KIAI Instructor Interview--Ian Stewart
This article the latest in a continuing series of interviews with the various Instructors within KIAI
KIAI: How old
were you when you start training in the martial arts, and what made you start?
Ian: I was in my early twenties when I started. I had an interest in Eastern philosophies especially Martial Arts from my school and college years, but it was not until the 1970’s that I found a dojo that I wanted to train in.
KIAI: What
made you start practicing sword arts?
Ian:
The dojo that I belong to practiced a “Budo”
system, in that a student was expected to grade in more than one art. I
practiced Atemi Jutsu,
Judo and Aikido. It was through my Aikido practice that I was introduced to the
weapon aspects of Martial Art training, as well as the occasional training
session in Kendo. From that point on I realized that Martial Art weapons were for me especially
the sword arts.
KIAI: Did you
ever have the chance of actually using your martial arts--especially your sword
art?
Ian:
Not sword specifically, but sword technique is so closely related to open hand
technique as to be almost inseparable in my view. I have used restraint
techniques during my spell as a doorman in the City of York England
KIAI: Are you
a full time instructor, if so, what are the benefits and challenges?
Ian: No I am not a full time instructor.
KIAI: If you
had the chance to start all over again, would you choose to pursue the martial
arts?
Ian: Yes most certainly I would, the only thing
I would change is that I would start at a younger age and take up Kendo instead
of Judo.
KIAI: How many
times per week do you train?
Ian: Two
regular dojo sessions plus visits to other local dojo, and regular courses and
seminars around the UK.
KIAI: What do
you think of under age (juvenile) black belts?
Ian: The
UK associations that I have belonged to and currently belong to do not have a
junior black belt system, I do not personally feel that a juvenile can
understand or appreciate what it means to be a black belt.
KIAI: What is your opinion of competitive (sport) martial arts?
Ian: They
have a valid place in modern Budo, after all It was Judo that was the starting
point for what I do today. However I think that it is a shame that some people
practice competitive arts to the exclusion of everything else. Budo has so much
to offer everyone competitors and non- competitors alike.
KIAI: Do you think the general public is misled about the ability
and practicality of budo due to the media’s portrayal of martial arts and
martial arts entertainers?
Ian: Yes
I do, I think the media have done us a disservice in its portrayal of martial
arts and martial artists alike. To the extent that those of us that are trying
to portray a professional image have an uphill struggle convincing the public
that what we do is not an “act" or a “game”. Unfortunately there are
enough un-professional instructors out there that take advantage of a gullible
public, and use media hype to their own advantage.
KIAI: Do you think events like the “UFC,” etc. hurt or help
martial arts?
Ian: In
general I think they have the same effect as media portrayal. We have not had
the same exposure to these systems in the UK that you have in the USA, but their
influence is now starting to be felt. I do not regard what I have seen as
traditional Budo, and I think it is important to educate the public as to the
difference between modern contest sports and authentic martial art practice.
KIAI:
Do you think the non-tangible benefits of budo like self-confidence,
self-reliance, self-respect, discipline, leadership, maturity, etc. are as
important to young budoka as the physical ability to defeat or control another
person in today’s sometimes deteriorating contemporary society?
Ian: I think that young budoka will not appreciate these values if we as instructors do not teach them. But regrettably to many people young and old alike are not prepared to put in the work in order to get the rewards today.
KIAI: Where are martial arts, in general, heading?
Ian: A difficult question, and in some respects it depends on who you talk to and which martial art you are talking about. I think that to some extent a particular martial arts popularity is governed by what is fashionable. And I think that some of the more established martial arts have lost out in recent years. I think that we have to learn to be more flexible and take a more pro-active approach to promoting traditional martial arts, In order to keep them alive in the future.
KIAI: What, in your opinion, is the greatest detriment to the
martial arts?
Ian: Unprofessional
instructors and associations who promote students to levels that can not be
justified.
KIAI: In your
opinion, what is the ideal age to start martial arts training?
Ian: Whatever age the individual feels he/she is ready to undertake the life long path of budo.
KIAI: What is
your favorite part of training in Japanese swordsmanship?
Ian: All of it!! I just love weapon training, I could quite happily spend an entire practice session by myself practicing kata.
KIAI: What are
your opinions and thoughts regarding tameshigiri, and do you practice it?
Ian: There
are few occasions that I get the opportunity and I wish I could get more, it is
an important aspect of swordsmanship that everyone who practices Iai should have
the experience of.
KIAI: What do
you think of kendo’s “armored philosophy” versus chanbara’s “padded
way”?
Ian: I
have no personal experience of Chabara’s padded way, I am only aware of one
registered instructor in the UK. I would have to experience the art in order to
make an objective opinion.
KIAI: Do you
own an authentic Japanese made shinken, if so, how does it compare to the modern
shinken sold today?
Ian: No,
The expense is beyond my reach at present, as such I am not able to make
comparisons. Depending on what you can afford it would seem that modern shinken
are of a high quality, and serve there purpose just as well.
KIAI: What do
you think of the many modern martial art systems that are trying to copy the
ancient ryuha?
Ian: I would express the same comments
made by Walt Bushey Sensei in his
interview on this subject. (Bushey sensei's comments:
KIAI: Do you
think it is necessary to have at least a basic understanding of the native
language and culture of the country of origin for the martial art(s) you train
in?
KIAI: Ian, thank you for taking the time to share some of your vast knowledge and experience, we wish you the best in your on-going Budo training.