I’m speaking with Zahid Buttar, 3rd Kyu
I’m speaking with Zahid Buttar, 3rd Kyu Weiner Sensei: Z-san, What led you to Aikido? Z-san: I wanted to learn self defense and the timing in my life was right. Atfer I started I realized this was the thing that could help my mobility and health as I age. Weiner Sensei: How would you describe…
I’m speaking with Chuck Burgess, 4th Kyu
I’m speaking with Chuck Burgess, 4th Kyu Weiner Sensei: Chuck-san, What led you to Aikido? Chuck-san: My mother is mixed Japanese-Filipino and I grew up very close to her side of the family. I’ve been involved in a marital art ever since I was a little kid and I had always wanted to try Aikido…
I’m speaking with Michael Grande, 5th Kyu
I’m speaking with Michael Grande, 5th Kyu Weiner Sensei: Michael-san, What led you to Aikido? Michael-san: Back when I was studying Criminal Justice in college, an acquaintance introduced me to Aikido through a club on campus. Compared to “hard style” martial arts I previous practiced, I quickly found extraordinary benefit in how Aikido practically applied…
Tips for Seminar Training
Here are some Tips for Seminar Training As we enter this Saturday with the 50th Anniversary of Aikido Center of Atlanta featuring the highest level of instruction led by Yamada Sensei, 8th Dan, Shihan, USAF Chief Instructor along with Peter Bernath, 7th Dan, Shihan, USAF Technical Committee and Penny Bernath, 6th Dan, Shihan, Senior Instructor…
I’m speaking with Ed Haponik, 2nd Dan
I’m speaking with Ed Haponik, 2nd Dan Weiner Sensei: Ed-san, What led you to Aikido? Ed-san: I came to aikido through my study of Japanese swordsmanship. I’d studied martial arts throughout my youth, but I really gravitated toward aikido’s spiritual component and its philosophy of seeking harmony instead of domination. Weiner Sensei: How would you…
I’m speaking with Matthew Ladenheim, 2nd Kyu, of Aikido of Charlotte
I’m speaking with Matthew Ladenheim, 2nd Kyu Weiner Sensei: Matthew-san, What led you to Aikido? Matthew-san: Take Sensei – really, his character Mason Storm in the movie “Hard to Kill”. I know it’s totally cheesy, but there is this fantastic scene where Storm is talking about his first martial art instructor. The sensei asks why…
Nage is not your Enemy. Your Ego is.
I wanted to share some insight on how to maximize your practice during a given class. Remember, Nage is not Your Enemy. Your Ego is. I was talking to another student from another dojo that was frustrated because as they are trying to practice, their partner (uke) kept stopping them, correcting them and ultimately preventing…
Student Spotlight – Dan Lantos
Today, I’m speaking with Dan Lantos, 4th Kyu Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido? Dan-san: I had been interested in learning martial arts for many years; at age 37, I decided to stop delaying and sign up. I found that Aikido best matched my personality; I work in health care, and I like the…
Speed. What not to focus on.
The biggest challenge I see in students, especially ones in the 1-3 year mark is the ability to slow down as nage. I know the struggles. I was there too. We, especially the men want to move fast. We want to move as fast as our teachers. We want to move fast because we think…
Student Spotlight – Manuel McGrinson
Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido? Manuel-san: I think my main draw to Aikido was its wholistic approach to martial arts. While Aikido is an effective self-defense tool, the artistry and philosophy that accompanied it, set it apart. My appreciation for Samurai principles and Japanese culture might have had something to do with it…
