Modern Aikidoist Podcast
Episodes
Ep. 205: Training in Regular Clothing
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the differences, advantages and limitations, in your aikido when training in street clothes and shoes. There are some fun and interesting thin...
Ep. 204: Aikido's Elegance - Good or Bad?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aikido is viewed as an elegant and beautiful martial art. Are these traits beneficial to the art itself or do they get in the way of aikido's effe...
Ep. 203: Combatives - Good or Bad?
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is combatives training useful, or the best approach for self-defense training?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/...
Ep. 202: Training for Our Modern Age
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ep...
Ep. 201: Making Your Martial Art Your Own
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
Ep. 200: When is a Martial Art Too Specialized? - with Matt Stait
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 199: Aikido's Past and Present with Marcus Encel
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Ep. 197: Deep Dive on Atemi
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 196: The Issues with Aikido's Weapons
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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&...
Ep. 195: Aikido and Its Future - with Tengu
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We cover a variety of topics about aikido and its future, including suggestions from members of the Aikido: the Martial Side forum.For more informatio...
Ep. 194: Teaching De-escalation in Training - with Dunken Francis
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Ep. 193: The Future of Yoshinkan Aikido - with Joe Thambu
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the future of Yoshinkan aikido, and the material shared in the first of three conversations posted on the Aikido Shudokan YouTube channel.L...
Ep. 192: Next Evolution in Martial Arts - with Matt Stait and John Keeley
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The martial arts are going through a major evolution in a number of ways currently. Our discussion covers how this affects dojos and practitioners ali...
Ep. 191: Reimagining the Dojo and Training - with Col. Todd Hulsey
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 190: Aikido Renaissance? - with John Keeley
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 189: Aikido Pressure Testing - with Dunken Francis
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Martial arts training must include a live element to develop applicable skills and discover deficiencies. Our discussion covers how to approach this, ...
Ep. 188: Aikido and Grappling - with Steven Scott
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our discussion covers many aspects of the relationship between aikido and grappling, including whether aikido is a grappling art.For more information ...
Ep. 187: Aikido and Striking - with Oliver Martinez
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 186: When Etiquette Goes Too Far - with Ellis Amdur and Steven Scott
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Ep. 185: Training Martial Aikido - with Rionne Fujiwara
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss adjusting your training to make your aikido more martially viable, useful and practical for self-defense.For more information about Spirit ...
Ep. 164: Is Aikido a Defensive Art? - with Ellis Amdur
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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?Ed...
Ep. 183: Real Violence and Aikido Training - with Remy Helgesen
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 v...
Ep. 182: "Can We Fix Aikido?" - with Dunken Francis
07 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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:...
Ep. 181: Is Using Strength in Aikido Bad Form?
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is often said of aikido that it doesn't require strength. Is this strictly true? Not necessarily.For more information about Spirit Aikido Onlin...
Ep. 180: How Martial Arts are Evolving - with Steven Scott
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 mo...
Ep. 179: Is There a Revolution In the Martial Arts Right Now? - with Matt Stait
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 178: Ups and Downs of Various Martial Arts - with Oliver Martinez
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 177: Did Aikido Come From the Battlefield? - with Ellis Amdur
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 176: How Do You Handle a Fast Opponent? - With Steven Scott
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Ep. 175: How Does Weapons Practice Improve Aikido? - with Reg Sakamoto
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 174: Is Aikido Really Conflict Management? - with Dan Trailescu
05 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is commonly believed and stated that aikido is about conflict management. Is it true and does aikido training really cover conflict management skil...
Ep. 173: The Martial Mindset - with Paul Cale
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the martial mindset and how should martial artists use it within our training.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spirit...
Ep. 172: What is Budo? - with Joe Thambu
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 informatio...
Ep. 171: The Future of Aikido? - with Oliver Martinez
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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:...
Ep. 170: The Value of Irimi to Aikido - with Steven Scott
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Ep. 169: Is Ki Real or BS?
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep. 168: When Should You Go Physical? - with Remy Helgesen
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 informa...
Ep. 167: Aikido's History and Background - with Ellis Amdur
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 Morehe...
Ep. 166: The Fence - with Matt Stait
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss 'the Fence', made widely known by Geoff Thompson. We discuss using the hands as a protective barrier for situations which pose some...
Ep. 165L The Art of Self-Protection - with Oliver Martinez and Dan Trailescu
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 minds...
Ep. 164: Kenji Tomiki and Shodokan Aikido - with Al Blanco
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 br...
Ep. 163: Aikido's Image Problem - with Steven Scott
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ep. 162: Teaching and Learning Excellence - with Joe Thambu
05 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is it to build high level skill, and transfer that skill to students?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/s...
Ep. 161: The Importance of Grappling - A Conversation with Brendan Needham
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grappling is an important part of the skill set of a well-rounded martial artist.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.c...
