Featured School

Interview with Sensei Ronald Nilo of Shuseikan

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 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.

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5. Interview with Dunken Francis of the Institute of Aikido Auckland