and perspective on the approach I took to adjust my aikido and the curriculum of my dojo. Also, a bit of my background to explain the considerations behind the decisions I made.
Is what we are told about hakama, the virtues of budo, the use of the word 'osu' accurate? We also look briefly at commonly used honorary titles.
Article about the word 'Osu':
https://www.karatebyjesse.com/meaning-oss-osu-japanese/
Human Behavior Experiment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9O9SokTTA8
A talk on some of the traits of good teachers and good students, and how to identify a good, or not so good, practice group.
Meditations on Violence by Rory Miller:
https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Violence-Comparison-Martial-Training/dp/1594391181
Good authors to check out:
Marc MacYoung
Geoff Thompson
Lawrence Kane
Peyton Quinn
A fairly deep dive into a great listener question.
Film of Kyuzo Mifune:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YS-WF6nlA0
Some points about why aikido tends to be misunderstood, including among aikido practitioners.
O-senseis Writings - Where Did They Really Come From by Stanley Pranin
We use the term 'art' to describe aikido and many other fighting systems. What aspects of art and science does aikido contain?
An in depth look at different aspects of speed and some approaches for how to build it.
Lomanchenko’s recognition and reaction training
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xZARvR7Hd8
Muhammed Ali and Cus D’amato
https://youtu.be/khDld7tnoeY?t=991
What injuries tend to occur with aikido training, and practices which may be hard on the body. Good food for thought when it comes to how you train.
Are you thinking about visiting another aikido dojo or seminar? Here are some useful things to keep in mind before you plan it out.
Some advice for those looking into martial arts for the first time, and how to find the right place for them to train.
Aikicast, part 1
Aikicast: part 2
Does aikido have different styles? There are different organizations and interpretations of aikido.
1950's film "Aikido - Rendez-Vous with Adventure":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IedNBqcG0S4
A conversation with Sensei Francisco de los Cobos, which we talk about what aikido is, the influence of competition on his aikido, and our primary topic - what it is to be a good uke.
This podcast covers the topic of tradition, organizations, seminars, and even rank - and whether these are helping or hurting the growth of aikido as an art.
A continuation of common aikido, martial art, and self-defense myths, including the topic of the use of lethal force for self-defense.
Self-defence against knife attacks: evidence-based approach
https://www.urbanfitandfearless.com/2016/09/self-defence-against-knife-attacks.html
A discussion on the biggest influence on me to re-examine the effectiveness of my aikido - the realities of the knife.
Here are links to the articles I mention in the podcast:
Aikido Journal – Knife Defenses: Death by Disarm
http://aikidojournal.com/2016/09/06/knife-defenses-death-by-disarm/
Self-defence against knife attacks: evidence-based approach
https://www.urbanfitandfearless.com/2016/09/self-defence-against-knife-attacks.html
Correction: I refer to Patrice Bonnafoux incorrectly as 'she' in this episode, when in fact Patrice is a man. Sorry for the error! The information HE gathered and put together is still top notch and very valuable.
Some commonly held beliefs and teachings within aikido are myths.
Want to discuss it? Leave a comment or visit the Facebook group - Aikido: the Martial Side
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1426312564098161/
Some food for thought about aikido's legacy, it's current state, and how it might modernize in the future.