Ep. 160: The Realm of Conflict - A Conversation with Tony Blauer
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An in depth conversation on what martial artists often misunderstand about conflict, how it turns into violence, and the profound affects it has on se...
Ep. 159: What Makes Aikido? A Conversation with Reg Sakamoto
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An in depth discussion on what traits are specific to aikido, both physical as well as spiritual/philosophical.For more information about Spirit Aikid...
Ep. 158: Where Did Aikido Go Wrong?
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our discussion covers these two topics: What is aikido missing, and where did aikido stray off track?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:h...
Ep. 157: The Unsolvable Training Problem - with Steven Scott
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Ep. 156: A Study in Real Violence - The Eye Jab
18 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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:/...
Ep. 155: Adopting Self-Defense Training into Aikido
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 sel...
Ep. 154: The "Run Away" Strategy - with Matt Stait
28 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 Sp...
Ep. 153: A Study in Real Violence - Best Example for Avoiding the Ground
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video even more.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonli...
Ep. 152: Koichi Tohei's Ki Principles - with Oliver Martinez
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Koichi Tohei codified four principles of ki, also referred to as the principles of mind-body unification. We discuss these principles and their releva...
Ep. 151: A Study in Real Violence - A Consensual Fight You Can't Avoid?
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Martial artists often believe that they will never take part in a fight willingly. Is this belief true? Watch this video and give it some thought.For ...
Ep. 150: Is Aikido a Complete Art? - with Dan Trailescu
24 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We go in depth on the controversial topic of whether aikido has enough within it to be a comprehensive art, or if it is merely an add on art as some b...
Ep. 149: Training Aikido for Reality - with Martyn Williams
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss training with a focus on real world situations, adopting skills and methods to make aikido applicable for self-defense.For more informat...
Ep. 148: Martial Arts in the Movies - with Dr. Jon Xue Zhang
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Movie and TV present martial arts and violence in a certain way. Whether we like it or not, it affects how we perceive them and forms our expectations...
Ep. 147: Aikido's Issues and Solutions - with Christopher Hein, Steven Scott & Robert Silas
04 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Looking toward the positive, we try to identify aikido's biggest issues and discuss potential solutions towards a healthy future of the art.For...
Ep. 146: Hard vs. Soft Aikido - with Robert Silas
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are many different perspectives on aikido, including the difference between so-called hard and soft styles. We get into the topic rather deeply,...
Ep. 145: Ranks in Martial Arts - with Reg Sakamoto
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the influence of rank, and even titles, within the martial arts and whether they are constructive.For more information about Spirit Aiki...
Ep. 144: Aikido's Criticisms and Excuses - with Brandon Needham and Dan Holloway
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are many criticisms of aikido, and some are quite valid. We cover a number of them and the most common responses used to justify them.For mor...
Ep. 143: Sutemiwaza (Sacrifice Throws) - with Dan Holloway
14 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We go in depth answering a listener question about the role of sacrifice throws in martial arts. Our discussion covers the differences between sport a...
Ep. 142: Knives and Lethal Force - with Matt Stait
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our discussion covers a number of topics which are integral to understanding the realities of knives (and other deadly weapons) as well as the implica...
Ep. 141: The Warrior Spirit - with Col. Todd Hulsey
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our conversation goes into depth about the warrior spirit and the warrior mindset. We discuss how the relates to martial arts and training, as well as...
Ep. 140 - Conversation with Rionne Fujiwara and D.J. Lortie
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion on the importance of the physical side of martial arts training, and how it leads to the mental and spiritual realms.For more informat...
Ep. 139 - Randori Breakdown: Steven Seagal
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An in depth analysis of Steven Seagal's randori, and how his method translates to his movie action sequences.For more information about Spirit Aik...
Ep. 138 - Conversation with Brian Bates of Bunkai Bastards
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A fascinating discussion where Brian shares his experience with realizing his martial art needed to be practical, and what he did about - including le...
Ep. 137 - Conversation with Iain Abernathy
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our discussion includes breaking from the limits of strict tradition to explore practical martial arts skills.Website: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk...
Ep. 136 - Conversation with Philip Greenwood
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss Shoji Nishio Shihan, his history and influence on aikido.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaiki...
Ep. 135 - Conversation with Rionne Fujiwara
04 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss cross training, the atmosphere of culture at Aikikai hombu dojo, and take a variety of viewer questions. Rionne also shares his opinion on ...
Ep. 134 - Conversation with Josh Gold
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss Stanley Prannin and Josh's massive project of taking over Aikido Journal. We cover his experimentation with Jeff Imada and putting aiki...
Ep. 133 - Conversation with Larry Reynosa
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An in depth interview with Larry Reynosa Shihan. He goes into detail about his kyu testing format up through the ranks, as well as his views on the fu...
