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 recently founded Aikido Italia Network Publishing, the publishing house specialising in the dissemination of

Aikido and martial arts culture that hosts this interview.

Book Contents: Introduction. A Life in Aikido. Practising in this 'Out of Time' Time. Good Blood Does Not Lie. The Role of the Aikido Teacher. A Reflection on Katageiko in Aikido. "The World Is Beautiful Because It Is Varied". Pandemic Stories.

Aikido Italia Network Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow. Supplement 1: The Great Old Man - Interview with Danilo Chierchini. Supplement 2: The Lioness - Interview with Carla Simoncini