Just Karate Interview With John Johnston Sensei 7th Dan

Just Karate Interview With John Johnston Sensei 7th Dan

Just Karate Interview with Sensei John Johnston 7^th Dan

We are privileged at Just Karate to have John Johnston  Sensei for our monthly interview; Sensei Johnston 7^th  Dan is a seasoned competitor in both kata and kumite and has represented his country at the highest level for many years and is a senior Sensei at Adaptive Karate in the UK.

I will pass you over now to John Kelly (interviewer) and Sensei Johnston for an insight into this inspirational karate ka.

Q1-JK: Sensei Johnston, Where and what year did you start your karate journey and under what Sensei?
Answer: I started Karate in Coventry when I was nearly 20. I am now approaching 62 you can do the maths. I started in Shotokan with Richard Jackson 8^th Dan. He had just returned from Japan where he had just taken his 2^nd Dan

Q2-JK: Was Shotokan karate your first style or have you tried others
Answer: before I started in Shotokan, I tried boxing and Judo for a short while. Since starting Shotokan, I have trained with many other styles, Wado Ryu, Goju Ryu, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Thai Boxing, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Judo- I taught Karate at Neil Adams Dojo in Coventry for 11 years, for those who don’t know Neil, he was world middleweight champion and Olympic silver medallist in Judo. So I got to see and on occasions was privileged to train with some of the best Judo players in the country.

Q3-JK: You have trained and competed with legends of karate in the past, what was training like in those days and what were your most memorable competition and competitor you have competed against?
Answer:  I trained alongside, competed with, against and have been taught by some of the greats in Karate. Having competed for over 25 years at a fairly high level, I have been beaten buy some of the world’s best and on a few rare occasions I have happed to win a few. Just to give you an idea of the level of Karate competition I was involved in, I was the captain of the KUGB Central Regions Squad for over 12 years. We had members of the squad belonging to the national squad so we had many national and international champions. We had 2 members placed 2^nd and 1 world champion. We were coached by Frank Brennan. Training was very hard and demanding, but we had great times and camaraderie.

Q4-JK: You have trained under many memorable Sensei, who has had the most impact on your training and why?
Answer:  as I have mentioned I was coached by Frank Brennan for many years and I have even had private lessons from him. I think his Karate is outstanding on all levels. As is the Karate technique of Kawazoe Sensei who I used to train with many years ago but to bring us back up to the present. I love to train with Dave Hazard. I can’t say enough about how good his Karate is or how well he teaches it. I have had to leave many great teachers out of this answer, so to those not mentioned I apologise. Just to say, that if anybody wants to be taught “real Karate” seek out Dave Hazard 7^th Dan.

Q5-JK: You have been highly involved in the security sector for many years in the past; can you tell us how karate has helped in this sometimes very dangerous business?
Answer:  in regard to my time spent in the security sector, I would say Karate training has helped me to boost my confidence, focus and awareness. It helps to understand the human condition for what it is. It’s more about the psychological warfare than a physical response, although being able to apply your Karate does help.

Q6-JK: You have trained many champions in the past, can you tell us of a few and what those years were like?
Answer:  I’m not going to answer your question the way you would like me to. Yes I have trained a few champions in the past both junior and senior but I will not take credit for their accomplishments. To become a champion, it s not about my contribution it’s more to do with the students own efforts as well as a lot of other influences. To me the real champions are those students that were never meant to be Karate-Ka. I have had grandmothers, disabled students, the physically weak, timid, and the overweight, yet they have overcome there draw backs and have gone on to attain Kyu grades and Dan grades. I see these people as the real champions.

Q7-JK: Can you tell us more of how your journey has progressed over the years to present and about Adaptive Karate?
Answer:  over the years there have been many ups and downs but I am still training regularly and teaching. I have had some serious injuries recently, they have been severe enough so I could not ignore or dismiss them but I feel you just have to push on as best you can and never give in to them. Stay positive so as to make recovery that much quicker. You have asked Me about what I like to call ADAPTIVE KARATE let me try and explain, I still teach and train in Shotokan Karate but I believe that to make it viable the mindset in conjunction with the techniques require adaptation to be able to apply them in such way which would be effective. This will differ from person to person. In karate we would be wrong to think that one size fits all. Adaptive Karate is about making Karate viable to the individual. I teach the disabled, housewives, children, door staff, allsorts. The karate changes according to the need and ability of the individual,” hence Adaptive Karate”.

