The Aiki Dojo Podcast
The Aiki Dojo Podcast

The Aiki Dojo Podcast

Aikido Center of Los Angeles

Overview
Episodes

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Translating traditional Aikido and traditional martial arts training into the modern world. Hosts: David Ito, Chief Instructor of Aikido Center of Los Angeles Ken Watanabe Shihan Bill D'Angelo, Aikido 4th Dan Mike Van Ruth, Aikido 4th Dan, Iaido 4th Dan

Recent Episodes

Edgar Johansson Sensei and Budo vs. Bullshido 
MAY 20, 2026
Edgar Johansson Sensei and Budo vs. Bullshido 
The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Edgar Johansson Sensei and Budo vs. Bullshido In Episode 81 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, Ito Sensei interviews Edgar Johansson Sensei from Denver Aikikai. Johansson Sensei started Aikido in 1990 and has built up an impressive resume of teacher that he has actually studied under. Johansson Sensei is a seeker who is interested in not only the deeper philosophical aspects of Aikido but also the intricate details of the human body. In this episode, he and Ito Sensei discuss what it means to study budo and how budo today is going the way of bullshido.  Enjoy!Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/xrn03TwY1xAThe 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 36 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, James Doi Shihan, James Takata, and Bill D'Angelo. 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: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/For more information about Aikido http://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
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74 MIN
Martial Arts Movies and Their Role in Training
APR 22, 2026
Martial Arts Movies and Their Role in Training
The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Martial Arts Movies and Their Role in TrainingIn Episode 80 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss martial arts movies and their role in training. Ito Sensei gives a few of his favorite films and explains the martial concepts in others. In this video, he will talk about icons from Bruce Lee to Steven Seagal. He will also talk about these movies/tv shows: Heroes with Vincent ZhaoHero with Jet LiThe Guyver with Haru Matsuoka Hidden FortressVanishing Son with Russell Wong The Last DragonDragon Tiger Gate with Donnie Yen The Karate KidHeroes of the East Kill Bill Lady SnowbloodThe Last Samurai Standing The GrandmasterHardboiled Blade Judge Archer The One Armed Swordsman ZatoichiOng BakLone Wolf McQuade John WickCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Wu Tang Clan The Challenge with Scott Glenn Seven Samurai Shang Chi Iron Monkey The Street Fighter with Sonny Chiba Lone Wolf and CubThe Big Boss   Enjoy!Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/tDkd2I2B8zQThe 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 36 years of Aikido training to the podcast. The podcast is co-hosted by Ken Watanabe Shihan, James Doi Shihan, James Takata, and Bill D'Angelo. 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: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/For more information about Aikido http://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
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66 MIN
Aikido Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales
APR 3, 2026
Aikido Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales
The The Aiki Dojo Podcast - Aikido Myths, Legends, and Tall TalesIn Episode 79 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss a few of the myths in Aikido training. Some of these myths are allegorical teachings that students must train to find out for themselves the real meanings. Others are tall tales that have survived over time. Tune in and listen to find out what is real and what is really going on.  Enjoy! Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/l9aZoL4VKmEThe 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, James Takata, Stan Sung and Bill D'Angelo. 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: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/For more information about Aikido http://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
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62 MIN
A Discussion on Dojo Culture 
FEB 11, 2026
A Discussion on Dojo Culture 
The The Aiki Dojo Podcast - A Discussion on Dojo Culture In Episode 78 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, we discuss dojo culture. Is it true that birds of a feather flock together or that one bad apple spoils the bunch? Is dojo culture crucial? If so, who creates this culture? Tune in and find out.  Enjoy!   Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/YIxSQM3nGmAThe 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.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: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/For more information about Aikido http://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
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71 MIN
A Discussion on Aikido as Self-defense
JAN 14, 2026
A Discussion on Aikido as Self-defense
The The Aiki Dojo Podcast - A Discussion on Aikido as Self-defenseIn Episode 77 of the Aiki Dojo Podcast, Ito Sensei and Yoshida Sensei discuss Aikido as a form of self-defense. Is Aikido a form of fighting or combat? It it a viable means of self-defense? Should it be used as a form of self-defense? Tune to find out. For more information about Yoshida Sensei contact him at: [email protected]!Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/ymXeXsp6w4YThe 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.yoshida92Watch it here:Watch 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: https://www.instagram.com/teacher.aikido/For more information about Aikido http://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
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66 MIN