DE} G’day, or is it good
night over there in the Land of Oz? More about that later…I’d just like to say,
welcome to this interview Sensei Harborne. I take it you know who I am [Laughs]
Lets begin by you taking us a little step back in time. At what age did you
take up Martial Arts, why was that and what was it like training back then?
RH}
I first became interested in the Martial arts, probably about the age of seven.
This would be around 1971/72, one night my family was watching TV… when an old
program now called Cinema came on. Which reviewed Films and had a special on
Asian/Martial Arts films, which was totally new to us and I remember watching
in awe. I was an avid reader as a child, so searched for anything else on this
subject and not long after Discovered Bruce lee…that was it, I was hooked from
that moment on. I really wanted to start classes and learn, BUT my Father (remember
these were different times) refused, along the lines that I was neither old,
nor responsible enough to learn the Arts. Plus there wasn’t many clubs around
at that time apart from Judo, which did not interest me although I have full
respect for ALL Martial Arts. So I just kept researching myself, lending books
from a library, following the pictures etc. Everything from Yoga and Tai Chi,
to Karate and some (what I could find in those years) Kung Fu. Then in 1976… my
Father started private lessons himself at The Temple Karate Center in Digbeth,
with Sensei Toru Takimazawa. All though was not allowed to grade, because it
was private lessons (how times have changed) Then in 1979 at the age of 14, my
Father said to me, “Okay, you’re mature enough and responsible enough to start
attending lessons and learn correctly. But at the first sign of a problem it
stops." I agreed and the Temple was advertising a beginner’s class in
January of that year in the Birmingham Evening Mail. (Let’s be honest, there
was nowhere else i was going to go!) So on the 21st of January 1979, I stepped
in to my first Dojo at the age of 14. (The kids class 12 years and under as I
remember, was Saturday mornings) Into a class of around 30 beginners, I was the
youngest. On a Saturday afternoon 1pm until 2.15 pm (I still remember the date
and time lol) It was taught by Sempai Patrick Scantlebury, after a few weeks/months
the class whittled down to perhaps 7 or 8, of which I was still one. If Patrick
was away, Sempai Bob Taylor took the class and if both were absent because of
tournaments or other things… Sensei Takimazawa took the class. I achieved 6th
Kyu (Orange Belt) there and entered my first Tournament (the Wado Ryu
Nationals) on October 14th 1979 (a day before my 15th birthday) where it
actually went by Grades and being over 10/12, I was in adult sections…no mats
just a hard wood floor taped off, my first match I was drawn against another
6th Kyu of about 20yrs and just under 6ft. I remember him walking to the line
once we were called, looking at me (5ft 4 and barely 15yrs) laughing and
gesturing to his friends with arms up! Right or wrong, any nerves I may have had
was gone in that instance. It ended a split decision and I scored with Chudan
Mai Geri, he caught me with a Gyaku Zuki, one point each. The Ref awarded the
match to him after debate and that was it, no arguments…just accept, bow and then
leave (how times have changed lol) However, after that match I was approached
by a 1st Kyu…who asked if I would fill in at the Temple Team? For my grade, I said
yes (of course) and was matched against a 5th Kyu Green Belt, about 24 and
stocky (I remember thinking, "Why did I agree to this?”) but ended in a
draw. Unfortunately soon after that time, I left the Temple and stopped. (Turned
teenager…discovered going out among other things) A choice I still regret now I
am older, but do not believe in dwelling on a past you can’t change. So that
was probably my first chapter of Martial Arts completed…Oh, and it is Evening
LOL.
DE} You sure walked the
old school way of life. Tell me, have you seen many changes in the martial arts
in your time. How does then, compare to now and what makes you happy and what
don't you like?
RH}
Yes I have seen many changes through the years, as I have watched the Martial
Arts grow and spread wider in popularity. Years ago there was not the
restriction in place as now, due to increased politically correctness and
compensation culture that has grown…so Instructors do have to be more careful
and aware when teaching. Probably not a bad thing in all cases though. Are
there things I don’t like? Yes. Some of which i will not name here, but
probably my biggest gripe was a thing I saw rise during the 90's of certain
dubious people opening classes to simply make a quick buck. With NO Instructor
training or qualification and in a few cases, not even being a qualified Black
Belt (or even a high Kyu grade) themselves! They seldom lasted long, but did
not see or care of the damage they did in that time to the true Martial Arts/Instructors
and classes around. As students who may have been good with correct teaching,
simply went away with a totally different view. What makes me happy? Without a
doubt it's seeing a student progress. Regardless of if that is achieve a higher
grade, win an award, or simply overcome a technique they have struggled with
and through perseverance and self-belief, see it suddenly click in to place.
DE} Please tell us more
about the style of karate you teach and have taught to myself.
I understand
you're opening a new club (to be your 4th one I understand) and at
the moment, there is no school about teaching this rare style...it is my understanding
that people are aware of Sankukai, but what exactly is Sankuryu?
DE} The good old 80’s. When
did you open your first club and did you teach your children too? What makes a
good Sensei and what makes a good student?
I
opened my first club on 21st January 1995 (ironic isn’t it… the exact same date
I attended my first lesson) and ran that club along a few others until 2012,
when I moved to Australia. Yes I did teach my own children, but also had them
attend other classes of my own Sensei at that time and I have no doubts they
will tell you I was a little harder on them!! [Laughs} Which looking back in
all fairness, I probably was so as to show no favouritism. What makes a good
Sensei or student? That’s a hard one as everyone has their own attributes and ways.
All I can possibly say on this looking back over my own Sensei’s is that they
all had calmness about them. I never once heard any of them raise their voice
in a lesson, but all got their message across in a very calm, confident manner
and this seemed to filter through the lesson and the students attending.
DE} Well I can say to
you now, after training under you and reading this…that you carried that
through also as a Sensei. I've trained with your Son and been taught and graded
by your daughters, it's safe to say they were potent. Been a smaller guy, have
there been times or situations where people have underestimated you? Have you
had to use your Karate at all?
Yes
a few times. With awareness of possible situations, I have sometimes managed to
avoid this or diffuse it before it can start. Other times some people do not
expect the reaction they receive and are suddenly unsure, so back off or diffuse
the situation themselves. However, there are or have been a time which has
always left me a little disappointed, as I have always remembered an old saying
from a Japanese instructor ..."If you have to fight, you've already lost
the battle."
DE} I do remember you
thrusting out Yoko Geri (Side Kick) and explaining how you shocked people
before causing them to back off with their mates. I know what you mean, as
Bruce Lee said, "The art of fighting without fighting." So now into
the training side of it, did you follow a set routine then and now? What
exercises do you use to compliment Karate, did you ever do the weights and how
do you view heavy or light training?
Yes,
years ago i used to train Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Using weights etc to
a regimental routine for each day, then run classes in the evening and a 4hr
class with Sensei Brown on a Sunday. Now I’m a little more relaxed with
routines, but do use Iyengar style Yoga to help with flexibility and stretching
and Chen style Tai Chi to help focus the mind (and is also a great Art on its
own) Other than that I no longer use weights in my training, apart from ankle/wrist
weights sometimes. Or a medicine ball and still use candle punching and speedball
in training and split workouts. Kata, Speed, Technique, Fitness and stretching.
Also sometimes a technique I have used since age of 14… mental awareness/shadow
fighting. Where I close my eyes and imagine an attacker/attackers and what
attacks they would use, or how depending on the direction. Then react to these
as explosively as I can (to any onlookers I must seem to have lost my mind,
attacking thin air or invisible opponents [laughs] but on the other hand…what
are you doing with Kata?) I also
meant to add Bag work! [Laughs] As for heavy sessions I would only do of a
weekend, time permitting to have a day or two rest to allow the body full
recovery. Otherwise would keep sessions pretty light, but to the stage where I
still push myself. However if I had
more time, or perhaps not so many other commitments, I would probably split
training to a heavy session followed by a light session followed by a heavy
session etc.
DE} That sounds
familiar. If I remember rightly, you had us doing that years ago. You would put
in the finger strikes to the eyes and hits to the groin. Hold on a minute…I’ve
suddenly come across all nosey again! I hear you have some news regarding a
certain club you're opening in Australia? Would you like to tell me more about
that?
Sure,
after moving to Australia six years ago, this subject has come up many times
with some people approaching me and asking me to perhaps open a club. I always
resisted, perhaps deep down part of me did not feel settled enough to start
such a commitment. However, now I do and feel that the time is right to do so.
