Founded in 2007 by Dr. Sean Hannon, Castle Rock AIKIDO has a very unique origin. Unlike almost all other martial arts schools, our school was founded by a white belt! That is, Sean had trained Japanese Aikido at numerous dojos around the US throughout his 20s, but due to a number of moves and career changes, he was unable to make much progress attaining rank.

Then in 2006, Sean injured his spine so severely that he was unable to walk, sit, or stand without extreme pain for over one year. Since drugs and surgery were not an option for him, Sean had to heal exclusively through natural means. During his recovery, he made a promise to himself that when he did heal his spine he would open an Aikido dojo, thus returning to one of the activities that gave him the most joy when he was younger.

There was only one big problem with this plan: Sean was not a black belt in Aikido! But, rather than wait until he was qualified to teach, Sean solicited numerous Aikido instructors from the area and created Castle Rock AIKIDO, a traditional Japanese martial arts school exclusively for adults in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Furthermore, dojo authenticity and integrity were important for Sean. It was critical that the school always be a dojo first and a business second.  So, experienced, high quality instructors with good attitudes were a must.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Castle Rock AIKIDO offers only two arts: Aikido and Iaido – both of which are highly complementary to one another.

Aikido is a powerful martial art developed in Japan throughout the mid 20th century by a man named Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido differs from most other martial arts in that the practitioner seeks to achieve self-defense without necessarily injuring their attacker(s). Furthermore, there are no tournaments or sport applications in Aikido. Therefore, Aikido is non-competitive.

Generally speaking, Aikido is most often practiced with a partner where one person functions as an attacker and the other person practices defensive Aikido techniques. About half of Aikido’s techniques involve joint locks which enable the partner or “attacker” to be moved to a pinning position where they can be held without injury. Other techniques involve throwing the partner. An Aikido student spends a great deal of training time learning how to fall safely. Proper falling is a fundamental component to the practice of Aikido.

The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature. Most attacks are linear. An Aikido student harmonizes with, rather than confronts the linear attack and converts the energy of that linear attack into a circular energy that, ultimately, renders the attacker or attackers helpless.

Instead of using potentially crippling kicks or punches, the Aikido student trains to apply various wristlocks, arm pins, or unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without injury. Aikido is a 100% defensive martial art. The so-called “attacks” taught in Aikido are merely for purposes of learning to defend against those attacks rather than for the purpose of injuring an opponent.

Spectators often describe Aikido as looking very dance-like. This quality is essential to the safe and effective practice of Aikido. Aikido’s techniques can be so devastating that if the two Aikido practitioners do not harmonize their respective movements with such a dance-like quality carefully, injury could easily occur. Students quickly discover that the strength of Aikido lay not in muscular force, but in flexibility, timing, control, and modesty.

Watching two experienced Aikido students or masters practice together can be an awesome site. An acute observer will notice a distinct, but subtle harmonizing energy forged between the two of them. This harmonizing energy, or connection, is highly sought after by Aikido practitioners and, when experienced, has the potential to transform the lives of Aikido participants. This transformation takes place not only in one’s ability to defend oneself physically, but also in every other aspect of one’s life. The uniqueness of Aikido makes it possible to experience deep levels of mental relaxation, emotional calmness, acute concentration and peak physical fitness in our daily lives. Aikido is the education and refinement of the spirit.

Iaido (pronounced ‘ee’-‘yai’-‘doh’) is the traditional Japanese art of drawing, cutting, and retracting the Japanese samurai sword or ‘katana.’ The word Iaido literally translates as “the way of mental presence and immediate reaction.” The art of Iaido is a product of Japan’s 17th and 18th century Edo-period, more commonly known by Americans as the era of the Shogun. Renowned Japanese martial artist, Nakayama Hakudo (1873-1958 ), is generally credited with coining the term Iaido and is the founder of the style of Iaido practiced in Castle Rock called Muso-Shinden-Ryu.

Iaido is a distinct, non-combative form of martial arts intended to cultivate a practitioner’s spirit. Unlike other sword arts, Iaido is generally practiced as a solo exercise or ‘tandoku keiko.’ Like Aikido, Iaido is purely a defensive martial practice.

The art of Iaido involves four stages of sword mechanics:

1. the draw (Nukitsuke);
2. the cutting action (Kiritsuke);
3. the simulated removal of blood from the blade (Chiburi); and
4. the return of the blade to its scabbard (Noto)

In the proper practice of Iaido, each of these stages must be performed in an efficient manner and smoothly blended into a single unit of performance over which an unbroken state of relaxed alertness and awareness or ‘Zanshin’ is present.

Mastery of the art of Iaido is immensely challenging because the ultimate purpose of Iaido is to acquire the ability to win over your enemy without even drawing your sword; that is, to spiritually conquer your opponent with your sword left in the sheath.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Through physical training, Castle Rock AIKIDO imparts numerous virtues to its students based principally on the Seven Virtues of Bushido as articulated in the 1899 book Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe. These include:

1. Justice (or Rectitude) – ‘Gi’
2. Courage – ‘Yu’
3. Benevolence – ‘Jin’
4. Politeness – ‘Rei’
5. Truthfulness (or Veracity) – ‘Makoto’
6. Honor – ‘Yo’
7. Loyalty – ‘Chu’

These virtues are not taught academically in class, but viscerally through physical training. Over time students learn to internalize these virtues as they relate to themselves, for example, self-Rectitude, self-Loyalty, self-Truthfulness, and self-Honor. One cannot hide behind intellectual or philosophical artifices in a martial arts class. One’s true self is discovered, challenged, and cultivated on the mat.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

The truth is that learning martial arts is NOT important today. Learning martial arts is valuable and is something we hope many people are interested in learning, but it certainly isn’t essential. Today, most people can survive and get by in life without learning a martial art. The value in martial arts comes from the moral and spiritual training it provides a person with. Success lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of one’s character. Through the arts of Aikido and Iaido students can discover within themselves a power they never knew they had that can serve them in any and every capacity of their lives, if they so choose.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

Castle Rock AIKIDO is a very unique school in that we are a conglomerate of talented instructors who come from a fairly wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, educations, and lineages. This, initially, posed a bit of a challenge as different instructors have different styles and methods of teaching. Learning to integrate the various differences took some time. However, when we surveyed our students, we discovered that the overwhelming majority of the students found the diversity to be far more valuable than simply learning one, myopic approach. It does make the program somewhat more challenging to learn, but one doesn’t train a martial art because it’s easy. They train a martial art because it’s hard!

