KIAI Instructor Interview--Robert Patton

KIAI Instructor Interview--Robert Patton

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?

Robert: I started training in martial arts around about five or six years old. I practiced Jujitsu with my Uncle (fathers brother) and wrestling with my Grandfather (mothers father). During the WWII my Uncle was a POW for two years in a Japanese POW camp in Burma. He watched the guards practice Jujitsu and sometimes the guards “practiced” on the prisoners. A few of the prisoners, including my Uncle, would practice together.

KIAI: What made you start practicing sword arts?

Robert: I’ve always been interested in sword arts. For entry onto the British Actors Stunt Register I had to achieve Gold awards in Epee, Foil and Sabre. Also before this I was involved with broadswords, rapier and dagger. We were lucky to have a Japanese Kenjutsu instructor with us for three years. We would teach Karate and in turn they taught us Kenjutsu.

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

Robert: Whilst in the Royal Marines, British Special Forces, we were posted to dangerous areas throughout the World. The main martial art taught was Aikido or Aikido principles also knife fighting. This “martial awareness” came in very useful.

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

Robert: We have class’s everyday apart from Thursdays. So I teach more or less full time. Though apart from my home dojo we do not have a permanent dojo. I’m lucky to have a good base of black and brown belts, so they help to keep me motivated and make me train also.

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

Robert: Yes, I think so. Though in hindsight there are also changes one could make.

KIAI: How many times per week do you train?

Robert: Set classes we have 13 classes per week. Personally I try to train everyday. Either conditioning/stretching also karate/kobudo/kenjutsu kata. Also I try and train along with the students on regular classes also.

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

Robert: Within our group the youngest age, in theory, for “junior” blackbelt is thirteen. Though in ten years we have only had one, also maybe one this year. Then they will remain Shodan until they are ready to take an Adult Nidan. From what I’ve witnessed in other countries, also sometimes in the UK, black belts are more or less given away. Whilst in India black belts were given to students who looked about six years old. I think one reason for this is to “swell” the ranks with Dan grades. Quantity rather than quality!

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

Robert: Personally I don’t like competition or sports martial arts. As an association we don’t participate in tournaments. On Okinawa we were told Karate is for Self Defence not sport. Also if you practice controlled sports techniques in a real life situation this is what you’ll probably use.

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?

Robert: I think many people come to train with preconceived ideas from TV and the movies. They don’t realize the hard work involved to be a good martial artist. Many start but few carry on. They go back to watching on the TV.

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

Robert: I think they have their place in martial arts. They are a separate martial art in themselves. Though they still have fight rules.

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?

Robert: I think the non-tangible benefits are probably more important than the physical abilities. You see shy, scared or unruly youngsters start martial arts. Even within a few weeks they become more confident and stand straight. Also the discipline helps with unruly youngsters. One youngster wouldn’t go to school because he was scared. Now he will stand in front of his class at school and show kata. Another youngster looked like he was heading for a life of crime. Now he is one of my best black belts.

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

Robert: I think it’s the responsibility of good Martial Arts Teachers to carry on with high standards and not sell out to modern demands. Unfortunately there are a lot of bad instructors and associations, with large memberships, and a lot of people don’t know the difference.

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

Robert: Bad Instructors also “black belt” seems to have lost it’s meaning!

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

Robert: I think between the ages of eight and ten for juniors is a good age. Though we have started juniors at six.

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

Robert: I like kenjutsu working with one or two partners. Iaijutsu or battojutsu is fine but there is no feel of contact.

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

Robert: I think it is good to practice tameshigiri at some stage in ones training. I have practiced but not for a while now.

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

Robert: I think Kendo is OK. Though it’s a bit of a paradox because the target is your opponent’s armour. On the battlefield the target would be off the armour in the weak spots, wrist, elbow axilla etc. We sometimes practice, with care, targets off the armour, also with tanto as second weapon.

I think with the Chanbara the sword tends to be used more like a stick and instead of cutting, hits are made. Though it’s a safe method for practice!

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

Robert: I have a shinken given to me by my Japanese Teachers father. It’s quite heavy and made for contact. I find the modern shinken is rather light and for fighting purposes might not be ideal, though they are OK for Iaijutsu.

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

Robert: I think if the system is based on Japanese or Okinawa systems you should try and follow closely with the correct etiquette. Though Westerners are different both mentally and physically to Orientals and this should also be taken into consideration.

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?

Robert: Yes! In classes all commands and techniques are in Japanese. This also helps anywhere you travel to practice you will understand the technique. I have a number of Japanese books in Japanese Romanji so being able to read a little helps with research.

KIAI: Robert, 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 web site of Patton sensei at the Taifu Karate & Kobudo Kai)