Aikido So What Podcast

Episode 9 of An Aiki Minute (Or So) is entitled Causality and Misdirection. In a martial encounter, people tend to think that they understand what is happening and how they should respond. When dealing with aikido, it's not so clear or simple.

Episode 9 of An Aiki Minute (Or So) is entitled Causality and Misdirection. In a martial encounter, people tend to think that they understand what is happening and how they should respond. When dealing with aikido, it's not so clear or simple.

An Aiki Minute (Or So), Episode 8 is entitled Aikido is a Revolutionary Act. Pra​cticing aikido is not merely practicing a martial art. It is, in fact, a revolutionary act in which we practice to change the way we think and act in difficult situations. (2 minutes 12 seconds.)

With COVID-19 on the loose, all dojos are closed. Aikido training is different than it's ever been. (1 minute 13 seconds.)

​Episode 6 of An Aiki Minute (Or So) is entitled ​What is Growth?​​​ ​ in which we discuss the value of stepping out of your comfort zone to learn and practice new things. (1 minute 29 seconds.)

​Episode 5 of An Aiki Minute (Or So) is entitled ​​Why Test?​​​ Let's talk about good reasons for ​going through the rank testing/promotion process that have nothing to do with ego building. (1 minute 54 seconds.)​

Episode 4 of An Aiki Minute (Or So) is entitled Works for What? In this episode, we explore my thoughts on the purposes of a long term practice.

​Episode 3 of An Aiki Minute (Or So) is entitled ​Is Aikido a Martial Art - An Aiki Anaology​. In this episode, I give an analogy which ​describes how aikido can be ​​about self-improvement and an effective self-defense system. (3 minutes and 38 seconds.)​

​Episode 2 of An Aiki Minute (Or So) is entitled ​Do or Jutsu?​​​ We'll explore the ​principle that martial arts aren't necessarily all about combat. ( 1 minute and 11 seconds.)

​Welcome to the first episode of An Aiki Minute . . . (or so). The plan is for each episode ​to be between 1 and 3 minutes. We'll be covering all manner of ​subjects related to aikido, whether they be training, philosophy, controversial stuff, and just plain fun ideas. ​My plan is to post several times per […]

In Aikido Stories Episode 6, Kimberly Richardson Sensei tells us 3 stories: about her early training with Mary Heiny Sensei, one of her first experiences as a chief instructor, and the highlight of our episode, about trying to catch a flight home a few days after 9/11. In Aikido Stories Episode 6, Kimberly Richardson Sensei […]

In Aikido Stories Podcast Episode 4, Craig Fife Sensei tells of how he began his transition from outlaw biker to the great teacher we know today. In Aikido Stories Podcast Episode 4, Craig Fife Sensei tells of how he began his transition from outlaw biker to the great teacher we know today.

In Aikido Stories Episode 3, Michael Friedl Shihan tells of how he almost quit aikido and how his teacher, Clyde Takeguchi Sensei, lured him back in. It’s a great story. In Aikido Stories Episode 3, Michael Friedl Shihan tells of how he almost quit aikido and how his teacher, Clyde Takeguchi Sensei, lured him back […]

In Aikido Stories Episode 2, Michael Friedl Shihan tells of his first experience with aikido. At the time, in 1972, Friedl Shihan was a 2nd degree black belt in karate and had his own dojo. One of his students was also taking aikido and invited Friedl Shihan to check it out. In Aikido Stories Episode […]

Insert Video In this first episode, Frank Bloksberg shares an incident that happened in the 1970s when he was a trumpet player in a college marching band. Some guy, flanked by his friends, thought it would be a good idea to pick on him. Aikido excitement ensues. Don’t worry, no bullies were harmed in the […]

Since we opened the dojo almost 7 years ago, I’ve heard quite the array of pronunciations for our dojo name — Aikido’Ka. In this brief audio clip, Lawrence Lee Kenyon gives us the correct way to say our name. Lawrence Lee’s dad, Eric Kenyon, asks the key question. Enjoy. I know I did. Lawrence Lee […]

Here’s a brief video of Kahlil practicing soft ukemi (soft falls, also known as feather falls). You’ll see two parts of the practice. First, Kahlil practices a stretch on the ground followed by a roll. Second, Kahlil practices that same roll off of his dad’s back while his dad is down on all fours. You’ll […]

In this interview, I talk to the remarkable Mary Heiny Sensei. We talked at the June 2009 Aiki Retreat in Atherton, California. Heiny Sensei talks about her early years in aikido and the benefits of aikido.  In particular, Heiny Sensei discusses how anyone can get the benefits of aikido, no matter your physical condition. Heiny […]

While I was at the Aikido Summer Retreat last month, I interviewed several senior aikido teachers.  I’ll be posting them every week, or so. The first interview is with my aikido teacher, Michael Friedl Sensei.  Friedl Sensei is a 6th degree black belt, chief instructor of Aikido of Ashland and a great guy.  We talk […]