The only other challenge we’ve experienced is getting over the stereo-type that martial arts is just for kids. Our program is 100% adult. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in either our Aikido or Iaido program. We make absolutely no exceptions to this rule. However, quite regularly we still get phone calls from parents with a “tall” or “mature” 14-year old who wants to participate in our program. Unfortunately, we must say no to that parent because we have people driving great distances from all over Colorado coming to train with us here specifically because we are adult-exclusive.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Many Japanese martial arts came into popularity in the US shortly after World War II. A prospective student should be aware that many Japanese were profoundly affected by the devastating impact the Pacific War had on the country and, subsequently, the purpose, philosophy, and attitude behind practicing Japanese martial arts went through an evolution of sorts. Martial arts like Aikido and Iaido became must less conflict-oriented and much more about bringing harmony through the study of martial arts. They became less about killing and more about personal development and the refinement of one’s character. A famous quote by the founder of Aikido expresses this as “True victory is victory over oneself.” A prospective student looking only to become a lean, mean fighting machine may want to look outside of Japanese arts for this reason.

On a more pragmatic side of deciding what kind of school to join, it is our advice to NEVER join a martial arts school that forces you to sign a time-based contract. In our opinion, if a school is good enough they shouldn’t have to contractually force you to stay! Doesn’t that make sense?

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Andrew Blevins Sensei has been training in Aikido for over 23 years. During these years, he has had the privilege of being an “otomo” — or traveling assistant — for high-ranking Aikido instructors teaching Aikido in countries such as Scotland, Brazil, Czech Republic, and, of course, the United States. Blevins Sensei has family from Osaka, Japan, which has contributed to his competence with the Japanese language and understanding of, and familiarity with, Japanese culture and customs.

Tip Harris Sensei has been practicing Aikido for almost a quarter century (since 1984) and has been teaching for over 15 years. Before that he studied the Japanese art of Judo. He earned both his 1st and 2nd degree black belts from Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan of Boulder, Colorado. He attends between four and five Aikido seminars each year and has also traveled throughout Japan on multiple occasions. At age 66, Harris Sensei credits decades of Aikido training for his continued agility, flexibility, strength, and power.

Mariquita Izawa Sensei began her Aikido training in 1978 at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo, Japan under the 2nd head of the art, “Doshu” Kisshomaru Ueshiba (the son of the Founder). Izawa Sensei has also trained with other prominent Aikikai Aikido instructors in Japan and the United States such as Osawa Sensei (Sr.), Ichihashi Sensei, Seki Sensei, and Mitsunari Kanai Sensei. As such, she offers a very traditional, powerful, and authentic style of Aikido.

Steven Shaw Sensei received his 2nd degree black belt in Aikido and his 3rd black belt in the Musoshinden-ryu style of Iaido (the Japanese art of sword drawing). Both ranks were earned under the late Reverend Kensho Furuya Sensei at the Aikido Center of Los Angeles.

Pat Musselman Sensei has been training Aikido since 1991 under the direction of Bill Sosa Sensei in Manhattan, Kansas. He earned his san-dan (3rd degree black belt) at the Aikido of Phoenix dojo under Fred Mastison Sensei. Patrick is a police officer in Colorado, a Certified Personal Protection Instructor, and a plank holder in the Tactical Applications Association (TAA).

Monica Iwakabe Sensei began her martial arts study in 1991 while Germany serving in the United States Army. After two years training in Shotokan Karate, she was fortunate enough to be transferred to Colorado where she began her Iaido training at Rocky Mountain Budokan with Iwakabe, Hideki Sensei in 2000. Monica is the instructor for Castle Rock’s Iaido program.

The founder of Shuseikan is Sensei Ronald Nilo and his first four (4) students. The origin of Shuseikan can be traced back some time in September 1997 when Roel Santos, Ronnie Nilo, Joel Astronomia and David Reyes approached Nilo Sensei and requested for instruction in Aikido. At first Nilo Sensei had second thoughts. The idea of becoming an instructor never before came into his mind. When he started studying Aikido on March 29, 1993, his intention was only to keep physically fit and was not even interested in getting any belt. But as he came to know more about the art of Aikido and the underlying principles why O’Sensei developed it, he begun to love the art, and started adopting its principles not only during practice session but in everyday life. He finally thought it is a chance to share the wisdom of Aikido to willing and dedicated students. After getting approval from his sensei, he officially started sharing the art to his first white belts on September 13, 1997. The first dojo was a small room at Azzam compound in North Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Now, Shuseikan has several dojos not only in Jeddah but also in Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Dubai, Uruguay, Spain and in Doha, Qatar where Sensei Nilo currently resides.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

We teach Shuseikan Aikido. SHUSEIKAN AIKIDO is an Aikido teaching system developed by Sensei Ronald Nilo based on his study of different styles and derivatives of Aikido since 1993 and his teaching experience since 1997. The techniques of Shuseikan Aikido are a conglomeration of the effective elements of Combat Aikido, Yoshinkan Aikido, Traditional Aikido, Ki Aikido, Shuyokan Ryu Aikido, Shuyokan Goshin Jutsu, Kickboxing and Arnis.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

The basic principle of Aikido is to get off the line of attack, harmonize with it, and use the power of the opponent against himself. In practice, it means blending with the movement and energy of your partner. In dealing with other people, it is the ability to control encounters for the good, changing a hostile approach to a healthy encounter or an attack into a handshake.

All members of Shuseikan are expected to practice seven (7) virtues in everyday life: courtesy, honor, benevolence, wisdom, sincerity, loyalty and piety.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

Martial arts is a good way or even the best way to develop discipline, dedication and determination – which are the key elements needed by people to succeed.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?
As the organization grew, more and more people of different nationalities and backgrounds join. The first difficulty starts with the language – when the student and the teacher do not speak the same language. The good thing is that in Aikido you do not need to talk much. You teach by showing the technique, by your body language. It is of course an advantage when you know basic Arabic and Spanish in addition to our language of Tagalog and English.
Skeptics and people from different martial arts background come to challenge the instructor and the art. You must be prepared to defend your martial art. You must show what stuff your martial art has. This is what I did, and what I will always do. And every time I do it well, the skeptics become my students.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Seek the martial art that is suitable for you. Research through reading books and through the internet. Visit some dojos in your area and observe the training. Have a feel of what is going on inside the mat. Talk to the instructor (who will eventually lead you the way). Research about the instructor – his credentials, his martial arts background and the authenticity of his art. Once decided, go for it and enroll. You will never regret getting into the exciting world of martial arts. Good luck!

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Ronald Nilo Sensei was born on February 11, 1967 in Isabela, Philippines to Pepe Carpo Nilo and Anita Balot Nilo.

