| Interview Archive
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A. 35 years A. Martial arts were just something that intrigued me, but there was nothing available in the small town I lived in. The summer after I graduated high school I heard that someone was teaching in Union City. I found out where and drove up there the following Wednesday. There was a group in the grass in front of the high school preparing to practice. 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. I didn’t even watch the class first. I was lucky to “pick” such a good style and instructor (Steve Capela). Q. Who have you studied under? A. Steve Capela A. High expectations, be there, practice between classes, less talk/more practice. Master Capela’s skill and knowledge motivated me to work hard. Compared to some of the “fluff” in the martial arts, this was just good, no non-sense karate. Follow his expectations and you would improve. Q. How has your karate changed over the years? A. I think it has become more fluid and the techniques more subtle. I think this is a natural evolution. I don’t practice Goshin Jutsu as often as in the past, but I am teaching some aikido students punching, kicking, & self defense to supplement their style. My techniques feel strong, but as I stated, more fluid & subtle. Q. What are your personal beliefs about training? A. The same as they were as explained above. I see many students just wanting to get rank as soon as possible. Some just like to talk about the techniques. There is no shortcut. Just practice and be honest with yourself. You know better than anyone if the technique would have worked, or if you felt a slight loss of balance. I am fortunate that I still enjoy training. I feel that I am always learning. Q. What do you feel is the proper ratio of kata to kumite in training? A. I would probably suggest 50/50. Earlier in one’s training the kata should be emphasized much more. A solid foundation is critical. You shouldn’t forget kata as you gain more experience because you need to ensure your foundation stays strong. Q. Do you have any funny or interesting karate stories you would like to share? A. Nothing immediately comes to mind. After so many years I know there was much to laugh about (usually my own failures) and the camaraderie with others was such a good thing. I am glad I took off my shoes on that Wednesday evening so many years ago. Q. How do you feel about full contact kick boxing and the mixed martial arts? A. It is fun to watch. Q. Could you tell us a little about your Aikido training? A. I have been studying for about 6 years now. It has not been as physically demanding as Goshin Jutsu is, but very challenging because of the blending with uke as you execute techniques. If all goes as it should with blending, timing, ma ai, and balance, the techniques are very powerful. What is so challenging is trying to have all these come together during the technique. Q. Do you believe your Aikido and Karate training have blended easily? A. Not at first because I was using too much strength and force. Now I feel they are blending nicely, but it wasn’t easy. I feel as if they’re starting to compliment each other now. Q. What advice would you give to others who would like to study more than one martial art? A. Spend many years in only one art and become proficient before starting another. Goshin Jutsu was second nature to me before I started aikido. I also think it is important to study other arts after proficiency in one. As I stated above they can compliment each other. To me the principles of good technique are the same in Goshin Jutsu and aikido. Q. Do you have any programs or events that you would like to promote or talk about? A. No programs or events, however, I am looking for some space to start teaching again. I want to teach Tomiki Aikido, but also some of karate’s punches & kicks. I see many multiple year aikido students that do not know how to defend themselves. Q. Is there any one you would like to thank or send a message to? A. I would like to thank Master Capela for what he has passed on. His high expectations and work ethic are as important today as ever. I look back with good feelings at all those I studied with and with those that I taught. Q. Do you have any advise for the karate students who will read this? A. I think I passed on some advice with my responses above.
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