Modern Aikidoist Podcast

Ep. 105 - What Does a Black Belt Mean?

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The black belt is a widely recognized standard, but what does it mean?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritai...

Ep. 104 - Rules in a Fight?

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It is often said "there are no rules in a fight", but is this true?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spi...

Ep. 103 - Solo Training Ideas

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A variety of creative ways to approach your aikido training without needing a partner. For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritai...

Ep. 102 - The Violence Aikido Was Designed For

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A deeper look at what kind of violence aikido is particularly suited for.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiri...

Ep. 101 - Musashi and the Sword

22 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese sword is a revered weapon in aikido. Miyamoto Musashi is one of the most famous swordsmen of history, and his influence on Japanese marti...

100th Episode - How Aikido is Growing

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

100th anniversary episode! Some interesting and exciting developments, and a few behind the scenes insights.For more information about Spirit Aikido O...

Ep. 099 - Coronavirus and Martial Arts Training

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is going on with coronavirus and how is it impacting martial arts? Things are moving very fast, and the impacts are proving to be profound.For mo...

Ep. 098 - The Warrior Mindset

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Virtually every martial artist envisions themselves as a warrior. What are the traits of a warrior?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:htt...

Ep. 097 - Koppo Jitsu: Aikido's Dark Side

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Aikido is known as "the art of peace". Koppo Jitsu refers to techniques which cause injury or death. How does aikido reconcile this?Article &#...

Ep. 096 - Practical Ways to Improve Aikido's Reputation

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to regain aikido's reputation? I think it is. Here are some thoughts on how that might work.For more information about Spirit Aikid...

Ep. 095 - Logical Fallacies in Martial Arts Arguments

23 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Logical fallacies are common to poor arguments, and these plague the martial arts community. Learn to spot the most common ones so you can avoid falli...

Ep. 094 - Approaching Knife Defense Training

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Aikido knife defenses need to be overhauled and updated. I go into my crisis of faith regarding knife defenses, and share the approach I decided on to...

Ep. 093 - Using Gloves and Protective Equipment for Training

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How useful are gloves and protective equipment, and what are some of their uses?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.co...

Ep. 092 - Training for Reality

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I go in depth on the reason aikido training tends to fall short for preparing practitioners for real violence, and some creative training ideas which ...

Ep. 091 - The Trinity of Training: Form, Power, and Speed

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learning new skills follow this method to acquire competence as directly as possible.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaiki...

Ep. 090 - Is Aikido Too Complicated and Intricate?

09 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Aikido has come complex and easy to fail techniques. Too much so for self-defense?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido....

Ep. 089 - The Budo-Bujitsu-Bushido Shell Game

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

These terms are constant source of debate about what they truly mean. For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritai...

Ep. 088 - Throwing vs. Joint Locks vs. Strikes - Which are More Dangerous?

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some important facts about and history behind the use of throws, joint locks, and strikes in aikido.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:ht...

Ep. 087 - Are Chokes Immoral?

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chokes are integral to martial arts and physical conflict, but is using them immoral?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaiki...

Ep. 086 - Is Your Dojo a Talent Hotbed?

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is a talent hotbed, and how does it relate to your training?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoo...

Ep. 085 - The Holy Grail of Learning: Deep Practice

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Making the most out of your practice time is a benefit to students. Being able to do this as an instructor will make your classes far more effective.Y...

Ep 084 - BOMBSHELL! Mitsuteru Ueshiba's Letter from the Aikikai

21 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thoughts on the letter recently sent out by the Aikikai, and the ramifications of it.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaiki...

Ep. 083 - Looking for People Who Want to Excel at Aikido Randori

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Randori in aikido is the ultimate expression of its capabilities. This is my interest and passion, and I'm looking for like minds and people who w...

Ep. 082 - Your Art Belongs to You

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The importance of owning your technique and your art. For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline

Ep. 081 - Is Your Master BSing You?

14 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do we know if what we are being taught is correct?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline

Ep. 080 - Red Flag Body Language

10 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Spotting body language which indicates aggression or that a fight is about to start is a valuable skill.For more information about Spirit Aikido Onlin...

