KIAI Instructor Interview--Philip Scudieri
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?
Philip: I was 21. I suffered a back injury while working at a music store in Washington DC. I needed therapy for a month. I felt that martial arts would keep me in shape and help my back improve. At night I would play in a local rock and roll band. Often I was loading expensive music equipment in vans behind nightclubs and in alleys at 3am, after just being paid. I felt learning a little self-defense wouldn’t hurt. Once I started I was addicted immediately.
KIAI: What
made you start practicing sword arts?
Philip: I always enjoyed those old Errol Flynn movies like Zorro and Captain Blood. I thought the swordplay was so cool. My father did some fencing when he was a young man. I recall his foil when I was very young. I still have one myself. Of course, films like 7 Samurai and Yojimbo influenced me also. It was easy for me to jump at the first opportunity.
KIAI: Did you
ever have the chance of actually using your martial arts--especially your sword
art?
Philip: Yes. For two years back in the late 70s I was a bodyguard and security specialist for a number of well-known national and international recording artists. I tried very hard not to strike or kick anyone. These stars did not want their fans hurt or incur any lawsuits.
Since no one had katana in their belts other aspects of Ken would come into play.” Mushin” or “ no –mind” was the strategy I used most. This would allow me to read the levels of someone’s aggressive tendencies immediately. Often they were on illegal substances or rather intoxicated. This “ mushin “ability could be the difference between a pleasant walk off the stage, a wrist immobilization like kote mawashi (san kyu, nikyu) or me having to strike them as a last resort.
Not being of intimidating physical stature I always tried to look confident and somewhat taller than I am. This is called “ Minari” or the Strategy of Appearing.
I would try to control as much of the stage area as I could…. before I had to injure someone. This may include dealing with intoxicated performers, large egos and always included the prevention of fans trying to pass unknown or illegal substances to the groups. (who often wanted them anyway) This could have devastating effects on a show. This strategy is called “ Osae” or controlling…I was highly respected … I got lots of work
While working in a large Vietnamese nightclub called “ Le Bistro” in Arlington Virginia’s “ Viet Town”, several members of a local street gang and I got into a major confrontation. A few upper cuts to the abdomen, punches to the face and a couple front kicks took care of them. I felt fortunate that they had not pulled weapons and that my six-month contract expired in two weeks. I believe this would be something like “Hitachi “ or fighting with a sense of desperation.
Early one morning my wife (at that time) and I arrived home from the officers club at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico Va.where I was performing. As we entered the front room of the house, which was still dark, a drug-crazed intruder attacked us. I was able to knock out the attacker and take control of the knife even though I was stabbed twice. It was a bloody affair. I have a 7-inch scar beneath my right ear and a smaller one on my rib cage to remind me everyday. I guess the strategy here was to keep us both alive. These are few of the more memorable encounters.
KIAI: Are you
a full time instructor, if so, what are the benefits and challenges?
Philip: Yes I am. I enjoy being immersed in the arts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The challenge is to pay the bills and have a nice lifestyle without becoming trendy or too commercial.
KIAI: If you
had the chance to start all over again, would you choose to pursue the martial
arts?
Philip:
KIAI: How many
times per week do you train?
Philip: I try to do something every day, It might be weights, Ken, kicks, punches etc. Teaching 5 nights and 6 days keeps me very busy on the mat.
KIAI: What do
you think of under age (juvenile) black belts?
Philip: No problem in our karate classes as long as there is something on the obi (belt) to designate they are juniors. In our dojo we have no juniors in ken class. The study of violent, bloody death is not for the young.
KIAI: What is your opinion of competitive (sport) martial arts?
Philip: I haven’t been involved in this area for 15 years but I will say they have their place.
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?
Philip:
KIAI: Do you think events like the “UFC,” etc. hurt or help
martial arts?
Philip:
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?
Philip: I do not know your definition of a young budoka, so we will use mine. In our dojo a young budoka is an aiki or ken student, 25 to 30 years old, ten years experience with a kyosei menkyo. He would have never even heard these” non-tangible” terms but would be more than able to defend himself and defeat the enemy. These terms are used in our kid’s karate class however.
KIAI: Where are martial arts, in general, heading?
Philip: The martial arts movies and magazines will continue to create trends then exploit them, ad- nauseum. Intellects and wannabes will debate and intellectualize their styles on the Internet beyond minutia, without ever stepping on the mat.” Martialtainers” will continue to emulate the Russian National Acrobatic Dance Troupe and Baton Twirlers while adding bungee cord flying routines to their demonstrations. Swordsmen will cut, kickers will kick, punchers will punch, grapplers will grapple and the wheel will turn…
KIAI: What, in your opinion, is the greatest detriment to the
martial arts?
Philip: Low ranking, uneducated, inexperienced black belts and frauds taking 100 dollars a month to teach you to fight and defend your self without ever stepping in the ring or being in a fight in their life, They have no idea how they would act or what would work when facing real danger or loss of life.
Next would be the ten thousand-sq.ft.school/community centers with bus pick up, snacks, tutors’, video games, basketball and somewhere sandwiched in those 4 hours is perhaps one hour of lame, happy, fun karate.
KIAI: In your
opinion, what is the ideal age to start martial arts training?
Philip: 5 years old
KIAI: What is
your favorite part of training in Japanese swordsmanship?
Philip: All of it.
KIAI: What are
your opinions and thoughts regarding tameshigiri, and do you practice it?
Philip: We practice tameshigeri on occasion. Kenjutsu without tameshigeri is like karate without kumite or judo without randori. I feel you must have feedback and reality checks to qualify your skills.
KIAI: What do
you think of kendo’s “armored philosophy” versus chanbara’s “padded
way”?
Philip: I have never used armor but have used shinai. I do have limited experience with chanbarras” padded way “. Since I cannot make a comparison, I’ll mention a few observations. I think both kendo and chanbara are great for stamina, speed, reflexes, distance, timing etc. They are also lots of fun. They do lack a certain inherent danger and mental tension that comes with an o-dachi or shinken coming at you at breakneck speed. This is more essential for one to progress as a swordsman.
KIAI: Do you
own an authentic Japanese made shinken, if so, how does it compare to the modern
shinken sold today?
Philip:
KIAI: What do
you think of the many modern martial art systems that are trying to copy the
ancient ryuha?
Philip: I think it’s a great idea.
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: Philip, 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.