• Started training in Aikido and Kickboxing under his first sensei Nestor Suliva of the Philippine Aikido Sports Association, on March 29, 1993. Later in February 1994 Suliva Sensei formed the Philippine Arbokaido Martial Arts Club where Nilo became his No. 1 student.
• Champion, “Battle of Kickboxers”, Al-Ittihad Sports Complex, Jeddah, KSA on October 6, 1995.
• Received Shodan from Sensei Nestor Suliva on August 22, 1997.
• Started teaching Aikido and Kickboxing on September 13, 1997.
• Attended special training in Traditional Aikido under Sensei Raymundo Lotino, Kai Shin Kan Aikido from July 10, 1998 to September 29, 1998.
• Received Instructor’s Certificate from Sensei Raymundo Lotino on September 29, 1998.
• Received Nidan from Master Boy Buayan, Asian Martial Arts Federation on July 1, 1999.
• Registered as Director of Saudi Arabia Shuyokai – international branch dojo of International Shuyokan Aikido
Federation under Shodai Soke David Dye, Founder and Headmaster, on October 10, 2000.
• Received Sandan from Soke David Dye on October 12, 2001.
• Received name Shuseikan from Soke David Dye on October 25, 2004.
• Received 4th Dan from Soke David Dye on June 30, 2005.

Nilo Sensei continues his study of Aikido and has attended seminars and demonstrations conducted by Fujita Masatake Shihan of Hombu Dojo, Japan, Harry Ng Shihan of Singapore Aikikai, Mutsuko Minegeshi of Saipan Aikikai, Motohiro Fukakusa Shihan of Thailand Aikido Association, Paul Lee Shihan of Taiwan Aikikai and Takao Arisue Sensei.

]]> http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/shuseikan/feed/ 0 http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/new-zealand-mugai-ryu-iai-hyodo-dojo/ http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/new-zealand-mugai-ryu-iai-hyodo-dojo/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:04:02 +0000 Liz http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/?p=584 1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

I founded the dojo after coming back from living in Japan for 6 years in 2006. Before coming back to New Zealand I started to look for a good Iaido dojo and found none in Christchurch and only one other good dojo in the whole of the South Island. After several months of long e-mails back and forth to the New Zealand Kendo Renmei, I realised that if I were to train as we train in Japan and as I have been taught from my sensei, then I would have to set up a dojo myself. My sensei supported me setting up my own dojo and I had lots of advice from them, which helped a lot.
Iaido is not so common in New Zealand and the good Iaido that we have is split between ZNKR [Seitei] and individual koryu overseen by those ryuha’s Soke. I thought it was very important to train as I trained in Japan and there were no other ZNKR affiliated people training like that at the time, so I started up the New Zealand Mugai Ryu Iai Hyodo Dojo.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

We do the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei’s Seitei Iaido kata and Mugai Ryu Iaido and Kumitachi kata. Seitei Iaido is 12 forms of kata taken from various koryu and adapted into a set of standardised kata after WWII. The Seitei kata are used for gradings and being standard all over the world allow for reasonable comparison and understanding of a persons level of Iaido. Seitei is also very straight and strict about body positions, katana heights and angles, so it is very good for training your body to do what you want it to do. Mugai Ryu is more free flowing so it’s easier to propagate bad habits. I like to teach Seitei first as it is a kind of “Iaido de-flavouriser” as such, if you can do Seitei well then you can often do Koryu Iai well too.

Our Koryu is Mugai ryu. Mugai-ryu was founded by Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi in the late 1600’s. Tsuji Gettan was born in Koga, Omi no kuni [present day Shiga-ken] in 1649. When he was 13 he went to study Yamaguchi-ryu kenjutsu in Kyoto with Yamaguchi Bokushinsai. When he was 26, he moved to Edo and opened up his own dojo. At the same time he studied Zen at Azabu Kyukoji temple under master Sekitan Zenshi, and achieved satori.

After founding his Mugai-ryu, Tsuji Gettan found that his dojo became more and more popular. By the time he was 60, his students included several Daimyo and hundreds of samurai of various rank and position. The name of Tsuji Gettan and of Mugai-ryu was very famous throughout Japan at the time.

The lineage of Mugai-ryu has continued from Soke to Soke starting from Tsuji Gettan himself. Because, at the time Mugai-ryu was in such high demand from Daimyo all over Japan wanting to train their Samurai in this most effective style of kenjutsu, Tsuji Gettan was getting on in age, so he sent his best deshi [higher students] in his place to teach. As such, in modern day Japan now there are at least 4 different branches of Mugai-ryu and some other small groups who are on their own according to the various politics surrounding them… True to the spirit of Zen, each group is taking the basic teachings, principles, spirit and framework of the kata and adapting according to their own experiences, interpretation, etc.

Seitei Iaido was put together by the ZNKR after the war as a way to be able to do Iaido in an era when all martial arts were strictly controlled by the Allied occupying forces government. Seitei was put together in a way that makes it clear that it is not training for martial skill, but instead training to be a better human being, and as such it was permitted to be practiced in post war Japan . The Seitei kata are all modified kata taken from various Koryu such as Muso Shinden ryu, Hoki ryu , Mugai ryu, etc.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

I try to train and teach exactly as I trained and was taught when I lived in Japan. So of course etiquette is very important and I strive to get my students to actually understand it and follow the Budo etiquette of their own volition, not because they are forced to. I think it is important to want to follow the correct etiquette and feel that it is correct otherwise your whole training is fake. I know everyone has various pre conceptions and reasons for starting Iaido, but if they are to do Iaido and Kendo properly then they should embrace the whole thing not just swing a sword around.

In the same theme I like my students to behave in a serious manner and not fool around with swords. Iaido has changed from a kenjutsu art to a zen art in many respects but the sword technique part of Iaido which is the kihon, should be done properly and seriously. I like to think about the reasons and realism of why you move or cut in this way or that way, and once students have got a reasonable grasp of the basics I encourage them to think about it also.

I think the next biggest thing after etiquette and being a good person is understanding that Iaido is not a self defence nor a killing art and however much you try you won’t become Tom Cruise in last Samurai. This is a concept that some people find hard to grasp, but in general Iaido is its own natural filter because people who have unrealistic fantasies of Highlander or Star Wars kind of thing generally don’t continue with Iaido very long.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

I don’t know if it is important per se, but it’s a good way to improve yourself as a human being.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

The most difficult part of teaching proper Budo is Reigi (etiquette) Westerners often feel self conscious about Kiai and about the whole ‘tokenistic’ aspect of Japanese Budo. In Japan there is a strong aspect of “katachi shugi” (Tokenism) or “showing” your respect and feelings by loud or obvious gestures and responses rather than letting them be understood by your actions and willingness to follow instruction. As such, a loud voice, proper Japanese Reigi words such as “Onegai shimasu, Arigato gozaimashita, Hai”, etc is very important, but not easily assimilated.

