The Parent – Interview with Simone Chierchini
Simone Chierchini did not choose Budo, he “was there”. For 50 years at the forefront and in an enviable position in the Aikido community, he had the opportunity to witness first-hand the major events that have accompanied the birth and development of Aikido in Italy and Europe.
Simone began practising Aikido at the age of eight and has travelled the world as a student and teacher of the art, changing friends, students and occupations but never forgetting to pack his sword, pen and camera.
A direct pupil of Hideki Hosokawa and Yoji Fujimoto, Simone was editor-in-chief of “Aikido”, a magazine published by the Italian Aikikai. In 1996 he moved to Ireland, where he contributed to the dissemination of Aikido.
In 2009 he published Narrando Viaggiando – Fenomenologia Comica di un On the Road Italico, his first novel. Since 2011 he has been editing Aikido Italia Network, a blog dedicated to Italian Aikido enthusiasts.
Simone has also founded The Ran Network, the publishing house specialising in the dissemination of Aikido and martial arts culture that hosts this interview.
Buy The Parent – Interview with Simone Chierchini
Aikido for Cats
In a world where being the biggest, loudest, or most dramatic often gets mistaken for strength, it’s easy for the quieter souls to feel overshadowed. Aikido for Cats – Puurrfect Self-Defense in a Dog’s World is a reminder that true power doesn’t need volume—or claws—to be felt.
This book is for the ones who move softly, notice everything, and choose presence over panic. For the introvert in a world of loud opinions. For the small cat practising calm technique while everyone else is busy barking. For anyone who has ever been underestimated, talked over, or told to “stand up for yourself” without being shown how.
Through the graceful demonstrations and wry wisdom of Tom Sensei, you’ll discover that:
Balance can defeat brute force
Stillness can outmanoeuvre chaos
And a well-timed sidestep is sometimes the greatest victory of all
Yes, it’s disarmingly adorable.
Yes, it will make you smile.
But beneath the whiskers and whisker-fu, there is a simple truth:
Strength is not loud.
Strength is aligned. So take a deep breath.
Center your energy.
And learn to stand tall—even if you’re only a foot off the ground and take naps very seriously.
Harmony isn’t just possible.
It’s instinct.
Just ask the cat.
Tom Sensei is a 6th dan black belt in Feline Aikido, a discipline he developed after realizing that most opponents are larger, louder, and far too enthusiastic. Through years of careful observation, soft paw work, and well-timed naps, he mastered the art of redirecting force with calm dignity. His teaching emphasizes balance, self-awareness, and the subtle power of simply refusing to panic. Students claim he can disarm a charging dog with nothing but a slow blink and impeccable posture. They are not wrong.
André Cognard: Living Without Enemy
In this philosophical essay steeped in body practice, Aikido teacher André Cognard discusses Eastern traditional martial arts by exploring his own history, perceptions and emotions. Cognard dwells in particular on the areas concerning the relationship with others and the conflicts that inevitably arise with them. In a direct and effective way, the author does not present us with “the object of a sudden revelation, but rather the fruit of a slow evolutionary process due to a laborious, humble practice, studded with failed attempts and repeated with a doggedness that sometimes defies reason”.
André Cognard tells us that “Living Without Enemy” is possible and that the way to reach such a state through martial arts is through the awareness that they have evolved and continue to do so.
André Cognard analyses conflict, present and past violence, the inner enemy, bodily identity, friends, enemies, and hatred. Explaining the pivotal words in martial arts, he offers us a decalogue for learning to serve and be free, to respect, acknowledge, accept, thank and love.
The author explains how essential is the concept of transforming energies within oneself: anger, anxiety, and fear can indeed be fully mastered and lead to new and potentially enriching circumstances. It is therefore necessary to know how to work on oneself: this book effectively shows how to manage our fears of the unknown. Because our first enemy is within ourselves!
Buy André Cognard: Living Without Enemy
The Black Belt Mindset for Life and Business (The Budo Classics)
Embark on a transformative journey with award-winning martial artist, mindset business and stress coach Raj Soren in The Black Belt Mindset. With over 40 years of experience across multiple martial arts disciplines, Soren reveals how the principles of martial arts can profoundly impact both personal and professional success, providing timeless lessons for navigating life’s challenges.
Through powerful stories and insights from inspirational martial artists, Soren explores the lessons of discipline, resilience, and self-mastery gained from practices like Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Kung Fu, Krav Maga, Karate, Kickboxing, Tai Chi, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These arts have shaped the character, mindset, and approach to life of not only Soren but countless others, offering practical tools for overcoming adversity, embracing growth, and achieving success in life and business.
At the heart of the Black Belt Mindset are key Japanese philosophies that amplify personal and professional development:
- Ikigai: Finding your purpose and aligning your life and work with your passion, mission, and values.
- Kaizen: Embracing continuous improvement, both in business and personal life, by making incremental but impactful changes.
- Kintsugi: Learning to embrace imperfections and setbacks, transforming them into strengths.
- Hara Hachibu: Practising self-discipline and moderation, learning the art of balance and avoiding burnout.
- Shoshin: Cultivating a beginner’s mindset, staying curious and open to learning throughout life’s journey.
- Wabi-sabi: Finding beauty in imperfection and the value in life’s fleeting, imperfect moments.
More than just a memoir, “The Black Belt Mindset” is a guide to harnessing these timeless principles, helping you develop strength, focus, and resilience. Whether you’re a martial artist or simply seeking inspiration, Soren’s insights will empower you to approach life with clarity, determination, and confidence.
This is not just a path for martial artists, but for anyone who wants to elevate their personal and professional lives. Your journey towards lasting success and growth begins here.
“This isn’t a book about kicks or punches; it’s about mastering the mental game—a kind of ‘mental jujitsu’ that draws on years of research and deep insight into how we, as humans, process and overcome challenges. The Black Belt Mindset resonates with the timeless wisdom of The Art of War and is a powerful tool not just for martial artists, but for anyone looking to excel in business, personal growth, and life itself. Raj has filled a vital gap in the market with this expertly structured book, packed with transformative content that, once absorbed, will sharpen your mindset and elevate your approach to any arena.” — Alfie Lewis, 5-time World WKO Champion
AIKIDO MAYO 