by SIMONE CHIERCHINI - This interview with Dr Karl Friedrich Leisinger, then president of the European Aikido Federation, was realised by Simone Chierchini in 1989. Leisinger's words capture in a precise and almost prophetic way causes and effects of the imminent collapse of the system based on large national Aikikai organisations and the Aikikai Hombu Dojo support to resident Shihans
by SIMONE CHIERCHINI - The fathers of Aikido are almost all gone. It is now up to their children to take the responsibility of placing our art in a profoundly changed world. Where is Aikido going in the 21st century? What is our place in the age of Zumba and MMA? What are we to do with the wonderful legacy that our tatami foster fathers left us? It is about time that the new generation of senior Aikido teachers begins to wonder, because the future is now
by SIMONE CHIERCHINI - Aikido Italia Network is glad to present the English version of this interview with Masuda Seijuro Shihan, 8th Dan Aikikai Hombu Dojo. The interview was realised by Simone Chierchini and published for the first time in 1989 by “Aikido”, the official magazine of the Italian Aikikai
by CARLO CAPRINO - In an excellent article published by Aikido Italia Network, Ellis Amdur Sensei tells how, after a particularly demanding "fight" with a fellow practitioner who had put some of his martial certainties in crisis, thanks to a dream he found a way to integrate the information acquired in that exchange into his skills. The dream allowed him to increase his practical knowledge in a way more directly based on experience than theoretically elaborated
by SIMONE CHIERCHINI - Years go by but the story is always the same, again and again: that of assorted martial artists who have nothing better to do but spend their precious time criticizing every aspect of Aikido. Time to have a word!
by MATTHIEU JEANDEL - I have been practising and teaching Aikido for more than 20 years now, and as time passes, more and more comments discredit the practice, always quicker to pop up, as sharp as a Katana blade...
by SIMONE CHIERCHINI - Fiore de' Liberi's name is little known name among Japanese Budo enthusiasts, although his work was of primary importance in Medieval European fencing history. We are pleased to present an overview of his personal life and of his richly illustrated 14th-century manual, the “Flos Duellatorum”, presented in a downloadable version. The similarity between Fiore's techniques and those of the Japanese classic tradition is amazing
by PAUL WILDISH - More than anyone else, Ohba Hideo sensei can be considered the ‘teacher’ of Tomiki Aikido. Prof. Tomiki was the architect of Kyogi (Competitive) Aikido, the developer of systems and technique and conductor of seminars. As Tomiki had his professorial duties at Waseda and his academic work within the Kodokan and learned Budo societies, it was very much Ohba’s job to teach the student clubs and develop the next generation of teachers. I have always described Ohba as the most perfect self-effacing disciple but I think he deserves to be considered the most perfect partner that Tomiki could have wished for
by ANDRÉ COGNARD - The limitations caused by the restrictions on travel and meeting have led to dojo closures (in France, as well as in Italy and other parts of the world). Many students are wondering how to continue studying Budo and training
by SIMONE CHIERCHINI - This interview with Hideki Hosokawa sensei was realised by Simone Chierchini in 1988 and at the time published by "Aikido", the Italian Aikikai magazine. Regrettably, Hosokawa sensei has been absent from the Aikido scene for several years now due to a serious illness that has prevented him from returning to teaching. We are confident that the Aikido international community will take an interest in his words