Q8-JK: You still travel a lot to train with many Top international sensei and obviously still have the hunger, I heard you had a serious Achilles tendon detachment last year but this still did not keep you from the dojo, what drives you to still train after all these years?
Answer:  I am very passionate about my Karate when I am not doing it I’m reading about it, thinking about it, watching it, talking about it or writing about it. It’s just what I do and I never tire of it

Q9-JK: Congratulations on your recent Nanadan (7^th Dan), this was obviously a great honour and well deserved, can you tell us more?
Answer:  Thank you. It is an honour. It’s up to others to day whether it is well deserved. I see it as recognition of many years of hard work pain sacrifice and expense.

Q10-JK: What are your main likes and dislikes with karate in Ireland today?
Answer:  I love the enthusiasm of the Irish karate-ka but what I don’t like whether it’s in Ireland or anywhere else in the world is bad and dishonest practice.

Q11-JK: What was the best advice you were given in all your years training?
Answer:  I have been given lots of advice and am still being told little snippets now and again but one bit of advice was “the best defence is not to be there”

Q12-JK: I see you are coming to Ireland later this year for a course, can you tell us more about the course content and who to contact about this?
Answer:  I am hoping to be coming to Ireland and Northern Ireland sometime this year. As yet nothing has been confirmed as soon as I know I will let you know.

Q13-JK: What are the benefits for students both young and old in practicing karate?
Answer:  we all know the benefits that come from good karate, the main benefit I think is self development

Q14-JK: What is your favourite quote?
Answer:  I don’t have a favourite, I think that there are too many quotes or sayings banded about which are absolutely useless unless they are understood and acted upon. However I will give you one of mine “the greatest obligation in life is to yourself”

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Check in on JUST KARATE for more details of John Johnston Sensei’s seminar in Ireland coming up this Year.

For more info on Adaptive Karate and Sensei Johnston go to

http://www.adaptivekarate.com/

http://adaptivekarateblog.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/AdaptiveKarateJJ6DAN

 Sensei Johnston it was an honour and a privilege and I would like to thank you for agreeing to do this interview for our new sensei interview profile

Just Karate Interview with Hanshi Patrick McCarthy

JUST KARATE INTERVIEW WITH HANSHI PATRICK MCCARTHY

Just Karate Interview with Hanshi Patrick McCarthy



We are privileged at Just Karate to have Hanshi Patrick McCarthy for our monthly interview; Hanshi Patrick McCarthy 9th Dan began his training in the 60's and came up through the ranks with good old-fashioned hard traditional type karate training. In the 80's he relocated to Japan, and became widely recognized for his field studies and historical-based writings. His ground breaking research, several books, including the best-selling publication “The Bubishi,” now translated into several languages, have been published everywhere during the 90’s.
He’s even responsible for establishing the world’s first University-level undergraduate Diploma of Martial Arts Instruction program in the new millennium. The success of his international seminars has made him one of the most sought after master instructors anywhere in the world. He forged his identity on the tournament floor in kata, kumite and kobudo during the 70's amidst fierce and talented competition.

I will pass you over now to John Kelly (interviewer) and Hanshi McCarthy for an insight into his lifelong martial journey.

Q1-JK: Where and what year did you start your martial arts journey?

I started training in 1964 after watching a provocative documentary produced by the Canadian Film Board on Canadian Judoka, Doug Rogers who had won the national and world championship followed by a silver medal at the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo. 

Q2-JK: What attracted you to this life long study and discipline?

Well, in the beginning it was the childhood fantasy of becoming a warrior-like champion . As life progressed I searched for my identity in the competitive arena and felt empowered by the incredible fitness and confidence I achieved. As I considered an occupation for life I hated the idea of “giving up” the fighting arts and found a way to convert a passion into a profession. 

Q3-JK: Who was your first Sensei?

It was a Judo instructor named Carl “Dutchi” Schell in Saint John, NB, Canada, and my first karate instructor was Adrian Gomes, then a university student at UNB.

Q4-JK: Who was the most inspirational Sensei you have trained under and why?

Hmmm, this is an interesting question as I have enjoyed being mentored by several very talented instructor’s, all of whom have influenced me in different ways, however, I guess Richard Kim [founder of the Zen Bei Butokukai] would have to be the most inspirational of all. Kim sensei helped shape my transition from adolescence to adulthood and taught me the meaning of [self-] respect, honour, loyalty, gratitude and compassion. 

