Featured School

Interview with Luis Morales of Budo Quest Martial Arts

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 founder of Budo Quest Martial Arts is Kyoshi Luis Morales. He opened the school to promote Classical Life Protection Arts of Okinawan Japan.

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 Old Style Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-jutsu, which consists of Sub-Arts of Kyusho-jutsu (Pressure Points), Tuite-jutsu (Joint Locking Art), Nage (throwing), and Martial Science. We also teach Okinawan Kobudo (weaponry).

Pre-War teaching was quite different from what is taught today. The old way was more combat oriented, specifically used for life preservation. This is what we are trying to bring back. Training that mimics true life combat, which is different from tournament geared practice.

The picture here is from the Owen Sound Sun Times newspaper and was taken during a seminar at the Owen Sound Family Y last November 8, 2008.

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

Respect and honor, hard work and fair play, perseverance and an attitude of never giving up or quitting.

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

Martial arts, through diligent practice, help to master oneself. Thus, those who train for multiple years can be seen to change in character. Together with the morals and values learned in martial arts, we can become anchors, helping not only to better our lives, but also the lives of those around us.

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

Difficulties, not many, I always try to keep a positive outlook when teaching. Sometimes you get discouraged when a student quits who you know has a lot of potentials, but I guess that life.  Obstacles? That there is not enough time in the day to keep training and improving, Lol.

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?

Because Japanese martial arts are rooted in an oriental culture, it brings with it a deep set of morals and values that date back centuries. In addition, the art expressed in forms and fighting practice dates back hundreds of years and are combat effective techniques proven in war. Truly, it can be said, that there is something to be found for everyone in Japanese martial arts.

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

Hanshi 10th Dan, Okinawan master, Tetsuhiro Hokama was born in Tainan Taiwan in 1944. Sensei Hokama was taught his family’s karate and kobujutsu by his grandfather, Seiken Tokuyama. He also learned kobudo from Shinpo Matayoshi. He studied Goju-ryu with the renowned Seiko Higa. At the latter’s death, Hokama continued his training under his senior and a top student of Seiko Higa, Seiko Fukuchi.

Through diligent practice, Hokama was able to master the fundamentals of Karate, but unwilling to accept the applications being taught to him early on, he eagerly continued to ask for more and to seek a deeper understanding of the “hidden hand” or secret techniques. Seeing his dedication, his instructors eventually began to show him the “old ways”.

Through the years, Tetsuhiro Hokama Hanshi has come to develop an art with such speed and power, few can come near. His knowledge of tuidi (grab hand) and kyusho (vital point striking) is quite amazing; one must actually see it to believe it.

Besides his karate accomplishments, Hokama sensei also is the curator of the Okinawan museum, is a master calligrapher, an avid historian of not only martial arts but of Okinawan history in general. He has written numerous books, has made a number of videos and has appeared in a more than a few documentaries on martial arts, including the top ten martial arts.

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3. Interview with Kyoshi Terrell D. Lambert of Ji Kai Martial Arts
4. Interview with Nicklaus Suino of Japanese Martial Arts Center
5. Interview with Anshu Christa Jacobson of Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Dojo