Today, I’m speaking with Jonathan Tucker, 3rd Kyu
Today, I’m speaking with Jonathan Tucker, 3rd Kyu. Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido? Jonathan-san: I did a lot of research. I had a lot of options I but I knew for sure at 30 years old I wasn’t excited about punching bricks and kneeing anything. I watched a lot of Steven Seagal when…
Weapons Seminar Recap
Weapons Seminar Recap Morning Classes Recap By Jack Freund, 2nd Kyu. Kumitachi with Sensei Ed Haponik. The morning session covered two really great topics: Kumi Tachi and Tanto Tori. These are typically Shodan and above level wazas, but are still accessible to many senior-level kyu students. In the Kumi Tachi class with Sensei Haponik, we…
Today, I’m speaking with Casey Roadcap, 6th Kyu
Today, I’m speaking with Casey Roadcap, 6th Kyu Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido? Casey-san:I have a young daughter and I strongly believe she needs to learn and be proficient at self-defense. I became friends with an Aikido of Charlotte student who shared how Aikido is an excellent martial art for women because you…
I’m speaking with Marcus Suarez, 6th Kyu, of Aikido of Charlotte
Today, I’m speaking with Marcus Suarez, 6th Kyu Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido? Marcus-san: I have been boxing on my own for several years, and while I love the physical aspect I wanted to find something that would also incorporate a mental discipline. When I discovered O’Sensei’s teachings and philosophies I knew Aikido…
Aikido is frustrating. It’s supposed to be.
Aikido is frustrating. It’s supposed to be. You’re sitting there. Your legs hurt after a bunch of suwari-waza. The instructor demonstrates a technique, and you can tell there’s some subtlety to it. He shows it 3 times, pronounces its name, and says “Ok, partners”… and there you are, left mainly to your own devices. You…
Today, I’m speaking with Brent Goodroe, 1st Kyu
Today, I’m speaking with Brent Goodroe, 1st Kyu Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido? Brent-san: A combination of things. Seeing Steven Seagal in the movies in the 90’s, my best friend practicing for a bunch of years and also having been around the dojo culture prior to joining and realizing that everyone there had…
I’m speaking with Kelsey Cillo, 6th Kyu
I’m speaking with Kelsey Cillo, 6th Kyu Weiner Sensei: Kelsey-san, What led you to Aikido? Kelsey-san: I’ve always felt like I wanted to know more about self-defense, but I really wanted to pick the martial art that was right for me. I had thought about other striking arts like karate, but ultimately I felt like…
Aikido is fascinating in the way that it glorifies the virtue of humility.
Aikido is fascinating in the way that it glorifies the virtue of humility. I’ve always been a sucker for samurai stories. Honestly, it’s probably a major factor in what drew me to study budo. One of my favorites is “The Taste of Banzo’s Sword”. It involves a young samurai, Yagyu Matajuro, who was sent off…
I’m speaking with Jim Plunkett, 2nd Kyu
I’m speaking with Jim Plunkett, 2nd Kyu Weiner Sensei: Jim-san, What led you to Aikido? Jim-san: I have always had a passion for Martial Arts, even if I did not have the opportunity to actually practice. In the early 80’s, while in High School, I remember reading Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams.…
I’m speaking with Jack Freund, 2nd Kyu
I’m speaking with Jack Freund, 2nd Kyu Weiner Sensei: Jack-san, What led you to Aikido? Jack-san: I first learned about Aikido while I was a youth studying Hapkido and Tang Soo Do. Some of my friends there were also taking Aikido classes and would tell me about the intense, vigorous classes. Later in life, I…
