Modern Aikidoist Podcast

Is combatives training useful, or the best approach for self-defense training?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

We cover a variety of topics about aikido and its future, including suggestions from members of the Aikido: the Martial Side forum.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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=AikidoShudokanFor more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG 

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?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

Our discussion dives deep and covers an examination of many aspects of how we can adjust aikido's martial future.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

Our discussion covers many aspects of the relationship between aikido and grappling, including whether aikido is a grappling art.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

We discuss adjusting your training to make your aikido more martially viable, useful and practical for self-defense.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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?Edit: My apologies. The intro from the previous episode is at the beginning, but the interview is the one with Ellis Amdur, not Remy Helgesen.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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=PLA520V4pOPWKrvo27LauSOC8qiPQKH7hKFor more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

It is often said of aikido that it doesn't require strength. Is this strictly true? Not necessarily.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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/For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

Reg shares his background with live weapons training and how it helped him improve his aikido and both self-defense and self-protection skills.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

What is the martial mindset and how should martial artists use it within our training.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

Budo, the way of the warrior, is the underlying principle of the martial arts path. We explore Budo in this in depth discussion.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

We discuss the state of aikido prior to covid, the impact of covid, and where aikido may go from here.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

Our discussion covers the timings of attack (go no sen, sen, sen no sen, and sensen no sen) and their relationship to self-defense.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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-hsyHEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4e8Rzkz_FwYagyu Shingan-ryu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8dobbUP7lUOno-ha Itto-ryu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7jQXBai9-kYagyu Shinkage-ryu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfhtYKQ-iU0Hozoin-ryu Yari:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lnmg6g4R6cKashima Shinto-ryu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI-sR6BGH7sPre-war Embu at Omoto:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmMgMRS9bScManiwa Nen-ryu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIgzMdtZ_HIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xrBgqXAJTYHidden in Plain Sight by Ellis Amdur:https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Plain-Sight-Esoteric-Traditions/dp/1937439321For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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/nytomikiAl's school: https://www.watanabejudo.com/For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

What is it to build high level skill, and transfer that skill to students?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

Grappling is an important part of the skill set of a well-rounded martial artist.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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/ebookKnow 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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

Our discussion covers these two topics: What is aikido missing, and where did aikido stray off track?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

We hear about how devastating an eye jab can be. Here we see how it goes and the effects of one.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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/UCL7R7Ex1yhibJXYJ8KmXRLAFor more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

One of the most common clichés about self-defense is to "just run away" from violence. We discuss this in depth. For more information about Spirit Aikido Online: http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline Paypal tipjar: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video even more.  For more information about Spirit Aikido Online: http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline Paypal tipjar: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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.  For more information about Spirit Aikido Online: http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline Paypal tipjar: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG