Q1. What is your name?

A. Victor LoConti.

Q2.Where are you originally from?

A. Buffalo, N.Y. GO SABERS!

Q3. How long have you been in Japan?

A. About three years.

Q4.Tell me about your business in Japan.

A. I teach English at a Junior High School and an International School for bilingual kids.
I also have a Russian Martial Art School in Tsuruhashi called Systema Osaka.

http://www.geocities.jp/systema_osaka/index.htm

Q5. Why did you start teaching Russian martial art in Japan?

A. Basically it was because there are only three Systema instructors in Japan. The other two lovely chaps run a great outfit up in Tokyo, so I'm the only one in good old Nishi Nihon. I kind of got roped into it:) 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 Judokai 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.