KIAI Instructor Interview--Luzius Dominic Schaerer

KIAI Instructor Interview--Luzius Dominic Schaerer

Interview conducted by Brett Denison

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?

Luzius: I was 13 years old. My love for the martial arts started back when I was 7 after seeing a documentary on television about the samurai and believe it or not, it was also after seeing my first martial arts movie starring Sho Kosugi (corny I know, but true).

KIAI: What made you start practicing sword arts?

Luzius: Actually that was what caught my eye when I was young and the sword arts of the samurai are what fueled my love of the martial arts.

KIAI: Did you ever have the chance of actually using your martial arts--especially your sword art?

Luzius: I have used my training on almost a daily basis since I was nineteen, this was a result of my chosen line of work in nightclub security (the more crude term is bouncer) which I have done now for more than 16 years. This also included my sword training (in more of an unarmed fashion).

KIAI: Are you a full time instructor, if so, what are the benefits and challenges?

Luzius: Yes I am a full time instructor, the benefits of teaching I find are that it constantly forces me to strive to perfect my techniques and the challenges I find are passing on all the small nuances of technique and skill to newer students.

KIAI: If you had the chance to start all over again, would you choose to pursue the martial arts?

Luzius: Absolutely, I would do it all over again if in that position.

KIAI: How many times per week do you train?

Luzius: I usually try to train 5-6 times a week.

KIAI: What do you think of under age (juvenile) black belts?

Luzius: My personal opinion is that there should be a minimum age for black belts, as the rank should not only reflect technical ability as well as maturity.

KIAI: What is your opinion of competitive (sport) martial arts?

Luzius: I feel it has its benefits as far as testing ones ability in a safe environment, but I also feel it's has it's down side when it comes to using the techniques in a self protection situation, as in sports competition you are taught to restrict contact as not to injure your opponent and this attitude will reflect on ones abilities to defend themselves adequately on the street.

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?

Luzius: Very much so. I have seen a lot of students come before me expecting to be able to do that as they see in movies and TV, not realizing that most sequences are mechanically enhanced and do not work in real life.

KIAI: Do you think events like the “UFC,” etc. hurt or help martial arts?

Luzius: I think events such as UFC is very hurtful to the martial arts, as I feel the true meaning and test of a martial practitioner is restraint and to only use what he has learned to defend themselves, not to try and prove oneself as a "tough guy" as they seem to acquire the attitude "I am unbeatable" then in the real world to there determent they may find out that this is not the case. I always say "No matter how much training and skill you have, there is always someone out there who has more" and these people do not advertise this when you meet them on the street. So you never know who you are up against. Also, I feel the public gets the idea that all martial artists are just training to go out there and beat people to prove themselves.

KIAI: Do you think the non-tangible benefits of budo like self-confidence, self-relLuziusce, 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?

Luzius: As it was then it is the same today, these qualities are actually more important than knowing a lot of technique as a self-confident budoka will know when to attack and when to retreat.

KIAI: Where are martial arts, in general, heading?

Luzius: Traditional martial arts seem to be fading, and giving way to "martial arts as a fitness program" such as tae bo and the such. I see a lot who are into the arts for prestige or money and these people have lost the true essence of martial arts as a path to enlightenment.

KIAI: What, in your opinion, is the greatest detriment to the martial arts?

Luzius: Money and politics. To many "wannabe" instructors think the martial arts are a great means of financial success as well as there is far too much "my system is better than your system" amongst the different styles.

KIAI: In your opinion, what is the ideal age to start martial arts training?

Luzius: As young as possible, I believe the martial arts are a great way to teach discipline and build character.

KIAI: What is your favorite part of training in Japanese swordsmanship?

Luzius: I enjoy all aspects of training; I find there are so many areas that are overlooked that I enjoy exploring. I find that even now after so many years there is still so much I have yet to learn, and this is what makes training so enjoyable, for no matter what you think you know, there is always new ways to approach it.

KIAI: What are your opinions and thoughts regarding tameshigiri, and do you practice it?

Luzius: From a traditional point of view I believe it is important, I personally have at this point not trained in this area, but I 'm looking forward to the day I do.

KIAI: What do you think of kendo’s “armored philosophy” versus chanbara’s “padded way”?

Luzius: Again, from a traditional point of view I feel training in armor teaches students how sword combat worked in the old days, that you couldn't just swing a sword against an armored warrior and strike him down. Chanbara allows students to go "full tilt" in sword training without the need to constantly being distracted by having to worry about the possibility of injuring your uke.

KIAI: Do you own an authentic Japanese made shinken, if so, how does it compare to the modern shinken sold today?

Luzius: At this point in time I do not own one, although I have had the chance to train with one while in Japan and I must say I found there to be a significant difference, not only in weight but especially in balance.

KIAI: What do you think of the many modern martial art systems that are trying to copy the ancient ryuha?

Luzius: I feel that even new systems have something to offer, and copying older ryuha would be a good place to start as these schools have had the chance to test in real situations the techniques where in today's society this is difficult to do without going out and injuring people. Look at aikido, a modern system based on traditional ryuha. I also feel instructors of "new" systems should have a minimum of years of training in traditional martial arts before teaching or forming a new style.

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?

Luzius: To truly understand the specific martial art I feel you must also understand the culture and people from which it came.

KIAI: Luzius, 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.

(Please, visit the website of Schaerer sensei at Hiken Dojo )