The other difficult thing about teaching Iaido is that it is hard for a lot of people to understand that you need speed rather than power when you cut, and you need to be relaxed and slower when you’re moving. Most people imagine the ‘red mist’ coming down over their eyes as their sword is a blur of steel right throughout the kata. They want to be jumping over enemies, doing cartwheels, etc, etc. Iaido and Kendo is not like Star Wars or Kill Bill, but luckily the people who expect it to be so, usually quit after a couple of trainings.

There is a kind of misconception though about how to cut. People imagine you need a huge amount of power and torque, which is probably some of the reason for the ridiculously long tsuka on some non-Japanese made swords. It is very hard to teach some people to relax their shoulders when cutting and to cut with good technique rather than huge power.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Find a good dojo and good sensei if you can.
Learn about Reigi (etiquette) before learning anything else. Understanding and having good reigi is the key to becoming good at Iaido and Kendo.
Authentic kenjutsu is much less flashy than you imagine.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

My dojo has one instructor, me. I have done Kendo for about 13 years and have done Iaido for about 11 years. I lived in Japan for 6 years and have 2-dan in Iaido. I have won the Wakayama-ken Iaido Taikai [regional championships] twice in a row in my division and have been selected to represent Wakayama-ken in larger taikai in Japan as well. While I was in Japan , I also taught kendo at a local junior high school on my day off. My sensei saw fit to give me permission to teach Iaido and Mugai-ryu, in my own dojo in New Zealand .

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

The UA-Huntsville Bujinkan Dôjô was founded in 2002 by Dr. Leland Cseke (presently a 6th Dan, Shidoshi). Our Dôjô is affiliated with the University of Michigan Bujinkan Dôjô run by Shihan Michael Asuncion (15th Dan). The Dôjô was founded due to our commitment to the correct transmission and preservation of the Bujinkan martial arts (see next question). 2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (more commonly known as ninjutsu) is a traditional Japanese martial art with a rich history that spans over ten centuries. Developed by the legendary ninja and samurai warriors of feudal Japan, the Bujinkan martial arts have survived the test of time and continue to flourish worldwide under the direct guidance of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, thirty-fourth Sôke (grandmaster) of the nine distinct ryu ha (budo traditions) that make up this martial art. The Bujinkan Dôjô or “Warrior God Training Hall,” is a worldwide Dôjô organized in the 1970’s by Hatsumi Sensei and headquartered in Noda, Japan. Hatsumi Sensei inherited the nine ryu ha from his teacher, the late Takamatsu Toshitsugu in 1972. Hatsumi Sensei has been revered by leaders of the military, police forces, and even presidents. He has received several international peace awards, Japanese cultural awards, and an accommodation by the previous Pope for his work in the preservation of an ancient art. The UA-Huntsville Bujinkan Dôjô attempts to follow in his footsteps. 3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Budo Taijutsu is a very practical martial art that has found use in military and police forces throughout the world. However, there is much more to the art than mere physical techniques. With proper understanding, it not only becomes useful in allowing smaller people to generate immense power but also rouses the natural powers of human beings that can make the world a better, more peaceful, and more prosperous place. 4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

From our point of view, there is a big difference between martial arts and martial sports. As with any art form, the aim of martial arts is to achieve perfection of performance, feeling, practicality and some argue the human soul. Just like a guitar player has only a certain number of notes he or she can play, there is an endless amount of music and feeling that pours forth from those notes when the musician becomes really good at the art. In this sense, Budo Taijutsu is a true martial art. It is not a martial sport, focused on winning or losing. It is a perspective that embodies true survival approaches and not simply collections of fighting scenarios. 5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

Because this martial art is a “hard” form (we do not use pads, we tend to hit one another, and there are no rules other than common respect), this martial art tends to be difficult for children. We have found that people age 16 and above have the proper physical and mental development to make good use of this art. 6. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Dr. Leland Cseke, 6th Dan, Shidoshi has over 16 years of experience in Budo Taijutsu. He has been an integral part of Bujinkan organizations at The University of Michigan, The University of Arizona, and Michigan Technological University. He also holds ranks in Aikijustsu, Judo, Tai Chi and Karate. ]]> http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/ua-huntsville-bujinkan-dojo/feed/ 0 http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/ji-kai-martial-arts/ http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/ji-kai-martial-arts/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:15:45 +0000 Liz http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/?p=549 1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

I started Ji Kai Martial Arts in 1992. I have taught in the Mobile area at several locations. I started teaching because of a promise to Soke Shogo Kuniba. I along with others promised a dying man that we would keep his art alive. Soke Shogo Kuniba taught the most complete art that I have been exposed to. I had been asked to teach on several occasions before then, but wouldn’t commit to a set schedule.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

I teach what has been loosely called Kuniba Ryu. But because of respect for Kuniba Kai and Soke Shogo Kuniba’s heirs, I call what I teach Ji Kai Karate’, Kobu Do, and Iai Do. I have changed most of the Karate’ kata a little bit, so as to avoid teaching the same style or ryu as anyone else. The Karate’ is Shito Ryu from many influences. Kuniba Soke trained with all the top masters of the day. Okinawan Sensei visited his home, were friends with his father, and so taught young Kuniba. This from of Shito ryu has many kata, some from Goju Ryu, Shorin Ryu and Shorei Ryu, etc. Shito Ryu is a blend of Naha Te and Shuri Te, with some influence from Tomari Te. There are thirty five or more. I teach about thirty. I also teach Bunkai, or application of kata moves.

The Kobu Do is some of the best that I have seen in thirty five years of training. It should be though, Soke Shogo Kuniba was the first person to demonstrate Okinawan Kobu Do to the Japanese Sensei and Soke. Let me say to all the Kuniba Kai and Chikabu Kai that I hope not to offend anyone. I have been lucky enough to train with the best martial artists in the world. I have trained with many people and Soke Shogo Kuniba was the best.

I only know and teach a few Kobu Do kata. Five Sai kata, three Tonfa kata, and two Bo kata. The only other kata that I have learned is Kama Shodan from O’Soke Dave Shelton. I had always wanted to add that weapon to my curriculum. The Kobu Do kata was the main reason I wanted to meet Soke Shogo Kuniba. I had heard stories about this man since I started Karate’ classes in 1975. Before that, I learned Ju Jitsu.

The last five students that have joined my dojo are there for the Iai Do (Japanese swords drawing art). I have taken what was taught to me by Soke Shogo Kuniba’s students and expounded on it. When I met Soke Shogo Kuniba in 1990, he ordered me to take Iai class with Darren Myers Sensei. I couldn’t tell them no, you just don’t tell someone with that much experience that you don’t care for it. I figured I would try it, and I laugh because Bill Price, Soke Nidai told me in no uncertain terms that I had better be at that class!