Ep. 079 - Crucial Performance Skill: Energy Management

07 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most important and most overlooked skills of the application of martial arts. For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spirit...

Ep. 078 - The Good and Bad of the Online Martial Arts Community

04 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some observations about the martial arts online world and how it can be beneficial to the growth of martial arts, if we can get past the nonsense.For ...

Ep. 077 - My Test Criteria Overhaul

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How and why I completely overhauled my rank test criteria to better suit aikido from a self-defense perspective, and to give students a solid base in ...

Ep. 076 - Aikido and Self-Defense

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aikido's relationship with self-defense, and its identity as a martial art. I also cover my experience with cross training to make my aikido more ...

Ep. 075 - Dealing with Difficult Partners

27 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has been faced with difficult partners. How can you turn it into a positive experience?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http:/...

Ep. 074 - Your Dojo: A Magical Place, a Dead Place, or a Toxic Place?

26 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What is the culture and atmosphere which has been created in your dojo, or the dojo you are looking at joining? For more information about Spirit Aiki...

Ep. 073 - Learning to End a Fight

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The purpose of aikido is a matter of debate, which means it is not clear. If aikido is to remain a martial art, what exactly is its goal?For more info...

Ep. 072 - Learning Aikido Outside of Class

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There are several ways to add to your aikido training on your own.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikido...

Ep, 071 - The Stupidity of Kata

19 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kata are ubiquitous with martial arts training, but are they beneficial to building excellence?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://...

Ep. 070 - Is Aikido's Origin the Ancient Japanese Battlefield?

15 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I examine this common claim.Video of samurai re-enactors:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giJ928xjeRA  For more information about Spirit Aikido Online...

Ep. 069 - Traits of an Outstanding Teacher

13 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Thoughts on what makes a superb teacher.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline

Ep. 068 - Traits of an Outstanding Martial Artist

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Thoughts on what makes an elite martial artist, and the specific traits they tend to have.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiri...

Ep. 067 - The Next Evolution and the Future of Martial Arts - Interview with Tony Pacenski

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion on the current state of martial arts currently and the potential future. Check out Tony's new program:https://www.gunjiuniversity.com...

Ep. 066 - Does Aikido Need Another Movie Star?

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aikido's popularity tends to pick up when it is seen in movies and on TV. Would it help aikido to get this attention again?For more information ab...

Ep. 065 - How To Stay Motivated in Your Martial Arts Training

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I address a listener question about staying motivated. There are many reasons why you may struggle to keep motivated. Here are things to watch for and...

Ep. 064 - Why Do Organizations Suck?

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An examination of why martial arts organizations are more detrimental than they are helpful to the arts they are supposed to support and grow.For more...

Ep. 063 - Is Aikido a Complete Art?

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A common claim that aikido is a complete art, but is it true?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlin...

Ep. 062 - Was O-sensei a Good Teacher?

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The founder of aikido was a phenomenal martial artist by all accounts, but can we say he was a good teacher?For more information about Spirit Aikido O...

Ep. 061 - Do 90% of Fights End Up On the Ground?

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This common claim has been going around the martial arts community since the first UFC. What is the truth?For more information about Spirit Aikido Onl...

Ep. 060 - Why Do Seminars Suck?

23 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Seminars are often disappointing, and no one really wants to admit it.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritai...

Ep. 059 - Martial Arts for Real Life

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can real people who do not train like professional fighters learn to deal with highly skilled opponents? Some perspective on the expectations people o...

Ep. 058 - Ki Power - What Is It Exactly?

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ki is an integral aspect of aikido, but there is great confusion about what exactly it is.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiri...

Ep. 057 - Steven Seagal and Tenshin Dojo - Interview with Jorge Angulo

16 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An interview with Jorge Angulo, a long time (and current) student of Steven Seagal, sheds more light on the past and present of Steven Seagal and Tens...

Ep. 056 - True Victory is Victory Over Oneself

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A deeper look at the phrase masaktasu agatsu.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonline

Ep. 055 - The Problem with Aikido and the Jab

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A fast jab poses a problem most aikidoka have experienced. How do we solve it?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/...

