Modern Aikidoist Podcast

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. Prioritiz...

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 Franci...

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

Some thoughts on how love relates to aikido.

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.

We take a look at the phrase used by many aikidoka: That's not aikido!

Can aikido benefit from competition, and if so - how?

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.