The Aiki Dojo Podcast

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Is Aikido Lethal?

In Episode 50 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss lethality and discus the whether or not Aikido is lethal. Aikido is a mature martial art but it has its roots in traditional Japanese Jujitsu dating as far back as mid 800 AD. Born out of warfare and combat, Aikido strives to be a modern martial art and thus the role of killing has been evolved out of the Art. But, can it be lethal? Should it be lethal? We answer these questions and much more. 

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Importance of Correct Ukemi

In Episode 49 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss ukemi and how its correct execution is imperative to the mastery of Aikido. Ukemi is not just falling down for someone. It is an intricate and detail oriented process of moving with the nage. Ukemi teaches us so much more than physical movement that it becomes a metaphor for how to live one’s life. 

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Failure Teaches Success

In Episode 48 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss how failure is the key to success. Success is great and it feels good to celebrated. However, in terms of self-development, failure is a way better tool. 

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Is Aikido an Art?

In Episode 47 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss the concept of Aikido being a form of art. Find out what constitutes something being classified as an art and if Aikido is an art. 

Enjoy!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/MXlwwN6tpBU

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

You can also listen to this podcast on iTunes or Spotify or wherever you download your podcast. 

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Teaching: Yesterday vs. Today

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss teaching and learning in the past and in the present. Within this topic, Ito Sensei discusses if Aikido is relevant, what it was like studying under Furuya Sensei and how modern traditional training can be applied to martial artists of today.    

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - What it Takes to Get to 25 Years

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, Ito Sensei talks with Santiago Garcia Almaraz Sensei of Kodokai Dojo about their dojo’s 25th anniversary. Find out about the ups and downs and what it takes to get to 25 years.  

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - A Discussion on The Mindset of Mastery

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss mastery and the psychology surrounding it. Is mastery or excellence an all the time thing? Or is it something we strive for? Find out!

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

An Interview With Pepe Jesus Garcia, Aikido 7th Dan Ito Sensei interviews 7th Dan Aikido teacher Pepe Jesus Garcia. Garcia Shihan has been doing Aikido since the 1970s and studied in Japan. Garcia Shihan is also the president of Spain Aikikai and follows Endo Sensei.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Unintended Benefits of Aikido Training 

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss the unintended benefits from Aikido training. Ito Sensei shares his personal story about a benefit he received from his Aikido training that he didn’t realize would happen. 

Enjoy!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/6Cp1E01XOWU

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

You can also listen to this podcast on iTunes or Spotify or wherever you download your podcast. 

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - A Discussion on the Evolution of Aikido

Ito Sensei welcomes back Glenn Yoshida Sensei from Aikido Renshinkan Hawaii. In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we answer a listener’s question and discuss how Aikido is evolved over years. 

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - What do you know now that you wished you knew back then?

Watch the podcast here: https://youtu.be/0PIB_j2z-bo

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we reflect back on our Aikido training. What do we know now that we wished we knew back then? What do you think students should know before they start? What are some things that you wish you could change? The answer to these questions and many more are answered in this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast. 

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

You can also listen to this podcast on iTunes or Spotify or wherever you download your podcast. 

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Obstacles in Training 

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we discuss obstacles in training. Obstacles can be physical, mental, philosophical or even spiritual. The topics vary from injury to discouragement. No matter who we are or how long we have been training, we will always be confronted with obstacles. 

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

You can also listen to this podcast on iTunes or Spotify or wherever you download your podcast. 

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we interview Salvatore LaCorte Shihan. LaCorte Shihan is a 6th degree black belt Shihan in Aikido. He started Aikido in 1981 under Linda Lee Vecchio Shihan. Vecchio Shihan was one of the first female Shihan in Aikido. LaCorte Shihan brings over 42 years of experience to the mat. 

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Aikido and Swordsmanship

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we welcome Ken Watanabe Sensei. Watanabe Sensei is a 6th degree black belt in Aikido and a 5th degree black belt in Muso Shinden-ryu Iaido. Together with Watanabe Sensei, we discuss what role swordsmanship plays in Aikido training. 

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Role of Break Fall Training in Aikido

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we discuss the role of break fall or tobi ukemi (飛び受け身) in Aikido training. Tobi means “to fly” and ukemi means “to accept with your body.” Over the last 50+ years break fall ukemi has really evolved. In the past, break fall ukemi was reserved for higher level students. Today, with the improvement in pedagogical methods, break fall training is available to students earlier in their training. “When should students begin break fall training?” “What are the differences in the styles of break fall?” “Who should be break falling?” These questions and many more are discussed and hopefully answered in this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast. 

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Remembering Your Teacher

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we discuss the importance of remembering one’s teachers. On a certain level, remembering one’s teachers is an act of gratitude. There is a power that comes with remembering our teachers. Furuya Sensei often talked about something “spiritual capital.” Spiritual capital is the resource that we draw upon to give us this power. One way to build up this capital is by actively remembering our teachers. It is only when we remember that we can receive their grace and can draw on its power. The best martial artists never forget to honor their teachers.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - An Interview With David Ito Sensei

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, Santiago Almaraz Garcia turns the tables on David Ito Sensei and interviews him. This interview was conducted in November of 2022 before Ito Sensei was promoted to 6th Dan. Find out more about Ito Sensei and what it was like starting Aikido over 30 years ago in this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/6LqCe93GB2k

You can also listen to this podcast on iTunes or Spotify or wherever you download your podcast.

