Jon Stankowski

Scott Mullins

Pat Devore

Jose Otero

Glenn Kwan

Steve Popieski

Interivew: Master Glenn Harrison

		Style: Goshin Jutsu Karate Rank: 6th degree black belt School: Harrison's Jade Dragon school of Goshin Jutsu Karate

Q. How long have you been practicing the Martial Arts?
A. 27 years (since Oct. 1, 1977)

Q. How has your karate changed over the years?
A. I pay much more attention to the little details of technique instead of how many different techniques I can learn. I try to perfect what I already know while at the same time I can't help but learn new things.

Q. Who have you studied under?
A. I started training with Master Steven Popieski and now study with Grand Master Stephen Capela. I have attended many clinics by Grand Master Gerard Durant, Karate Joe Pakeigo, Grand Master John Kinkead, Grand Master Glenn Kwan, and Joe Lewis to name a few.

Q. What are your personal beliefs about training? A. One should always train for ones self improvement, not only in body but also in mind. We are all individuals and have different goals, wants, and needs. 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. Use the skills and knowledge that you learn in your every day life to be a better person. Train hard and always do the best you can do.

Q. What do you feel is the proper ratio of kata to
kumite in training?
A. Kata is the hub of karate, it allows a person to
perfect their techniques without a partner. The more one perfects their katas the more naturally the proper form and techniques will flow. Kumite brings all of this together to blend with timing and skill to overcome an opponent in a real life setting. One only enhances the other-you must decide, 50/50 is probably a good rule of thumb.

Q. Do you have any funny or interesting karate stories
you would like to share?
A. One time I had the chance to play a joke on
a fellow martial artist that takes advantage of humorous situations to play jokes on me. When it came time to spring the trap, to my dismay Karate Joe
Pakeigo intervened and unknowingly took the bait, even though the joke was not intended for him. I had to finish the joke and as it turned out I was not only
embarrassed but from that time on I have waited and wondered when Karate Joe was going to get me back. Sometimes jokes backfire!

Q. How do you feel about full contact kick boxing and
the mixed martial arts?
A. Full contact fighting can really take a toll
on the human body. Hundreds of years ago it was important to be ready at all times to defend yourself or family in a life or death situation, full contact
was necessary to be sure you were ready. Today it is important for me to be able to provide financial security for my family and to be able and healthy
enough to work regularly. Full contact is fine for those that want it. There is a price for each decision we make.

Q. Could you tell us a little about your school?
A. My school has been in operation since 1992. We had two schools and 106 students altogether. As students
realized how much discipline and hard work it takes they eventually dropped out and we now have a dedicated core of 30 fine students. We stress good technique and discipline here. We feel that it is much better to have a few good students than to have many fair or poor students. We built a new Dojo a few years ago and now have plenty of room to do everything that we want to do and we don't have to worry about the noise or bothering the neighbors.

Q. Do you have any programs or events that you would
like to promote or talk about?
A. Through the years we have hosted outdoor survival clinics offering ways to start fires without matches, building shelters, collecting food and water, tanning hides, etc. I think of it as self-defense against the elements. If someone gets lost or stranded these things
could save their lives. We also offer hypnosis for sports enhancement as well as other areas of self-improvement.

Q. Is there any one you would like to thank or send a message to?
A. There are many people to whom I owe thanks, far too many to mention them all. But my good friends Steve Popieski and Steve Capela have taught me much more than they will ever know. I owe them both sincere appreciation, thanks, and undying gratitude for helping me to be the person that I am today. I am also very thankful to everyone that has helped me throughout my life.

Q. Do you have any advise for the karate students whowill read this?
A. Be true to yourself! Continue to follow your never ending quest for knowledge in what ever you choose to do. Only you can choose the path that is right for you. Remember - The right path is not always easy but it is always the right path!