Q4-JK: You have competed in most countries over the years at very tough and top level competition also with many famous martial artists from the film industry, what were those years like and can you tell us of a few memorable moments?

Apart from the incredible experience that traveling and meeting powerful people bestows upon a young and impressionable mind what I remember most is the passion that alpha-athletes and actors had for their crafts. I borrowed liberally from those experiences in an effort to find my own way.

Q5-JK: Can you tell us more about Koryu Uchinadi and what it offers? 

Based upon classical tradition KU is contemporary interpretation of those 19th century predecessor fighting arts from which modern Karate surfaced. While it is certainly learned, practiced and taught as an independent art all on its own, it is widely embraced by many Karate styles throughout the world for its unique and highly functional 2-person application drills. Linking kata to kumite, the drills are contextual premise-based and focus exclusively upon those habitual acts of physical violence [HAPV] from which the art of self-defence evolved; in other words, they are NOT style-based! I think this is the single reason why they’re attracted such worldwide interest. KU’s 2-person application practices can fit comfortably under the foundation of any style and strengthen its curriculum without adversely affecting its cosmetic appearance.

Q6-JK: Your IRKRS (International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society) http://www.irkrs-ireland.com is very interesting and educational to any martial artist, can you tell us more about this and how it began?

The “Society” really evolved as an outgrowth from the kind of work/study I’d been doing in Japan. I had been longtime supporter of Donn Draeger’s work and later a member of the Japan Martial Arts Society [JMAS] and understood the value of like-minded people coming together to form study groups. By the late 1980’s JMAS was falling quietly dormant and its chairman, Phil Relnick, offered me an official position with the group in an effort to help it pick up some clerical momentum. Much of the JMAS membership at that time was made up of Koryu-based stylist, Jo, Iai and Aikido enthusiasts but my interests were predominantly Karate-based. Even though I was very passionate about swordsmanship, a member of the Tenshin Shodent Katori Shinto Ryu, and avidly attending a lot of the same traditional functions as JMAS members were, including the annual Budo University symposiums, I felt my interests would be better served amidst a karate-based group. In 1988 about a dozen or so Japan-based foreign residents met for the first time to establish the IRKRS. 

During that time our group used to meet at my dojo in Fujisawa where we’d enjoy training, discussing various related study issues and finish the session down at the local izakaya [pub] with a cold beer, etc. With my written articles appearing in various international magazines [Black Belt, Fighting Arts International, Bugeisha, Dojo, JAMA, & Furyu, etc.] we became known as a unique group and gradually attracted an international following of researchers, writers and authors. 

Relocating to Australia in June of 1995 changed the dynamics considerably and within six months we opened our doors to better accommodate a general membership. With the emergence of the internet in 1996 our membership grew from a few hundred to a few thousand. Having grown exponentially over the years we are now more than fifty countries and enjoy the reputation of having set precedence being the very first traditional style-free organisation of its kind anywhere in the world.

Q7-JK: What other styles have you studied over the years?

The question might be better served asking the opposite; what styles haven’t I studied? The very nature of my position demands nothing less than needing to “study them all!” I’m not sure, however, if style-based enthusiasts understand how such a thing is possible. Let me try to explain; it’s widely accepted that the practical origins of Karate lay in the ability to simply defend oneself. Therefore, if we look at such an art from the outcomes backwards [i.e., what is the actual intended goal of learning/training] we can better understand the practical application of its techniques. In order to best understand this it becomes necessary to identify what common ground all karate shares! 

The contextual premise upon which all karate is based, as a means of self-defence, is the human body and the habitual acts of physical violence [HAPV]. From a tactical point of view this is not terribly difficult to grasp especially when one can watch physical demonstrations of escapes, counters and how defensive and offensive techniques were meant to be used. Keeping in mind that practical function is represented by solo form [form equals function] when various techniques are fused together into geometrical configurations something greater than the sum total of their individual parts is created; kata. 

Irrespective of the propaganda surrounding the stylistic differences between various kata its techniques are aimed at resolving generic issues. Once this is understood the rest is really quite academic. It’s only when we start to immerse ourselves in propaganda, which tends to focus of self-promotion, “purity” and or “sanctity” of style, its political nature is to blow out one’s candle in order to make its burn brighter! In truth, and beyond cosmetic difference, all karate is the same… what differs nowadays are newly emerging training curricula and the ever rule-bound competitive arena.