So, now for 2009, I belong to a wonderful organization called the IMSS, or International Matsumura Seito Society. Under the guidance of O’Soke Dave Shelton I started teaching anyone in the IMSS who wants to learn Iai Do. Before 2008, I only taught Iai Do to my top students, now I have many students in many states learning my version of Iai Do. Now, I did keep Soke Shogo Kuniba’s original kata. I don’t know if there are more Kuniba Iai kata out there, because Soke Shogo Kuniba had many, many students! I and my highest ranking students have added kata until the total count is thirty five, with three two sword kata, using the wakazashi and Katana.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Ji Kai means Temple organization, your body is a temple and should be taken great care of. I try to promote a no drinking, smoking and over eating life style. I train in physical fitness classes with my student Kenya Dennis. I also train for sprint triathlons, swimming, biking and running. But the street is the final test of your skills in Martial Arts. I want my students to be mentally and physically prepared to meet violence calmly and coolly. Hopefully it will never come! The human brain is the most powerful weapon we possess. If you can’t talk your way out of a situation, then be ready to fight. It is most difficult to stop someone from hurting you without seriously hurting them! I also want them to learn the philosophy behind the Martial Arts, self control, self discipline, self motivation, etc. The code of conduct for us is rigid. The code of the Samurai applies to us, the code of Bushi Do too. The eight phrases of Karate’ Do. And I say “us” because I will always be a student too. Whatever my students see me do, they will also do. Soke Shogo Kuniba had, and O’Soke Dave Shelton has a no worry attitude that I hope to have one day. They both are the finest examples of human beings. I think the Phrase Soc Shin, applies. They take whatever comes with composure.

The really great Martial Artists that you meet are humble guys and just plain nice too. They realize how fragile human life is, it can be taken away with the slightest touch. These guys are nice to everyone, whether equals or inferiors! And if you ask a real Martial Artist to sweep the floor, he will give that floor the best sweeping it’s ever had! They will try to be the best at whatever!

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

I think that Martial Arts aren’t for everyone. If the person who will find the cure to cancer is an unwilling participant in my class, then the whole world will suffer! Only certain people or types of people really love Martial Arts. I have witnessed lambs become like lions and lions become lambs. I learned to fight to get my way early in life, it was my way or the knuckles of my punch!

If you won, we did things your way. That has went on since Cain and Abel. There are certain types of people who need to let the warrior out, or they self destruct. I learned from my first Sensei, Wesley Lambert, how to say please, thank you, no sir and yes sir all over again. And the old ‘my way or else’ don’t work on everyone. I learned to be nice to people and very respectful…..until they go too far. Some people take this attitude as one of fear, when it couldn’t be farther from that. There are some rude people in this world, and the next time you cut line in front of a kindly old man, he might be a highly skilled Martial Artist who could cripple you with one blow! If people gave other people a little respect this would be a better world. But I always tell my students that “if you have no self respect, you cannot give others any”.

So, enough of the philosophical side of Martial Arts. If you go to any physical fitness class, you are studying Martial Arts! The arts came from Egypt to India to China. They were expanded to include exercises for out of shape monks. If every person who spends a lifetime training adds some small technique over a thousand years, well, here we are today! Being in better shape than most people separates Martial Artists from ordinary people. That is one of the things I love about Martial Arts. It ain’t easy!!! It’s a cross trainers dream come true!! Hand- eye coordination, flexibility and physical prowess are by products of training. Bruce Lee was a great example, that guy was in shape!

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

Wow! What a question! I’ve been teaching since 1992 and have taught autistic, wheel chair bound, bullies, pacifists, rape victims, house wives who were getting beaten up by their husbands, kids with ADD, etc.! I have had to get parents to stop trying to make their kids into killers because they got picked on. I’ve made students quit because they wanted only to be “bad assed”. I’ve turned away people who wanted to “learn how to hurt” people! Wow! The really good students are still there. But, some people wanted to get in great shape, learn to defend themselves, get hand-eye coordination for sports, get some self confidence, self control. They learned what they wanted and left. I love to run into them now and see what kind of people they’ve become. Some kids learned great concentration skills. Athlete’s stayed sharp in the off season. Most didn’t stay long, some got bored because, to them, it was too easy! Some struggled to keep up, but some learned that it’s a personal journey that will take a lifetime to complete! The challenge is picking out the gems that come my way. I don’t have riches in money or valuable possessions, but I want to share my Martial Arts with everybody! If my students don’t learn anything from me but that good old don’t ever give up attitude! Or, as my Japanese Sensei would say ” Shita Nana, Ue Hachi”, seven times down, eight times up! When I don’t feel like getting out of bed, I remember the students who are watching me! The little kids will even emulate me sometimes, and that’s scary! All I have to do is come to class with a bad attitude and guess what? My students will adopt my attitude!

So, if I have learned anything in the Martial Arts, practice what you preach! Don’t be lazy and expect to have go getters for students! If you are physically able, sweat with the students, work out with them, be nice, and be pleasant, treat them with respect and you’ll get it back. You only get friends by being one!

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

If I have found one way to describe Martial Arts, it goes like this, ” Chicken with stars, chicken with rice, chicken with pasta, chicken with plain broth, etc, etc. All Martial Arts are supposed to teach you self discipline, self defense, self confidence, and self control. If you don’t get self control, the others aren’t important. You should find an instructor that will meet your expectations and needs. If you don’t have great flexibility, don’t go for a Tae Kwon Do class. High kicks aren’t for you. Find an instructor that really cares about his or her students. The good ones aren’t interested in getting rich in money, just good students.

If you show the high ranking black belt kata from most styles to new people, they won’t be able to tell the difference from Karate’ and Kung Fu! Then there are the hundreds of off shooting styles. My style isn’t mine, and I cannot show you one “new” technique. I can only try to show you what I have been taught and hope you take it and make it better! And never give up! I always wanted to learn “real” Japanese from a “real” Japanese person. It took me thirty years, but finally the opportunity came!

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Kyoshi Terrell D. Lambert, 7th Dan black belt. Ji Kai Ryu Ha Master. Born 1956 in Mobile, Al. Trained in Ju Jitsu under Dr. Loper, 1973. Started Karate’ Do training under Wesley C. Lambert in 1974, first Menjo dated 1975. First Black Belt 1982. Started training in Kuniba Ryu 1990. Kuniba Ryu Iai Do 1991. Started Ji Kai Martial Arts 1992.Joined IMSS 2005. Promoted to 7th Dan and awarded Kyoshi title by O’Soke Dave Shelton 2008.

