Gina and Miroslav discuss the subject of Children and in particular relation to Aikido. Gina has taught children in London for several years so comes with a lot of experience and of course she and Miroslav are parents with their daughter Aurelia. It is a complex subject and how Aikido can be a positive force for kids development is a fascinating subject. The couple also see their own daughters growth and as practicing Aikidoka this also gives them a different perspective in her development. 

The couple Gina has a background in Architecture and design while Miroslav is a professional Accountant. Both trained in Aikido of London several years before moving to Spain.

You can find out more about Aikido training at the Aikido of London website and articles and essays on Aikido by Ismail Hasan at Upside Inside.

Often misunderstood and much disparaged in recent year, we chat about Aikido as a martial art and other related matters. Joining me from Madrid, Spain is Jose Mosquera who trained in Aikido of London for several years before returning to his native country. Jose has a colourful history that encompasses academia, security work, zen and martial arts, an unlikely mix of activity.

As we slowly come out of the pandemic lockdown it seemed appropriate to chat about the last 12 months. The impact, both positive and negative  on our daily lives. Training and looking ahead to returning to the mat.

The guest today is Ivan Melo a senior member and teach at Aikido of London. Ivan is also a music teacher and plays the guitar professionally.

This is an excerpt from my recent discussion with Richard Edmunds. Richard is a new guest for the Discussion Series but certainly not new to Aikido as he explains why, when and how he started. Richard is an Osteopath and a 30 year strong veteran of Aikido having spent an intensive 6 months in San Diego Aikikai with Chiba Sensei and where I first met him back in 1992.

He runs his own dojo in Burton upon Trent, Ishinjuku. You can find an article I wrote a few years ago about our relationship over the years at https://www.upsideinside.co.uk/2019/04/16/a-journey-with-friends-richard-edmunds/

The full podcast is available on Patreon.

This is an excerpt from my recent discussion with Ivan Melo. He asks the question of teaching method. A vast subject and how each teacher and "style" looks at ways to transmit Aikido.

The full edition is now available on Patreon at this link.

Ivan Melo is a senior instructor at Aikido of London.

The first episode of season 2 in The Aikido of London Discussion Series. Erdjan Eker joins me again to chat about the importance of the grip in training. A seemingly small topic but one with considerable ramifications for our type of training.

Erdj is an Architect and one of the senior most students at Aikido of London with over 18 years in training.

You can find out more about Aikido training at the Aikido of London website and articles and essays on Aikido by Ismail Hasan at Upside Inside.

I am joined by Beth Harris and Yanti Amos as they bring their differing perspectives on training and staying new. Beth is only 3 years into Aikido  while Yanti brings in considerable experience in her Karate and Yoga in which she is both practitioner and teacher.

Yanti Amos

Yanti Amos founded Earth YogaNYC, a hot power vinyasa studio on the Upper East Side in 2009, with her Shotokan master husband Richard.

As a former international lawyer who pivoted into health and wellness, Yanti is no stranger to transitions and being steadfast through change.

She sold her yoga studio last year and now travels to teach yoga and karate globally. She is also a fourth degree black belt in Shotokan karate.

An enthusiastic advocate of women & minorities in sports, her passions include entrepreneurship and mentoring. She is known in New York and worldwide, as a teacher who bridges the gap between the business world and the realm of yoga & meditation. She has led numerous yoga teacher trainings and continues to train women leaders in the WTKO, her husband's international karate organization.

In 2019 Yanti was honored as a lululemon Ambassador at the New York East 66th store.

Nothing can have prepared us for what we as a race are experiencing today. Not even the political turmoil in Indonesia in the late 90's when gunfire & tear gas in the streets was a daily occurrence, or living through personal injury, divorce, pivoting careers and knowing family tragedy. As a 56 year old yogini and meditator, Yanti has never been more ready to share her wisdom and life experience while we as a collective work together through this unprecedented world pandemic.

She believes that yoga and karate are for everyone, no matter your age. Yanti looks forward to leading you through regular mind body practices to maintain a happy, confident mindset & strong immune system through these uncertain times.

You can find out more about Aikido training at the Aikido of London website and articles and essays on Aikido by Ismail Hasan at Upside Inside.

A discussion about creativity in Aikido and martial art with Erdjan Eker. Erdj is an Architect and one of the senior most students at Aikido of London with over 17 years in training.

You can find out more about Aikido training at the Aikido of London website and articles and essays on Aikido by Ismail Hasan at Upside Inside.

Joining me today are 2 couples - Ivan and Cathy. Olya and Rodrigo. They are couples who train together and have a fascinating journey on how being in a relationship and training and having even met through Aikido, in the case Olya and Rodrigo, has added to the experience.

You can find out more about Aikido training at the Aikido of London website and articles and essays on Aikido by Ismail Hasan at Upside Inside.

We return to Madrid as Gina and Miroslav joins me to discuss Aikido and friendship and why it can be special. Gina has a background in Architecture and design while Miroslav is a professional Accountant. Both trained in Aikido of London several years before moving to Spain.

You can find out more about Aikido training at the Aikido of London website and articles and essays on Aikido by Ismail Hasan at Upside Inside.