Aikido Perspectives S01E01: "In the Beginning"

Take a rare and wonderful glimpse (in this special extended podcast) of the interaction of two Aikido Shihan (Josef Birdsong Shihan and David Halprin Shihan) as I ask for their thoughts on training methods, combat applications, sparring, the value of training vs. competing in martial arts and sports, leaning into ukemi, cooperation in difficult situations and much more.  They describe what they learned from their Senseis, and discuss Aikido as a way to process one's entire life.  They discuss various aspects of etiquette, as manners, self-defense, and, at its core, a way to treat everyone correctly in any circumstance. This is a special and personal glimpse into the experiences that forged the spirits of these two Shihan.

In this episode, David Halprin Shihan and Jo Birdsong Shihan explore their views of Aikido and etiquette in the context of their experiences with many of O Sensei's uchi-deshi.  Join us as we discuss run-ins with Steven Segeal, learn the true meaning of "going to Chicago,"  (a story which David Halprin Shihan believes may have happened to him), find out how one of our guests received the moniker "mad dog," and much, much more.      

Recorded April 4, 2020.  In the first half of the podcast we discuss what’s happening with our dojo during the COVID-19 crisis and how we are bringing ourselves together while physically apart.  In the second half, we enter our time machine to discuss a 1979 interview of Kanai Sensei that touched on "true budo" and "budo people".

Ricky's synopsis: "You know when you go out with your boss for drinks after work, and you can ask anything?  This is that, originally recorded in July of 2016 but hauntingly appropriate today.  Warning, this is adult-themed (just on the funny side) and there is one BEEP.  Wait for it.  Enjoy." 

In this episode, we begin to explore the unpublished written works of Kanai Sensei as a foundation for a discussion of what Aikido is (and is not), what budo means in Aikido, and what we are seeking through our Aikido practice.  Please note that this episode may not be suitable for the kids, because we touch on a core martial issue: lethal force.

Hosted by Ricky Berger and featuring David Halprin Shihan.