Interview Archive
Interview: Kyoshi Rick Johnson"....A quote says Ki Kiri Saru Mo Ichi Ru “even Black Belts make mistakes-even monkeys fall out of trees”- no reason to quit- just get up and go at it again."
Glenn Harrison
"Only one can be the best but there are many areas in which to be the best. Always try to be better than you were before..."
Scott Mullins
"When your training seems the toughest and you feel you are doing your worst....that's when you are learning the most."
Pat Devore
"Anything "Goshin Jutsu" is worth the time and effort."
Jose Otero
"Every time you get out on the floor, it is a victory."
Glenn Kwan
“Are you still in karate? Your answer will be: “No, karate is still in me!”
Steve Popieski
I walked up to the guy with the black belt and asked how one can start. He said take off your shoes, I did, and the rest is history..."
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Interview: David Parritt
Styles: Jujitsu Nihon and USJJF, USJA and Judo
Rank: 6th Dan
School: Samurai Judo and Jujitsu
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DWH. How long have you been practicing the Martial Arts?
A. 48 years
DWH. What arts have you studied?
A. Judo, Jujitsu, Hapkido, Karate, Taekwondo
DWH. How and why did you start studying the martial arts?
A. I started in Japan after my parents had me take Judo
DWH. Who have you studied under? Where have you studied?
A. I have studied under so many GYSGT William Stevenson and Larry Bourke were big influences on me, in Mass back in the mid to late sixties. In Panama Sensei Meddoza from Colon was great. In Korea there were so many but Mr. Na stands out. In the U.S. Dr. Ronald Allen Charles and Robbie Robinson come to mind. These are just a few as I had so many.
DWH. Could you tell us about your philosophy on the martial arts?
A. Above all Martial arts should improve character improve concentration and develop realistic self-defense. Also martial arts are for everyone and they must find their own path, as we all are not the same.
DWH. How has your Judo and jujutsu changed over the years?
A. I use more waza (technique) and less strength, and I like Kata, which I did not for many years.
DWH. What are your personal beliefs about training?
A. On the mat everyone should train as hard as they can. It is important to remember that people have different desires and abilities, which we must take into account when teaching them. Student A's Judo might be not be the same as student B's but to the both of them their way of Judo (or any martial art) in the correct one for them.
DWH. What do you feel is the proper ratio of randori, Uchi Komi, kata and self-defense in training?
A. This depends on the length time they have studied. At first Uchi Komi should take up most of their practice time. Later Randori will take up to 30-35% percent of their time. Self-defense training depends on what the students wants out of Judo. Jujitsu is the study of self-defense.
DWH. Do you have any funny or interesting martial arts stories you would like to share?
A. I once was asked when I was in my early twenties to work out with a forty-something Japanese woman. Not understanding that I was being rude I told her that I was sorry but I needed a workout. I did work out with her and spent the next 20-30 minutes flying. It turned out that she was a very high-ranking Judoka. This also was a turning point for me as I then understood was true and what advanced Judo was.
DWH. How do you feel about full contact kickboxing and the mixed martial arts?
A. For those who want to practice them they are fine (I did full contact kick boxing many years ago) The trouble with some is the attitude and the lack of advanced waza. When I was young I took Karate at Matson's Karate in Brockton Mass. My sensei could wear out a kicking bag very fast. When he kicked the bag it sounded like a sonic boom. This power is not developed, as he would have killed anyone he kicked. The mixed martial artists do poor Judo and don't take the time to learn the waza correctly. They are sparring almost as soon as they sign up. The success of the Judoka in the UFC has shown how well a trained Judoka can do.
DWH. What other martial arts have you studied?
A. Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Hapkido
DWH. How do you believe the different arts that you have studied have blended?
A. Every art that I have studied has helped me understand more about those that I have already had studied. The idea is not to keep skipping around all the time ...find your base art and stick with it while you try others out.
DWH. Do you have any programs or events that you would like to promote or talk about?
A. Yes we have a great kids class and will be starting self-defense classes during the days.
DWH. Could you tell us about your school and its programs?
A. Our School is named Samurai Judo and Jujitsu. We offer Judo and Jujitsu with a rather unique approach. On Monday we have beginning Judo and Jujitsu, on Tuesday we have Beginning Judo from 6-7:30 and Advanced Judo from 7:45-9:00. On Wednesday we have Judo from 6-7:30 and Judo Sparring from 7:40 to 9:00, on Thursday we have Judo and advanced Jujitsu , Fridays we have Judo 5:30-6:30 , Jujitsu 6:30-7:30 and Jujitsu striking Technique from 7:30-9:00. We also have childrens' classes from 5:00-6:00 on Monday and Thursday . We have an early Monday class from 11:30-1:00. We are available for private self defense classes.
DWH. Do you have any advice for the martial arts students who will read this?
A. Yes, enjoy where you are and don't worry about learning the advanced waza. The martial arts are a long journey and as you will never, never get to your destination (knowing everything) enjoy it. Martial arts had been my life and it has and is a good one.
DWH. Thank you for your time
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