Renshi Jake Lambert, Kyoshi Lambert’s son. Born 1978, Mobile, Al. Earned a brown belt rank under Hanshi Bob Kucera. Started assisting with Ji Kai classes 1992. Earned rank under Kyoshi Lambert, awarded a 4th Dan black belt from O’Soke Dave Shelton 2008 and the title of Renshi. Renshi Jake Lambert has a Menkyo Kaiden in Ji Kai Iai Do. He is also Kaicho of Ji Kai Martial Arts.

Kenya L. Dennis. Born in Mobile, Al. Started training privately with Kyoshi Lambert in 2005. Sensei Kenya received her 1st Dan in Karate’ in 2008, her 3rd Dan in Iai Do in 2009. She holds a Menkyo Kaiden in Ji Kai I ai Do. Sensei Kenya is my personal trainer and friend.

Randy W. McGee, born Mobile Al. Received his 3rd Dan black belt in Karate’ 2009. Has been training since forever, is Sempai, number one older student! Sensei Randy is my best friend.

Doug Drake, 2nd Dan Karate’, 1st Dan Iai Do.

Robert Hutchins, 2nd Dan Karate’, 2nd Dan Iai Do.

]]> http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/ji-kai-martial-arts/feed/ 0 http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/jka-wf-chicago-karate-institute-inc/ http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/jka-wf-chicago-karate-institute-inc/#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:23:14 +0000 Liz http://www.samurai-sword-shop.com/connector/?p=507 1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

The JKA WF Chicago karate Institute, Inc., was founded in July 2008. Sensei Neeraj Dhawan is the Director and Chief Instructor of the Dojo. Born in New Delhi, India, Sensei Dhawan started travelling from the age of 3. His childhood was spent in North Africa, where he started Karatedo under Sensei Okamoto, the Chief Instructor for the Middle-East & Africa region for the Japan Karate Association, JKA, (www.jka.or.jp). He then travelled to England and trained with Sensei Enoeda, Ohta, and the KUGB British Instructors. In 1993, he moved to back to India to support his mother and enrolled with the JKA India to become a JKA Instructor.

In 1997, he was selected to be part of the Indian National Karate Team, and has since, been a senior member of the National Team, he has competed extensively in National, Asian and World Championships, including 4 JKA World Shoto Cups. He has been holding the title of the JKA All India Men’s Champion since 2003, and is a licensed Instructor, Examiner and Judge with the Japan Karate Association.

He has also been very successful as a Coach, producing numerous Indian National Champions from his Dojo in India, and since 2008, the Children’s National Champion in the USA. This year, at the JKA WF America (www.jkawfamerica.org) National Championships in Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2 of his students won the Childrens’ and the Men’s Individual Kumite Title respectively.

In 2006, he moved to Chicago, USA, to support his wife, and has since been a staunch supporter of the JKA WF America, for which he also holds the position of the Director of the Central (Midwest) Region.

He continues to go back to India every year to compete at the All India National. You can watch his tournament clips here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rroik0kn8RE

He is very passionate about his Karate and visits Japan twice every year to train at the JKA headquarters in Tokyo.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Our Dojo is dedicated to imparting instruction in the Shotokan Karate of JKA – Japan Karate Association. The JKA was formed by Master Gichin Funakoshi, (pen-named, ‘Shoto’), who brought Karate to the mainland Japan from Okinawa. The JKA is the oldest and largest single style Karate organization, with its corporate headquarters in Japan, and branches in over 126 countries world-wide.

The JKA emphasizes on practical and scientifically proven training methods, in line with safety and correct body-mechanics.

Also, JKA Karate is the only style or school of Martial Arts that emphasizes on training and developing a ‘one strike, one kill’ approach. Even in our tournaments, one wins through one deadly shot/technique, instead of accumulating points and playing tag. This keeps training very real, and obviously, very practical for combat and self-defense.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

L to R: EJ Trio, Sensei Dhawan, Marco Maciel (2009 USA Men’s National Champion), Arjun Singh, Jude Pinto (2008 & 2009 USA Children’s National Champion), Savio Pinto.

Students are always encouraged to listen to their bodies and identify their limitations, because at the end of the day, it is ‘with’ these limitations that one must try and overcome the obstacle/challenge that one faces.

We also strongly believe that the JKA Dojo Kun are the guiding principles for a Karateka’s life… And we all strive to live by these codes:

One. Seek perfection of character.
One. Be honest and faithful.
One. Endeavour.
One. Respect others.
One. Refrain from violent behavior.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

Well, apart from the obvious physical, mental and spiritual benefits, Karatedo also helps you in all aspects of your life. You use the principles of the Dojo Kun in your day to day life, applying them in your personal and professional fronts. If you can have a better understanding of others around you, and be in harmony with them, then you will have lived your life without any regrets, and full gratification.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

Students are the same everywhere in the world, but cultures and economies are different. In the east, when I used to teach in India, we would train outdoors, even in the monsoons… And the indoors dojo was floored with concrete tiles. The eastern students are definitely more respectful, and understand that it is a long journey.

In the west, now that I teach in the USA, we have 5-star facilities in our dojo… Wood-sprung floor, tatami & EVA mats, Air conditioning & Heat, but we lack the patience, diligence, and proper etiquette in the culture. Hopefully, through studying the art, the students, irrespective of where they are from, will adopt the Dojo Kun in their lives, and develop their personality as well…

That is the objective of Karatedo, and I have seen it work wonders.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

The journey is more important than the destination.

Never forget to maintain proper etiquette and attitude inside and outside the Dojo. Identify and accept your limitations and learn to work with them.

Remember, there are no excuses… only intentions.

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

The Core Group: L to R: N Dhawan, N Lawrence, W Zemlak, S Pinto.
(In the group picture)
Savio Pinto
Hon. Assistant Instructor
3rd Dan, JKA WF America

N Dhawan

Director & Chief Instructor
5th Dan, Japan Karate Association
Licensed Instructor – Examiner – Judge, JKA

William Zemlak
Hon. Assistant Instructor
1st Dan, JKA WF America

I founded the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo back in 2004, I wanted to bring back the tradition of Japanese Bujutsu, something that I felt has been lost in the modern world. To do this I established the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo, meaning School of the Japanese Warriors Ways of Stealth. After receiving Menkyo Kaiden in Tomo Ryu Shinobijutsu from Master Ichiro Kobayashi and full permission from my other Masters, The Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo was established.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

The Budo Ryu Ninjutsu system of martial training was developed by the collection of 7 Japanese Traditions and combining them into a way of training to fully develop one’s mind, body and spirit as one. Each of these ryu has is own specialty in certain aspects of warfare and combat tactics. The Traditions that are taught in the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo are:

- Tomo Ryu Shinobijutsu
- Tenjin Ryu Bushi Jujutsu
- Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
- Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu
- Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu
- Koka Ryu Dakentaijutsu
- Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu

Through the training the student will learn each of these arts individually and as they train they then understand movement and the principals and how to move in and out of all of the 7 traditions when they need to. Instead of having one set strategy (DO / 道) the Budoka learns 7 different combative strategies. This is the understating of the Budo Ryu, to be able to move freely in and out of each of these old family traditions to fit any situation in life.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

The principals that we teach is a collection of understanding called NINPO (忍法) these are the methods and understanding of the Ninja. In the Samurai Arts, teaches the feeling of “bushido” that is stressed to the student; this can be understood as a means of “winning”. Winning was not the main action to the ninja, the idea of the ninja was to “not lose’ so if a samurai pulled their Japanese Swords on a ninja, and the ninja threw powders in the eyes and used evasion skills, the samurai would see this as cowardly, the ninja would see this as creating an opportunity to get back to their family, and in this even if they did not “win” they did not lose either.