Ep. 054 - Steven Seagal and Tenshin Aikido - Interview with Jaime Calderon

10 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A interview with Jaime Calderon sensei to clarify information provided in my interview with Lenny Sly sensei.For more information about Spirit Aikido ...

Ep. 053 - Announcing: Spirit Aikido Online is Live!

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As of November 1st, 2019, Spirit Aikido Online is now live. This podcast is a description of what it is, how it came about, and what its goals are.For...

Ep. 052 - How Much Time Should I Spend Training?

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A common question from new and prospective students.

Ep. 051 - Aikido's Problem About Reality

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Facing some of the main criticisms about aikido not being practical, which are based in the lack of reality in training.

Ep. 050 - Where Will Aikido Be in 50 Years?

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A special episode: the 50th. I'll look at where aikido was 50 years ago, where it is today, and speculate on where it may be in 50 years from now.

Ep. 049 - Now I'm a Black Belt, Am I Good Enough?

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An excellent listener question sponsors a number of related topics about whether you know or feel you are good enough to be a black belt rank.

Ep. 048 - Aikido and Sun Tzu, Part 2

20 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Excerpts of the Art of War and how they relate to aikido.

Ep. 047 - Aikido and Sun Tzu, Part 1

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Excerpts of the Art of War and how they relate to aikido.

Ep. 046 - Different Body Types

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Martial arts work differently for people with different body types. Today's podcast is on some of the differences and how they affect your martial...

Ep. 045 - Political Turmoil in the USAF

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Recent events have gone public about problems in the leadership of the United States Aikido Federation.

Ep. 044 - Atemi: Conversation with Robert Van Valkenburgh - Part 2

08 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A conversation with Robert Van Valkenburgh of Kogen Dojo about atemi (striking) in aikido.

Ep. 043 - Atemi: Conversation with Robert Van Valkenburgh - Part 1

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A conversation with Robert Van Valkenburgh of Kogen Dojo about atemi (striking) in aikido.This podcast is part 1 of 2.

Ep. 042 - Dealing with Frustration and Overcoming Plateaus

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

All martial artists deal with frustration and performance plateaus. Some get stuck for a long time and can become so frustrated they think of quitting...

Ep. 041 - Tearing Down Aikido's Excuses

28 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aikido practitioners tend to have a lot of poor excuses and comebacks to criticism. Are some valid or could we do better?

Ep. 040 - Looking Forward, Looking Back

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We look to O-sensei as our inspiration, but is this the best approach? Are there other sources we can also use to improve our aikido?

Ep. 039 - Is Kyushojitsu Practical or Reliable in a Real Fight?

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kyushojitsu is the use of pressure points. I discuss their use and a bit of background, including Dim Mak.

Ep. 038 - Why Self Defense? The Dark Side of Humans

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Why should self-defense be a fairly high priority for any martial artist? Just because you don't see or encounter violence on a regular basis does...

Ep. 037 - Steven Seagal and Tenshin Aikido - Interview with Lenny Sly, Part 2

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The second of a two part in depth interview with Lenny Sly Sensei in which we discuss the past and present of Steven Seagal Sensei and Tenshin aikido.

Ep. 036 - Steven Seagal and Tenshin Aikido - Interview with Lenny Sly, Part 1

08 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The first of a two part in depth interview with Lenny Sly Sensei in which we discuss the past and present of Steven Seagal Sensei and Tenshin aikido.

Ep. 035 - Are Ranks, Titles, and Belt Tests Useful?

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Titles and colored belts are nearly universal in the martial arts community. Where do they come from and are they a positive or negative influence?

Ep. 034 - The Power of Attack - Taking Initiative and Keeping It

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Action beats reaction, and this podcast is about this crucial fundamental of conflict.

Ep. 033 - What Is Lineage and Is Lineage Important?

01 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aikido is often referred to by the lineage of your instructor. Today's podcast covers this topic.

Ep. 032 - Carrying a Weapon for Self-Defense

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There are some important things to think about when deciding on whether to carry a weapon for self-defense, and if so - what to carry.

Ep. 031 - Great Listener Comments from Previous Podcasts

25 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Several fantastic comments and points brought up by listeners, along with my thoughts on them.

