The Aiki Dojo Podcast - A Discussion on Martial Awareness

In Episode 63 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss awareness. Martial awareness is the ability to quickly size up an opponent or a situation. Typically this training begins with trying to read one’s teacher and then we use that skill to read our opponents. We need to know what they might know and what their intentions are. How is awareness cultivated? What kind of things can you do with it? These questions and many more are answered in this episode of the Aiki Dojo Podcast. The special guest this episode is James Takata, Aikido 4th Dan. Enjoy!

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/Zoey49MbhfU

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings over 35 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 5th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch it here:

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - A Discussion on Quitting

In Episode 62 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss quitting. Not quitting from the standpoint within the first 30-60 days. We mull over the possible reasons and possible remedies for people who quit after they have been training for a while. It is not the exhaustive tome on quitting but just some insights from three people who have almost 100 years of combined Aikido experience. Enjoy!

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/3HosSSUK9a0

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - An Interview with Mark Dufresne

In Episode 61 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we interview Mark Dufresne. Mark was a student of Rev. Kensho Furuya's in the 1970s. In this interview Mark brings 50 years of Aikido training and experience. A truly eye opening interview. Enjoy!

Watch this episode here:https://youtu.be/x5_hAyHfZFQ

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here:https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWPWatch our podcast:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQRead our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message:http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blogRead our Newsletter:http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: Aikido Center of LA:https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterlaIto Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacherInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/Ito Sensei: teacher.aikidoFor more information about Aikidohttp://www.aikidocenterla.comRev. Kensho Furuya:http://www.kenshofuruya.comIf you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles.https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Do Dominance Rituals Belong in Aikido?

This is the first podcast episode of 2025. In Episode 60 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss if shaming, hazing or other dominance rituals belong in Aikido. Is hazing or shaming a true aspect of learning. Does a teacher have to be dominant? Does the student have to be subservient? We try to answers these and many other questions. 

Enjoy!

Watch this episode here:

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch it here:

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Is Aikido Meditation?

The last Aiki Dojo Podcast of 2024. In Episode 59 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss if Aikido is meditation. Most confuse the difference between something being meditative and mindful. Ito Sensei gives his take on how to get to a place where the training becomes almost meditative because it creates mindfulness which leads us to learning how to relax. 

Enjoy!

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/Tz8E8vhUB1g

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - You Want to Start Your Own Dojo?

In Episode 58 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, Ito Sensei talks about what he says when someone asks to start their own dojo. He believes that it isn’t so much a matter of a specific rank, but rather that one apply themselves in the process and preparation to become a person who teaches others. 

Enjoy!

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/HGBfKHgBOUo

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Aikido Conversations II

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - The Aiki Dojo Podcast - A Discussion on Strengths vs. Weaknesses 

In Episode 56 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss whether building upon your strengths or addressing your weaknesses makes you a better Aikidoist or helps you develop faster.  

Enjoy!

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/_hLl7HD73Qw

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Aikido Conversations I

In Episode 55 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss a number of different topics related to Aikido, training, and martial arts. Listen in on the conversation.  

Enjoy!

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/8Ab2asTZDJM

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4

The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Sportsmanship and Aikido

In Episode 54 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss sportsmanship and how it applies to Aikido training. Although, Aikido is not a sport, it does share some common traits that go hand in hand with sportsmanship. 

Enjoy!

Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/Udyl4VmEkuc

The Aiki Dojo Podcast’s goal is to translate traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. The podcast is hosted by David Ito Sensei who is the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and he brings brings over 30 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, and Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan. Let us know if you have a topic that you would like Ito Sensei and the team to discuss in the next podcast.

The calligraphy that appears in this podcast are original creations by Yoshida Kuniharu. He can be reached here: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuni_rhythm/

https://www.facebook.com/kuniharu.yoshida92

Watch our 2 Minute Technique series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6CxvDYf8RXbmKN_Pbw1XPWP

Watch our podcast: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXORPL-lO6Ak4vwXgRtzWY7ohjMTmJhQ

Read our blog, the Aiki Dojo Message: 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/blog

Read our Newsletter:

http://www.aikidocenterla.com/newsletter

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: 

Aikido Center of LA: https://www.facebook.com/aikidocenterla

Ito Sensei: https://www.facebook.com/aikidoteacher

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aikidocenterla/

Ito Sensei: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/

For more information about Aikido 

http://www.aikidocenterla.com

Rev. Kensho Furuya: http://www.kenshofuruya.com

If you enjoyed this video, please support Furuya Sensei's vision and our non-profit foundation and the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=85D4U4CXREWN4