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Aikido and Spirituality

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we discuss Aikido and the role spirituality plays in its practice. Aikido is not a religion, a dojo is not a church and the teacher is not a guru. However, Aikido does have a heavy spiritual component. People often think that Aikido is more of a spiritual martial art because there is no competition. It is true that Aikido does not have competition but at its core it is still a martial art. If this is the case, then what role does spirituality play in the study and practice of Aikido?

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/ili6xp7FZEI

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - How to Handle Injuries

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we discuss injuries in Aikido training. At some point or another, every person will experience an injury in their Aikido training. Injuries occur because of one or a combination of three factors: nage error, uke error or teacher error. Injuries are one of the greatest teachers in our training because, often times, an injury is our first real “challenge.” Injuries test our perseverance, dedication and passion for studying our art. Injuries should be approached with care as not addressing them can make them exacerbate in the future and so there is a deeper meaning to them. An injury is the first door to self-care as we have to learn to address them and prevent them which takes a certain amount of self-love to protect ourselves by moving properly, speaking up for ourselves or making time to recover properly.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/9OBkOe3EThk

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - An Interview With Glenn Yoshida, Aikido 7th Dan

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, Ito Sensei interviews Glenn Yoshida Sensei from Aikido Renshinkan Hawaii. Yoshida Sensei started Aikido in the 1960s and is 7th Dan. In his youth, he spent over a decade training at Hombu Dojo. Over his 60+ years of Aikido training, Yoshida Sensei has had the privilege of studying with some of the most prolific Aikido teachers in history. Yoshida Sensei shares many great stories about his journey in Aikido.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Art of Peace vs. The Art of War

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we again discuss a topic presented by a listener. This listener wants to understand how one should reconcile O’Sensei’s philosophy of peace and non-violence with certain Aikido techniques and movements which seem aggressive and contrary to his philosophies. Ito Sensei gives his take on what “peace” means and how it is more of an internal state of being rather than a physical action.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. A new podcast drops every 2 weeks. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast we discusses a question from one of our viewers. She asks, “Could you talk about body (physical) mind and spirit in Aikido? Focused more on back in the old days about how samurai took care of themselves and stayed prepared for war and chaos.” Thus, the basic answer is really more about the mindset that a warrior has which keeps them prepared and sharp at all times.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. A new podcast drops every 2 weeks. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Weapons Training in Aikido

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, Ito Sensei discusses weapons training in Aikido. Aikido movement, timing and spacing are based upon weapon’s movement, timing and spacing. Logically it would seem that weapons proficiency is required in Aikido. But, is that true? Watch or listen and make a decision for yourself.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. A new podcast drops every 2 weeks. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast -  An interview with Santiago Almaraz Sensei

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, we interview Santiago Almaraz Sensei of Salamanca Aikikai - Kodokai Dojo. Since the late 1990s, Almaraz Sensei has been coming to Los Angeles to train directly under Furuya Sensei. Almaraz Sensei has affiliated with the Aikido Center of Los Angeles for over 26 years.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. A new podcast drops every 2 weeks. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Role of the Teacher in Aikido

In this episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast, they discuss the role of the teacher in traditional training. The word sensei (先生) translates as “one who comes before” but does that every person who comes before is “the teacher?” What does it mean to be a teacher today. Everyone uses that title but more most qualified to be a sensei?

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan and Jacob Sisk, Aikido Shodan. A new podcast drops every 2 weeks. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Role of Creativity in Aikido

This episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast discusses creativity and freedom in Aikido and what role it plays in Aikido’s practice. These just some of the questions discussed on this podcast.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. A new podcast drops every 2 weeks. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei discuss in his next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - What Does Black Belt Mean?

This episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast discusses what the meaning of black belt is today and in the past. Is black belt the end of the journey? Should people be pursuing rank? What does it even mean to attain a black belt? These just some of the questions discussed on this podcast.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan and Stan Sung, Aikido, Shodan. A new podcast drops every 2 weeks. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei discuss in his next podcast.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Is Aikido Effective? This episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast delves into effectiveness and Aikido. Ito Sensei outlines what it means to be effective and answers the age old question, "Is Aikido Effective?" Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei discuss in his next podcast. The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. 

Enjoy!  

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Role of Philosophy in Aikido

This episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast focuses on the role of philosophy in traditional Aikido training. Ito Sensei discusses what the basic philosophies are and where they are applied at every level of one’s training. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei discuss in his next podcast.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan.

Enjoy!

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - What Does Traditional Really Mean?

This episode of the Aiki Dojo podcast focuses on traditional training in Aikido and Ito Sensei discusses what the true meaning of tradition is today. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei discuss in his next podcast.

The Aiki Dojo Podcast goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan.

Enjoy!