Ep. 030 - The Upsides and Downsides of Pain Compliance

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pain is a tool every martial artist must understand well, and have not only the control to apply it but the judgment of when it is needed, appropriate...

Ep. 029 - How Teaching Makes You Better

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Many students are hesitant to teach. Today I discuss the benefits of teaching and the ramifications if a student avoids it.

Ep. 028 - Merging Other Martial Arts with Aikido

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I address a listener question about practitioners from other martial arts training in aikido.

Ep. 027 - Why Do Students Quit Once They Receive Their Black Belt?

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It is quite common for practitioners to quit their martial arts training once they get promoted to black belt. This podcast covers some of the reasons...

Ep. 026 - Occupations Aikido Training Can Be Invaluable To

10 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Not all violence is the same, and civilian is far different from sport fighting or military combat. Today we look at who can benefit from the approach...

Ep. 025 - Making the Most of Training Time

06 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ideas for how getting the best out of the limited time you have for training, both for students and instructors.

Ep. 024 - Interview with Matt Stait - Insights on Training

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A very interesting interview with Matt Stait, a martial artist with abundant real world and competitive experience. We cover some training, his obser...

Ep. 023 - Announcing: New Aikido Project!

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We are launching a new organization focused on advancing practical aikido, and using internet technology to help bring practitioners together to share...

Ep. 022 - A Journey of Making Aikido Practical for Self-Defense

25 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Background and perspective on the approach I took to adjust my aikido and the curriculum of my dojo. Also, a bit of my background to explain the consi...

Ep. 021 - Hakama, Virtues of Budo, and Other Traditions

22 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Is what we are told about hakama, the virtues of budo, the use of the word 'osu' accurate? We also look briefly at commonly used honorary titl...

Ep. 020 - The Duties of Teachers and Students

19 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A talk on some of the traits of good teachers and good students, and how to identify a good, or not so good, practice group.

Ep. 019 - Dealing with Real Violence

16 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Meditations on Violence by Rory Miller:https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Violence-Comparison-Martial-Training/dp/1594391181Good authors to check out:...

Ep. 018 - Aikido is Love

13 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some thoughts on how love relates to aikido.

Ep. 017 - What Makes Aikido a Viable Martial Art in Today's Combat Landscape?

11 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A fairly deep dive into a great listener question.Film of Kyuzo Mifune:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YS-WF6nlA0 

Ep. 016 - Why is Aikido So Misunderstood?

08 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some points about why aikido tends to be misunderstood, including among aikido practitioners.O-senseis Writings - Where Did They Really Come From by S...

Ep. 015 - Is Aikido an Art, a Science, or Something Else?

05 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We use the term 'art' to describe aikido and many other fighting systems. What aspects of art and science does aikido contain?

Ep. 014 - How to Build Speed

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An in depth look at different aspects of speed and some approaches for how to build it.Lomanchenko’s recognition and reaction traininghttps://www.yo...

Ep. 013 - Aikido Practices Which Can Be Hard on the Body

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What injuries tend to occur with aikido training, and practices which may be hard on the body. Good food for thought when it comes to how you train.

Ep. 012 - Tips for Visiting a Dojo or Seminar

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you thinking about visiting another aikido dojo or seminar? Here are some useful things to keep in mind before you plan it out.

Ep. 011 - New to Martial Arts? How to Find the Right Dojo

20 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some advice for those looking into martial arts for the first time, and how to find the right place for them to train.Aikicast, part 1Aikicast: part 2

Ep. 010 - Different Styles of Aikido

16 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Does aikido have different styles? There are different organizations and interpretations of aikido.1950's film "Aikido - Rendez-Vous with Adve...

Ep. 009 - Being a Good Uke

09 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A conversation with Sensei Francisco de los Cobos, which we talk about what aikido is, the influence of competition on his aikido, and our primary top...

Ep. 008 - That's Not Aikido!

05 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at the phrase used by many aikidoka: That's not aikido!

Ep. 007 - Competition: Light Side and Dark Side

02 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can aikido benefit from competition, and if so - how?

Ep. 006 - Is Tradition Helping Aikido or Hurting It?

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast covers the topic of tradition, organizations, seminars, and even rank - and whether these are helping or hurting the growth of aikido as ...