Martial Arts, Martial Sports, and Martial Journeys
By Sensei Guy Hagen November 20, 2016 “Martial arts” is a generic tern, which in most peoples’ minds includes any kind of physical activity with elements of self-defense or prepares against some kind of physical violence. However, I think it causes a lot of confusion to lump all systems, styles, and activities together, and in the […]
Sensei Bruce Bookman: Why Aikido Is The Hardest Martial Art
This article was written with Bookman Sensei, and based upon an interview with him during his visit to Tampa in February 2016. Every martial art I have trained in besides Aikido has some common mindsets. In particular, there is the assumption that we can always control our partner and the situation, and if we don’t […]
Kenji Ushiro Shihan: We Must Think Like Thieves
By Sensei Guy Hagen August 9, 2016Kenji Ushiro Shihan is one of the most preeminent instructors of Karate-do alive today. He holds the rank and titles of 8th dan / Hanshi of Soshinkan Karatedo, 7th dan / Kyoshi of Iaido in the All-Japan Kendo Federation, and Founder and instructor of the Jissen Juku in Tokyo, […]
Thoughts on Being Martial
The concept of “being martial” has two components, the physical manifestation and the state of mind. To me it is more of a state of mind. This concept seems to evade a lot of non-competitive martial artists but is very prevalent in competition Karate. Your technique is predicated on the actions and position of your opponent. If […]
Aikido Lessons for the Karate Student
After training for long enough, most Karate practitioners will eventually reach a plateau. Some plateaus can be overcome simply continuing to train regularly; however, other plateaus may be overcome more efficiently by exploring another art. Aikido is an excellent pathway for returning Karate students to a period of growth in their training. Aikido and Karate […]
Chuseikan Dojo’s 10 Rules For Seminars – or “How To Get The Absolute Most from Anything”
Over the course of fifteen years, we have slowly assembled a list of “rules” we give our students when we are attending Aikido seminars by any instructor. These rules can help seminars be less intimidating for new students, and students at any level can benefit immensely by taking them to heart every time they participate […]
Ten Tips for Picking the Best Martial Art School
How do I Choose the Right Martial Art School for Me and My Family? You are about to make an important and lasting decision. You intuitively understand that picking a martial art has more implications for long-term mental and physical health then just picking a gym or fitness activity. You probably don’t know much about […]
2013 Nidan Promotions
On December 30, 2013, three members of the Aikido Chuseikan community were tested in front of a panel of shihan (master instructors) and promoted to nidan (2nd degree black belt). Each expressed confidence, bearing, and their own personalities, and made our Dojo proud. The tremendous focus and preparation they undertook was clear in the quality […]
Perception and Injury, and the Martial Artist’s Road to Healing
By Sensei Guy Hagen October 24, 2013 Human perception is amazing. If a thumbtack got stuck in you, you would yelp and try to remove it. If you couldn’t remove it by any means, within a week you would grow to spend part of your day not thinking about the discomfort it causes you. Within […]
Open House Demonstration Video
Clips from the Aikido Chuseikan of Tampa Bay Dojo “Open House” class and demonstration, with Sensei Guy Hagen, Sensei Don Ellingsworth, and Sensei Melissa Bell. The Aikido Chuseikan school is affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and World Aikido Headquarters, and opened for adult and family martial arts instruction on March 9, 2013.