Ep. 200: When is a Martial Art Too Specialized? - with Matt Stait

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 you you do it? This podcast talks about why, when, and how should you do it.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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 sure our art doesn't become impractical or irrelevant.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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 and training has changed over the long span of time and under different influences.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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 striking comprehensively in our aikido training? This podcast gives you some perspectives to consider when it comes to striking and how it applies to aikido.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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's image and reputation? This podcast goes in depth with many points to examine and think about for how you think about weapons training.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

We cover a variety of topics about aikido and its future, including suggestions from members of the Aikido: the Martial Side forum.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

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 that?We discuss this in depth, and provide some suggestions for how to look at integrating conflict management skills from a practical standpoint.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

We discuss the future of Yoshinkan aikido, and the material shared in the first of three conversations posted on the Aikido Shudokan YouTube channel.Link to that discussion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4xiIFRRCCg&t=17s&ab_channel=AikidoShudokanFor more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG

The martial arts are going through a major evolution in a number of ways currently. Our discussion covers how this affects dojos and practitioners alike.For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG 

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 would you keep, lose, or change?For more information about Spirit Aikido Online:http://spiritaikido.com/spiritaikidoonlinePaypal tipjar:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B6AX94H6N4HBG