I am now a member of Martial Arts Australia, have arranged insurance through
Worldwide Sports Insurance. Designed specifically for sports and Martial arts
clubs, have arranged a venue (pic supplied) Certificates, badges, supplies and
will be opening the Victoria Sankuryu Karate Academy on the 10th of April this
year all going well.
Me- That looks and
sounds perfect and I want to wish you the very best, as you know I'm behind
you. Who or what inspires you and do you have any advice for the kids of today
and even the adults, or maybe your younger self? One other thing... Do you
remember your quote that you would always revert back to?
Thank
you very much Duane. Who/What inspires me hmm? So many it would be unfair to
name just a few, but when I see people young or old with Disabilities in sports
and Martial Arts, it always reminds me that if you want something bad enough
you'll find a way. If not you'll find an excuse! The level some of these people
show brings it home to me ...There are NO excuses! But all students in lessons
or I have taught and watching them progress, always inspires me to do and give
my best to them. My advice to any student would be never give up because
something is difficult, but always persevere and you will overcome the difficulty.
To perform something well, you first have to believe you can do it yourself. Students
or parents looking to start, perhaps do a little research on a club first and
the instructor. I will have my Qualifications on show in the class and would
take no offense to a student or Parent asking about my background or
qualifications. I would be happy to explain and I think any Instructor would be
the same, as for quotes [laughs] there are so many again, but I always said
"The best block is not to be there.” Which is within the Sankuryu style.
DE} I've always said
that it was my karate training under you that prepared me for reality, more so
than when I trained other arts. My reason… I found the different angle of
movement within the katas and the two vs one training very beneficial, not to
mention practising blindfolded. A lot of combat sports train on a one vs one
basis, where as you had us fighting from seated positions and so on?
Yes
it's the angle's that probably attracted me so much to Sankuryu. I find them to
appear a little more complete and although as you know, I am or appear to be
very Traditional orientated. I still am always on the lookout for any knew or
possible training techniques, not only for my own improvement, but also if they
can benefit students and improve them then all good. Even if some may seem a
little unorthodox, there is a reason for all and if it works then use it. By
the way…thank you so much for the compliment, I’m really pleased that you feel
you got the more out of routines. I guess that proves my point in a way.
DE} Martial arts is
supposed to teach us control and it's clear to see that young men in general,
have anger in their DNA. Tell me, have you ever had to call on your training to
calm you down? You strike me as the mysterious type, a cross between Yoda and
Seagal and Norris in your demeanour. Finally what would you want to see for the
future of Sanku Ryu karate?
Yes
I have many times, I think we all do. However I find Martial Arts training
helps a great deal. Let me explain a theory I have, now please understand I
have no scientific evidence or back up for this. It's simply my own belief and
personal view from what I have seen and felt through the years, we are all
human, we all get frustrated by things every day of our lives. Something does
not go quite right; some idiot in a car cuts in front ...many things. All this
builds as a negative emotion (anger) it may build unchecked for a few days,
weeks or even months. Then some slight little thing can set us off to react
with Anger in a way we should not, because it’s so trivial but it happens. Yes
anger can momentarily give us a slight increase in strength and aggression, but
it takes so much away too…like control, focus, awareness etc. However I do
believe that consistent regular training in Martial Arts, where you are
constantly using "controlled aggression” helps to alleviate this and
removes the negative frustration and anger that is slowly building inside. Think
about it… you go attend a lesson and are punching, kicking, blocking in a
controlled manner… or even with force against a focus mitt, heavy bag, kick
shield, speedball or whatever. Releasing all this frustration and anger that
has built up, or is building up in a positive way. Turning negativity in to
positive action and results. I believe that’s why I see so many students
becoming calmer in their manner, along with an increase of self-confidence of
course. But like I said previously, this is only my own personal thought.
DE} If the whole world
was listening right now what would you say?
Never
give in, never get demoralised. If you want something bad enough, you can /
will get it. First believe in yourself and the rest will follow.
DE} Harborne Sensei,
thank you for your time in speaking with me. It has been insightful and
encouraging – Bow.
Domo
Aragato gozai mashita Rei, and your very welcome.
DUANE EMSLEY 2018.
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