This is the foundation of thought with the school; the understanding and importance of family. So at the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo, we do not fight for ourselves, for the “win”, we learn the 7 arts of Budo to protect ourselves and our families; to become better people and to understand the art of Ninjutsu.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

I think that it is very important for people to have the ability to protect themselves, but more importantly I feel that people need to have the opportunity to see who they truly are. So many times you see people wishing that they could do this and that. In the Ninja arts, all areas of weaponry, stealth, hand to hand combat, survival skills and so much more is covered. To not just learn how to punch and kick but to learn self empowerment and to have the ability to understand life this is why I feel that it is important to learn the martial arts.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

There are two main obstacles that I had come across for myself now that I have been teaching on a larger scale worldwide.

#1 – I am a woman, so no matter how many videos that we do, DVDs that we produce, and books that I write, the majority of this martial art culture is male dominated and with that, there is always going to be the thought that a woman cannot do what a man can do. I will admit over the past 5 years it has got a lot less now that I travel all over and do so many seminars, training camps as well as all of the DVD’s and Books that we produce; but because of the image of combat being so dominated by men, it is still there, but it always will be too.

#2 – INTERNET POLITICS! It is amazing how many people actually get on forums, message boards and free video sharing sites to talk negative and false statements of others in the martial arts.

I never thought that the Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo would grow to where it is today, but as the school has grown larger there are those that want to discredit us, make up false and ridiculous statements. Anytime that someone reads a negative comment online, one should understand that it is a cowardly attack, as the person just has a user name (that is usually not their real name) and a lot of bad and hateful things to say. We, as martial artiss, should not pay any attention at all to those that want to slander our schools or our organizations as this is not an act of Budo, in fact slandering others, personal attacking someone for “your opinion” and belittling others go against what many of us learn in the martial arts.

I feel that every student needs to find the best teacher for them, if they like the way that a certain individual teaches and they can relate to them, then that is the master that they need. For someone to not ever met another person, train with them or talk to them in any way, and then to go online and negatively talk bad about someone is a dishonorable action.

This world is getting worse as greed, hate and crime gets higher and higher. We need to stay focus on our training and make our skills as sharp as the sword that we carry. By taking time away from the things that are important like family and training we are taking time away from making us better as a people. We all need to stay focused on the things that are the most important.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

GO FOR IT! Learning the Japanese arts will help you in all areas of life not just in combat. There are so many ways to learn martial arts today with the internet and such that anyone can find the right program and the right master if they just look for it. This shows the great growth of the martial arts. As the centuries move on, the masters of the present keep finding new ways to relate the old ways to the students. Just as we grow, Budo must grow with the times too and hopefully the people who truly want to learn these old traditions will have that opportunity to not just help themselves but become better people and help those around them.

Thank you for the opportunity to touch someone’s life through the message of Budo, I deeply appreciate it. Take care, be safe and Good Luck in your Journey of Budo.

Bujinkan Bukeyashiki Dojo was started back in the late 90’s as a shibu (training group) by Mike Reina, with only 2 students. Classes were held in his basement with just barely enough room to roll from one end to the other. When the weather permitted classes were held outside in a local park.

Since 1995 Shidoshi Reina has been training in the Bujinkan. His first visit to Japan was in 2006 and again in 2007 when he earned his Godan (5th degree) certificate. What prompted Shidoshi Reina to start the dojo was out the love for the art and the camaraderie it instills. This art has a long history with numerous life lessons to be learned and mastered.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

At the Bujinkan Bukeyashiki Dojo, we only teach Budo Taijutsu as taught by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, who is the head of the Bujinkan. Dr. Hatsumi is the 34th Grandmaster head of nine warrior schools which was passed to him by his teacher Toshitsugu Takamatsu – the last ninja of the 20th century. The following are the nine koryu (a traditional or ancient martial art) schools: Togakure Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Kukishinden Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, Gyokushin Ryu, Koto Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Gikan Ryu and Kumogakure Ryu.

Ninjustu, as this art is more commonly known deals with many different arts and survivalist techniques. It was developed by groups of people mainly from the Iga and Koga areas of Japan. During the warring state of feudal Japan the ninja used their art to ensure their survival. Their skills in espionage and assassination were highly useful to the warring states during that era. Because these survivalist techniques were seen as dishonorable to the samurai class, many samurai would hire a ninja to perform these tasks. Some of these tasks involve training in disguise, escape, concealment, archery, medicine, explosives and poisons, just to mention a few. Today however the main focus of Ninjustu deals with the techniques relating to armed and unarmed combat.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

We have several but the most important to us are: Respect yourself, Respect others and be responsible for your own actions. We also believe heavily that “you are responsible for your own training”. One main idea that we try to push to all our students is that we don’t fight to “win”, we fight to survive. Getting home to our family is the only prize that we are after.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

In my opinion the martial arts teach human interaction. It teaches patience, determination, self reliance, discipline, self preservation, and reflection/wisdom. Not to mention, the camaraderie that you establish with your dojo friends. It teaches you to push your body and mind and to constantly reach for new goals.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

I think the most difficult is getting students into the door of the dojo. This is a dynamic art. Accordingly, training with different people and different body types is extremely important in your development. The size of the dojo is another obstacle in that you need space to throw people around and to swing weapons of different lengths.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Find the right art for you and your personal situation. Then find the right teacher and school. It might take a while, but its well worth the investment in your time. Don’t be discouraged if it’s not the school located within your town. Sometimes travel is necessary in order to find the right match.

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Currently we have Mike Reina, Shidoshi as the head instructor and John Soto, Shidoshi-ho as the assistant instructor. Mike and John started together back in the late 90’s and have gone through the ranks together. Along with a long history of training together their friendship has also continued to grow into what is turning out to be a life long friendship. Their friendship is used as an example to the other members of the dojo and a cornerstone of how we treat our students – friends’ first and then students second.

