Featured School

Interview with Renshi Ken Akiyama of the House of the Samurai

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

Hanshi Richie Bernard founded the House of the Samurai dojo in 1974 and was the director for 35 years. During that time, he promoted over 500 students to Black Belt, many of whom went on to become military, business, and community leaders, national AAU karate champions, and Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductees.

In April of 2009, Hanshi Bernard announced two of his students as the new directors of House of the Samurai. Renshi(s) Mandy and Ken Akiyama began training at House of the Samurai nearly twenty years ago and trained at the dojo throughout their youth. In 2004, they were married and then served five years as an Army family and established a karate school, before returning to New Hampshire to accept the honor and duty of continuing House of the Samurai. Hanshi Bernard continues to teach Black Belt classes and is the President of Shidokan International.

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

In the old Ryukyu Kingdom (modern Okinawa), three styles of karate emerged: Shuri-te, Tomari-te, and Naha-te.

At House of the Samurai, we practice the styles of karate-do known as Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu. Shorin Ryu includes the techniques of the old Shuri-te and Tomari-te traditions. Goju-Ryu is rooted in the traditions of the third style, Naha-te. Our school founder, Hanshi Bernard, committed himself to studying and preserving the traditions of these old styles; especially the kata, which is considered to be the essence of karate.

The combination of all of the traditional styles of Okinawa results in one training curriculum which is greater than the sum of its parts.

We also practice Kobudo, an Okinawan weapons system based on utilizing farming implements for self defense.

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

Since the dawn of martial arts, five precepts have guided those who have chosen to pursue the martial arts training path. We incorporate these precepts into every class to encourage every student to exemplify them in their daily life. This is the House of the Samurai Creed:

One, to strive for the perfection of character!

Be the best person you can be.

One, to defend the path of truth!

Be honest at all times.

One, to foster the spirit of effort!

Always do your best.

One, to honor the principles of etiquette!

Be respectful and polite.

One, to guard against impetuous courage!

Demonstrate self-control.

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

Our society is full of bullies in the schools, workplace, and public places. Traditional martial arts enable people to develop the self-confidence, patience and understanding in order to deal effectively with challenging situations.

The way of karate-do is the key to dealing with the myriad challenges related to the aggressive bullies or other negative influences; one must look inward and strengthen the self.

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

There is a movement in the martial arts community to change the practice of traditional karate to cater to the modern “consumer.” While we may have modified some practices over the years, we do not consider our clients to be mere “customers”. We respect our clients as serious, dedicated students, and consider it a solemn duty to continue the practice of karate-do in an authentic manner. Thus, our students will benefit more fully from the training provided. And, at House of the Samurai, traditional karate-do offers an escape, a cure, as well as preventive medicine.

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?

To be successful in the traditional martial arts, one must be diligent and patient. The traditional martial arts are about self-mastery and self-discovery. Always remember that anything worth achieving takes hard work to accomplish!

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

The ten most experienced instructors at House of the Samurai teach with over 250 years of collective experience. Hanshi Bernard, the school founder, began training over 40 years ago under Kyoshi Ron Martin, Captain of the first U.S. National Karate team. Since then, Hanshi Bernard has earned numerous honors for his dedication to the martial arts and community.

Together, the current Directors, Renshi(s) Mandy and Ken Akiyama, have accomplished numerous achievements through diverse experiences including National Karate Championships, Military awards, world travels, international volunteer work, and holistic health education.