Q8-JK: What are your likes and dislikes about karate today?

Absolutely nothing… I love karate in all its many forms; it’s the ego-maniacs, politicians and sociopaths I have problems with!

Q9-JK: You teach all over the World and on a few occasions in Ireland, are you planning any seminars in Ireland in the near future and where can martial arts enthusiasts find more information on KU and the IRKRS?

Thank you … Interested parties can find us on-line c/o www.koryu-uchinadi.com and or contact me directly c/opatrick_mccarthy@mac.com FYI, the IRKRS has no shortage of highly skilled and fully accredited instructors who frequently travel and teach seminars all over the world. Several of our senior European instructors will be also be teaching [Koryu Uchinadi, Yamane Ryu Kobudo & Aiki Kenpo Jujutsu] in Ireland this year and anyone interested in participating is welcome to contact our national representatives: Damien Walker - damienwalker@yahoo.co.uk , Damien Costello - damien.costello@gmail.com and or Damian Murphy - damodai@gmail.com

Q10-JK: You have studied and lived in Japan for many years, this would be a dream for many martial artists, tell us more about this and how it helped and influenced you?

Donn Draeger told me that if I wanted to better understand the art of Karate I should consider visiting Japan, studying its culture and learning its language. Budo, of which Karate is an integral part, is like a microcosm of the culture from which it comes … a miniature representation of its customs, ways and social behaviors, etc. Marrying a Japanese, learning the language and living in that interesting culture for so many years provided me with wonderful insights and deep understandings about the art. While I don’t believe it necessarily makes a person “better at Karate,” it most certainly will make them more informed! I’d certainly recommend visiting Japan for anyone who’s never been there… you’ll be surprised just how much you can learn … about yourself!

Q11-JK: You have published and translated many books; can you tell us of some and the in-depth research that is involved in each publication?

Much of my research has been culminated in the development of the HAPV-theory, systematization of 2-person drills, and articles which appear in 15-years of IRKRS quarterly Journal. Our on-line Karate Study List (KSL), instructional DVDs and comprehensive English translations, which include “The Bible of Karate - The “Bubishi,” Matsumura’s 1882 “Seven Precepts of Bu,” and his 1885 “Zaiyunomei,” Itosu’s “1908 “Ten Lessons,” Miyagi Chojun’s 1934 “Outline of “Karatedo,“ the minutes of the famous 1936 “Meeting of the Okinawan Masters,” Motobu Choki’s “Watashi no Karate-jutsu,” Taira Shinken’s 1964 “Encyclopedia of Kobudo,” Funakoshi Gichin’s early [1914 thru 1934] writings, and “Nagamine Shoshin’s “Tales of Okinawa’s greatest Masters,” to name the most important ones. The journey of discovery has taken me all over the world, including India, Egypt, throughout Africa and SE Asia, and China, including the famed Shaolin Temple.

Q12-JK: In all your years studying and competing, what was your most memorable experience?

Finding the courage to become who I am as the only thing that separates desire from success is discipline. 

Q13-JK: What is your most favourite quote?

It’s about acceptance, patience and change; "There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly"

Q14-JK: Can you tell us in your own words the importance of having an open mind in ones study and journey in martial arts?

It prevents you from making unnecessary compromises, becoming a minion and a follower. It allows you to be true to yourself, search for continual improvement while chasing your goals and living your dreams.

Hanshi McCarthy it was an honour and a privilege and I would like to thank you for agreeing to do this interview for our new sensei interview profile on JUST KARATE. - Osu

The pleasure is mine. Thank you 

Dermot O'Keeffe Sensei 5th Dan

Just Karate Interview with Sensei Dermot O’Keeffe

We are privileged at Just Karate to have Dermot O’Keeffe Sensei for our monthly interview; Sensei O’Keeffe  5^th Dan is a seasoned competitor in both kata and kumite and has represented his country at the highest level for many years and is a senior Sensei in the JKS Ireland.

I will pass you over now to John Kelly (interviewer) and Sensei O’Keeffe for an insight into this inspirational Irish karate ka.

Q1-JK: Sensei O’Keeffe, Where and what year did you start your karate journey and under what Sensei?

