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.

Aikido: Making Friends with Chaos – Randori Advice

Aikido: Making Friends with Chaos – Randori Advice

4 min read

by Nick Lowry In Randori we are learning to perceive and react– go as slow and light as possible because the more you can stay in the slow/light frame of reference, the more information…

Judo Shoulder Throw 4

Levels of Play in Judo

3 min read

by Kyle Sloan I think it’s important to take a few minutes and discuss the five different levels of play in Judo. I begin at the lowest impact and work my way…

Sempai/Kohai and Organic Relationships

Sempai/Kohai and Organic Relationships

3 min read

by Nick Lowry Senpai/Kohai describes a relationship of seniority and responsibility that is used in traditional dojos to help define the roles that we fulfill in training together. Senpai is basically “senior”…

Judo: Kouchi-gari Partner Throws

Judo: Kouchi-gari Partner Throws

3 min read

Kyle Sloan The concept of what I call partner throws is simple: you sincerely attempt the first, and the second is naturally available in the event of failure. I don’t like calling…

Aikido: Ground Self Defense Part 7

Aikido: Ground Self Defense Part 7

1 min read

by Kyle Sloan; Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill This is the final installment of the series. This is a great self-defense technique from Dr. Clif Norgaard. Instead of…

Aikido: Ground Self Defense Part 6

Aikido: Ground Self Defense Part 6

1 min read

by Kyle Sloan; Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill When returning to standing from the ground, there’s a safe way to do it if uke is nearby. From hands…