| Sombody e-mailed me and asked
me to teach him. We started in the park and the next thing
I knew he had an indoor place for us to train and more people
started showing up. It's pretty much thanks to him that I
have a dojo now. That's kind of how it's been going since
August of last year.
Q6. Any funny stories about teaching
Russian martial art in Japan?
A. Funny stuff happens in
class all the time. We're usually laughing and having a good
time, but I guess writing about it doesn't sound so funny.
Systema has no choreographed movements and so is very spontaneous.
Things just happen that are hilarious, but when I write that
getting punched or kicked in the very spot from wich you can't
escape at that moment is funny, I'm sure it doesn't come across
as funny. You kind of have to be there. It's all about being
in balance and moving correctly. They say that doing the right
thing makes you happy. It's the same with correct movement.
It heals you. Sometimes it's like improv comedy, only we're
hiting each other. haha!. . .ouch:)
Q7. Good part or bad part about teaching Russian martial
art in Japan?
A. A good part is that it's
a good distraction from teaching English, and there are a
lot of people interested in martial arts who have never seen
Systema but want to try it. A bad part is that it's very difficult
and usually quite expensive to find a place to train. We were
lucky to find a very kind judo teacher (Matsuura Sensei) who
lets us rent his dojo: Daishin
Judo Club in Tsuruhashi. Anybody wanting to try judo,
this is the place.
Q8. Any advice for people who want
to start teaching Russian martial art in Japan?
A. For people who want to
do martial arts, just find a place that looks good to you
and try it. Be wary of places that charge a lot of money up
front. Unfortunately that is very a very common practice in
Japan (as well as other places). You should be able to tell
relatively quickly whether or not the dojo is right for you.
For people who want to teach: again, just try it. You may
run into a lot of hurdles as a foreigner but it's worth the
headache when you finally get to do it.
Q9. What are your goals for your
business for 2006?
A. Teach more Systema and less English. Have
more time to play music and relax. Save some money. Eat more
vegetables. Decide when to go home??!!
Q10. Message to WhyNot!? users!
A. I went to the Susih and
Sake party the other night and met some really cool people.
It was a lot of fun. Come to the next event and enjoy! Also,
anyone is welcome to join our class or just observe any time. |