A: I started training in feb 1979. My Sensei was Philip mcCarthy.

Q2-JK: Was Shotokan karate your first style or have you tried others?

A: Yes, Shotokan was my first style. I have tried other styles, but only for extra training, mainly with friends from different styles. You could say we were comparing notes. It was great experience, but Shotokan has always been the style for me

Q3-JK: What year did you join the JKS and why?

A: I joined the JKS in 2005. At the time, I was running my own independent dojo,when I came across the JKS website. It seemed to tick all the right boxes for someone looking to affiliate to a Japanese organisation, but the deal clincher was the chance to train with Kagawa Sensei. I have always been a huge fan of him.

Q4-JK: You have trained under many memorable Sensei both Japanese and European, Could you give us your most memorable experiences with each?

A: That’s a difficult one, there have been so many. I fondly remember classes with Sensei’s Enoeda, Kanazawa, Sherry, Kagawa, Kawasoe. The list goes on. Enoeda Sensei’s kumite classes were always high energy and full on. He liked a good fight. I remember training on a course with Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei (Wado Ryu). He demonstrated tai sabaki and no matter what technique was thrown , he easily avoided whilst finishing with perfect kime. I remember thinking, If I could be half as good as that, I would be very happy. He was excellent to train under.

Q5-JK: How has karate changed over the years as you see it since you started and what are the main differences?

A: I don’t think  karate is as hard as it used to be. What I mean is, when I started training, beginners just got beaten up by the senior grades. You might say we were target practice for them. I can vividly remember training in St Saviours Karate club. The normal class were tough enough, but squad training was a different matter altogether. You didn't get picked for the Irish team unless you could fight. This part of karate has changed, and rightly so. People train in karate for different reasons now ,to improve fitness and general well being. Lots of proffessional people train nowadays and cannot afford to be out of work through injury or be sporting black eyes on a regular basis. I think nowadays, the instructor must be careful to manage the dojo porperly and cater for all levels. 

Q6-JK: You have won the JKS world veteran kata championships on three occasions, this was a great achievement, can you tell us about this and where it was?

A: Winning my Kata titles are some of my proudest achievments. The first win was in the Okinawa Budokan in 2007. The 2^nd was in Tokyo in Yoyogi stadium. This competition was basically the all Japan championships. This was a tough competition because the event was made up mostly of japanese. The 3^rd win was in JKS World Cup  in Scotland. They all ment a lot to me. I just appreciate being able to continue to compete for as long as possible. 

Q7-JK: What other memorable events have you competed or been involved in?

A: I competed in many ESKA and WSKA championships. One competition I will always remember is the  1990 JKA Shoto Cup. This was when I first saw Kagawa Sensei in action. He was absolutely fantastic to watch. A great experience.

Q8-JK: What are your thoughts on karate as an Olympic sport?

A: I think Sport karate is here to stay and becoming an Olympic sport is the next step. I would  like the Kata rules to be run on more traditional lines. I think modern sport kata allows the individual to much licence. It has become more about dynamic movement and less about correct technique.

Q9-JK: You have a full time dojo in Swords Dublin, When did you open this and what are the main benefits in having your own venue?

A: I opened my full-time dojo in late 2011. The main benefits to me are having a dojo to train in whenever I want. I don’t have to worry about cancelling training because the school hall is not available at short notice. The main advantage is the I can structure all my classes into different age groups.

Q10-JK: What are your main likes and dislikes with karate in Ireland today?

A: I think Irish karate is great. We have some really talented instructors in this country. A resource that is under used. I dislike that there are so many groups and that we could not all work together for the benefit of all.

Q11-JK: What was the best advice you were given in all your years training?

A: The best advice I was given was from my old Sensei Martin Cromwell. He said  “always show respect, be true to yourself. NOW GO TRAINING”

Q12-JK: You have instructed in many counties. Which was your favourite and why?

A: I don’t really have a favourite. Everywhere I have taught, I have been treated really well. It is always a pleasure to be invited to teach in other dojo.
                                             

                                                For more info on Dermot O'Keeffe Sensei or Hokubo Dojo

                                                                                                  go to

                                                             Web:                  http://www.hokubudojo.org/ 

                                                    Face Book:         http://www.facebook.com/hokubu.dojo?fref=ts

 Sensei O’Keeffe it was an honour and a privilege and I would like to thank you for agreeing to do this interview for our new sensei interview profile