This blog features all things budo – aikido, judo, and jodo tips as well as general martial arts philosophy and advice. Writings from some of Kaze Uta Budo Kai’s finest teachers, students, and friends.

Advice for the Beginning Aikido Student

Advice for the Beginning Aikido Student

3 min read

As an aikido practitioner and teacher for almost 4 decades, I occasionally get asked what advice I would give to someone who is just starting out in aikido. Probably the hardest thing…

Advice for the Beginning Martial Artist

Advice for the Beginning Martial Artist

2 min read

Jim Ellison (Spiritual Gravity blog) and Tammy Epperson Have you ever watched martial artists on TV or in the movies and wanted to try it for yourself? Or maybe you have recently…

Aikido and Energy Flow

Aikido and Energy Flow

1 min read

Jim Ellison (from the Spiritual Gravity blog) Most people who have been practicing martial arts for awhile realize that there is more to it than just the physical aspect. Aikido is a…

My Personal Opinions and Reflections Regarding the Judo Legacy of Karl Geiss

My Personal Opinions and Reflections Regarding the Judo Legacy of Karl Geiss

7 min read

by Nick Lowry I state the following based on my decades of teaching, my experiences, my training, and personal observations. These are strictly my opinions. I trained directly and indirectly under Karl…

What is Rank Based on in KUBK?

What is Rank Based on in KUBK?

4 min read

by Nick Lowry To understand what our ranking means and how we arrive at our ranking you have to understand that we are primarily a teaching institution- The initial ranks, kyu grades…

Aikido: Thoughts on Randori

Aikido: Thoughts on Randori

2 min read

by Nick Lowry Don’t take a step you don’t have to take.Don’t put pressure in your hands unintentionally.Once you do have to step, try to keep at least one foot pointed at…