Ep. 132 - What Makes a Great Uke?
07 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Being an excellent uke (training partner) in aikido requires many skills and the right mindset. For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http:/...
Ep. 131 - Conversation with Joe Thambu
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss cultivating the martial spirit, teaching, commanding respect as an instructor, and much more.For more information about Spirit Aikido Onlin...
Ep. 130 - The Lead up to Attack: What Martial Arts Training Doesn't Cover
24 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The interview is the process used leading up to many real world attacks. It isn't random, except to the target. I go into detail of the process an...
Ep. 129 - Aikido Self-Defense: Conversation with John Thompson
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the new course I put together for Aikido University - Aikido-Based Self-Defense. This course is everything I did to overhaul the first belt...
Ep. 128 - Randori Breakdown: Mitsugi Saotome
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An analysis of a great clip of a randori by Mitsugi Saotome from 1970.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritai...
Ep. 127 - Koryu, Musashi, and Budo: A Conversation with Reg Sakamoto
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss koryu arts and how they differ from practical arts, as well as some history of Miyamoto Musashi. We also discuss aikido in the real world, ...
Ep. 126 - Conversation with Azu from Aikidoflow
25 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our discussion covers some of Azu's experiences with aikido on the job as a doorman and bouncer. We also get talking about how aikido training can...
Ep. 125 - Tradition and Violence - Conversation with Jon Xue Zhang
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We start out the discussion on the topic of how tradition can degrade the quality of a martial art, and go from there. We also discuss real world viol...
Ep. 124 - Conversation with Franscisco de los Cobos
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the positive influences on our aikido which come from martial sport fighting. We specifically shed light on some major misunderstandings an...
Ep. 123 - A Conversation with Bruce Bookman and Ellis Amdur
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss training in other arts and how they influence aikido, collaborative projects between Bruce and Ellis, and much more.Links mentioned in the ...
Ep. 122 - Randori Breakdown: Gozo Shioda
29 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An in depth analysis of some clips of Gozo Shioda's randori.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoon...
Ep. 121 - Bill Sosa Shihan and Cross Training
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with Sensei Oliver Martinez. We discuss the background of Bill Sosa Shihan and the influences he brought into his aikido. For more inform...
Ep. 120 - Real Life Violence Situations - Strategy of Self-Protection
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Two recent, real-world attacks serve as good learning lessons for us. Violence can happen anywhere and be initiated by the most unexpected of sources....
Ep. 119 - Judo, Ju-jitsu, Karate, Sumo, and Aikido
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, these are separate and distinct arts. What is their relationship?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spirit...
Ep. 118 - The Place for Kicks in Aikido
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kicks are an integral part of fighting. What usefulness would kicks provide to an aikido practitioner?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:...
Ep. 117 - What Makes a Technique Viable for Self-Defense?
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This discussion covers how to watch demonstrations and video, and identify specifics which make techniques useful and practical.For more information a...
Ep. 116 - Is Power a Virtue?
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is the power we train to have a virtue, and what responsibilities and obligations go with that power?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:h...
Ep. 115 - Turning Up the Throttle in Your Training
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some effective ways to increase the intensity of your training, and things to avoid.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikid...
Ep. 114 - Modernize Aikido Weapons - Exciting Announcement!
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An examination on the weapons of aikido and how their study may be adapted to better fit modern times.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:...
Ep. 113 - Violence and Negotiation
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What is the relationship between violence and negotiation, and why is it relevant to martial artists?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:h...
Ep. 112 - The Curse of Mainstream Martial Arts
03 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A different take on a probably the most important issue with martial arts training which results in students with no practical skills. Including, how ...
Ep. 111 - Learn to Conquer Overthinking
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Overthinking is a common problem with martial arts training.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline...
Matt Stait Interview with Tristan Chermack on the Martial Arts GB Business Group Arts
15 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss aikido as a self-defense capable martial art, the current state and aikido's future, and other various topics in a friendly and provoca...
Ep. 110 - Practical Ideas for Cross Training
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Training in other arts is beneficial to your growth as a martial artist.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spirit...
Ep. 109 - How Are Videos Affecting Aikido?
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Films and videos have generated interest in aikido. New developments in how video is created and distributed has had profound affects on how aikido is...
Ep. 108 - The Future of Aikido - A New Approach to Organizations
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Organizations are a tradition and common in all martial arts. Are they a blessing or a curse to the art(s) themselves? Is there a better system?For mo...
Ep. 107 - What if Aikido Had Bruce Lee?
19 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Lee brought massive innovations to Wing Chun and modernized it. What if someone did something similar to aikido?For more information about Spiri...
Ep. 106 - Aikido's Bokken and Jo
12 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The bokken (wooden sword) and jo (walking stick) are core parts of aikido's curriculum. Are the way these are practiced and studied valid and usef...