Mike and John both have many years of experience in Tae Kwon do as well. Mike has taken several other arts including Aikido, Judo and Kung Fu. Currently Mike and John have started to train in “Reality based” scenarios and passing onto the students not only the rich history of the Bujinkan but also how it relates to today’s attacks.

We have two dojos – one in the north of Auckland (New Zealand) and a brand new, fulltime dojo which we have built on my property in Silverdale, about 20 minutes north of Auckland City. The new dojo is built from a converted barn and we are lucky enough to now have a fulltime training facility, with 110 mats, and basic facilities for live-in students. I am the senior instructor at both dojos, and I currently hold the rank of 4th dan.

The dojo I “grew up in” in the UK was the Hut dojo in London. I started there aged 10 back in 1974 under sensei H W Foster 7th dan, who is still teaching there today at the age of 84, and is the technical director of the Institute of Aikido worldwide. Sensei Foster was one of the original students of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei back in the late 1950’s, and the Hut dojo was the birthplace of Aikido in the UK.

I emigrated with my family to New Zealand in 2005, and it has taken us a few years to built the new dojo and get an organization established. We are very lucky to have a great group of students who are really enthusiastic, and I think this shows in the atmosphere we get on the mat and is contributing to the rapid growth of our group.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Traditional Aikido. We don’t follow a particular ’style’ per se, but due to Sensei Fosters strong links with Saito sensei we do follow the Ria-ai system of using Jo and Bokken weapons systems to improve our tai-jujtsu. I am a strong believer in looking at all the information available, including within martial arts, so if a student goes away to see another sensei, we always have a session afterwards to examine what they thought was interesting or valuable. In 2003 I published “Aikido – A beginner’s guide” and the DVD “Aikido – the first steps” to try to encourage people into our beautiful art, and we purposely kept the information as non style-specific as we could to give make it as relevant as possible to as many people as possible.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Train for others to train yourself. We have a wide variety of ages, nationalities, shapes and sizes, so everyone has to find their own Aikido, within the constraints of the syllabus. We are very lucky to live in a country where diversity is seen as a good thing. There is a strong focus within our training upon ukemi – the ability to fall safely is a valuable life skill.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

Within the modern lifestyle, it is easy to become lazy and internally focused. Studying a martial art is a bit like having children – it makes you realize that you are not the most important person in the world and it keeps you fit as well.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

In 2005 I was diagnosed as a type I diabetic, so now I have to inject insulin 4 or 5 times a day and do regular blood tests. I try to be as vigilant as I can as this condition can make you very ill if not managed properly, but there is no doubt that my fitness level has dropped a bit since, and I have to be careful when training that my sugar levels don’t drop too low. In 2008 I dislocated my left shoulder and damaged the AC joint, and this has also been a slow healer. I think the reality is that when you get past 40, the body does start to fall apart a bit, so you just have to look after yourself a bit more carefully. As far as teaching is concerned, the biggest challenge for me is my kids’ classes. We take children from the age of 8, and sometime keeping their focus and concentration is a real battle. Over the years I have gradually developed a set of exercise and games all based upon Aikido movement and technique, and by delivering these in short segments mixed in with ‘proper’ aikido syllabus work and keeping the class moving we seem to have built a very successful youth group.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

• Make sure your family and friends realize that training nights are sacred. None of my friends would even consider asking me out on a training night. If you miss one class, it’s easy to slip, and hard to get back into the routine.

• Don’t be bullied. If you are at a school where the instructor or senior students expect you to bow and scrape and treat you like inferiors, leave! There are many good dojos in every city in the world, so visit a few before you pick one.

• Train to your comfortable limit. If you don’t push yourself you’ll never make progress, but we are not living in Feudal Japan so be sensible – you have to go to work tomorrow!

• Keep an open mind. I have added a lot to my understanding of Aikido from training with Jujitsu people, Eagle claw Kung Fu people, Tai Chi people, even Yoga.

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Dunken Francis 4th dan (Born 1964)
Sensei Francis trained under H.W. Foster sensei since beginning his Aikido career as a child in 1974, and for a several years was also a student of Ron Russell sensei.

Training at The Hut dojo instilled a commitment to the principles of Riai – “Blending of Truths”, and subsequently he is a strong advocate for the regular practice of Aiki-jo and Aiki-ken.

In 2005 he moved to Auckland with his wife and daughter, and in 2007 set up the Institute of Aikido dojo in Okura, with plans for a new, full-time dojo in Silverdale later this year.

Mainly focusing upon teaching beginners and bringing newcomers into the art, and to help newcomers clarify the myriad of techniques and technical terms used, “Aikido – A Beginner’s Guide” was published in July 2003 (see www.aikido4beginners.co.uk .)

The founder of the Shodokan dojo is sensei Matjaž Dobravec who has trained aikido since 1993. In 1999 the dojo joined Aikido Association International, then headed by shihan Fumio Toyoda. The dojo has grown steadily since then. We are currently one of the largest aikido dojos in Slovenia, with regular practice taking place in five towns, including the capital Ljubljana.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

We teach aikido in the style of aikikai, as taught by shihan Fumio Toyoda. Occasionally we cooperate with schools of martial art to broaden our horizons. For example, we have had karate and grappling lessons. Lately some of the senior dojo members have started practicing iado.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

We follow the teachings and philosophy of O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. Perhaps the most important principle taught by the founder was that one should resolve conflicts by seeking harmony (‘ai’ in aikido) with the opponent, rather than resorting to aggression.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

In our experience, training martial arts has many practical benefits, such as staying fit and being able to defend oneself. On a deeper level, vigorous training unifies body and spirit. In other words, it makes a person whole.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

For many years our main logistical problem was lack of permanent training place. Lately, things have been much better as we opened dojos in several towns so that we are not dependent on a single place of training anymore.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Serious training of a martial art requires long-term personal commitment and devotion. Only after many years of training can one begin to look beyond particular techniques and gain true understanding of the basic martial principles. A beginner should therefore not be discouraged by initial confusion or apparent slow progress. On the contrary, one should expect to progress slowly and to keep discovering new insights in old lessons that one has heard a thousand times.

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

The chief instructor and the club president is sensei Matjaž Dobravec, who currently holds the yondan degree (4th dan). He started practicing aikido in 1993, and has taught aikido since 1997. He received his yudansha degree in 1999 from Shihan Fumio Toyoda. In 2000 he was invited as an uchideshi to Toyoda’s dojo in Chicago.

There he received instructor training and learned the teaching methodology of Shihan Fumio Toyoda. In 2002 he successfully tested for nidan. He received his sandan degree in 2005, and the yondan degree in the spring of 2009.

In October 2008 sensei Matjaž Dobravec received a special recognition for his devotion to and promotion of the Japanese culture and martial arts from his Excellency Mr. Maruyama, the Japanese ambassador to Slovenia.