by Robert Wolfe
Journal of Asian Martial
Arts
In collaboration with dojo
alumni Peter Hobart and Rod Snyder, we published in the current issue of the Journal
an article on “The Parry: An Essential Free-Fighting Tool.” The issue with
our article is Volume 17, Number 3 – it’s available at major bookstores for
$9.99 or at the dojo for $5.00 (but there are only a very limited number of
copies at the dojo). Special thanks to Alan Starner, John Butz, Jevin Orcutt and
Budd Yuhasz for their assistance as models for the photos taken to illustrate
the article.
We’ll Miss Mike
We really enjoyed a temporary
addition to our aikidokai: Major Mike Kosuda, US Army, was assigned to the Army
War College in Carlisle for classes over several months of the summer, and was
able to train with us during that time. It would’ve been even more fun if Mike
had been able to bring along one of his beloved Abrams tanks, but the Army
evidently frowns on commuting in one of those babies. Mike posted the following
note:
Friends,
I am writing to say farewell
and to thank you for allowing me to train with you and for welcoming me into
your community. I had meant to come by personally to say goodbye but the
coursework and travel ended up getting in the way. Itten Dojo is truly a
remarkable place. I have trained in many dojos across the country and seen much
drama and more than a little stagnation. You all have managed to navigate the
waters in a unique way and created a vibrant atmosphere to grow through your
training. I am inspired by your example and feel privileged to have been able to
train at Itten Dojo. Hopefully, I can find my way back to Carlisle and can meet
you all on the mat in the future.
Thanks again,
Mike Kosuda
Welcome to New Members
Other recent additions to the
aikidokai include Scott Brecher, Mike Baum, Devvin Earnest, Sean Smith, Radu
Dragan, and Blandine Mitaut. (Scott had the rather unique experience of using
shihonage to counter a violent assault and secure the attacker until police
arrived, just a day or two after first learning the technique. As one of our
former instructors used to say, “Not too shabby!”)