Interview with Sensei K.V.Subramanyan

December, 2002
 

1. Sensei, what distinguishes Kancho Kanazawa's SKIF from other Karate styles?

 
Yes, Kancho Kanazawa's Shotokan Karate is different to what you see elsewhere. Most  important aspect is breathing.  We do a lot of breathing while doing a training session. After every Kihon and kata practice, you do not just come up and stand. Of course, everybody is breathing. But in Kancho Kanazawa's training sessions it is much more elaborately practiced, so that you are always filled with fresh Chi.  Also, the absence of rigidity is felt. Karate-Do is an external art. Power is exhibited outside - speed, focus counts a lot. But doing this with a rigid body and rigid mind is not good. May be when you are young and energetic, you can do it. But Karate-Do is a life-long study. So, unnecessary rigidity is not advisable. In Kancho Kanazawa's training sessions you may not sweat at all. But, it does not mean that you have not worked hard. After  every session, you feel satisfied, elated, and fulfilled. This is what makes his style different and unique.
 

2. How does practicing Tai-Chi help a Karateka?

 
It can make you relax. Once you know how to relax, you will know where to tense and where not to tense. Tai chi is an internal art, karate is an external art of defense, and to attain to its highest ideals, there is a lot to learn form the art of Tai Chi. Most of the great old Karate masters have spoken about the power of Chi. When I was in China recently, some Tai-Chi masters wanted to see my Karate. I did the advanced kata, Gojushiho-Dai . I decided to do this Kata because it has many slow movements which involve breathing. . After witnessing my Kata, they said it looked different to what they have seen elsewhere. I have been practicing Tai Chi for the past 20 odd years.I started my Karate in 1970.  Many of my Karate friends who started with me are finding it difficult to continue the practice. It may be for many reasons. But still I am able to keep my practice up. You can call it spirit or may be  Tai chi has helped my Karate practice even to this date without  giving me any undue strain.
 

3. Being in Bangalore, Silicon valley of India, many of your students are professionals who travel and relocate. You always advocate them to continue to practice Karate-Do regardless of style.

 
 Yes, I want them to continue practice, because continuity is important. Continuity accumulates. Many say they can not find an SKI dojo in their area where they are posted. It is very difficult for one to train alone. It needs dedication, courage to face the  solitude practice. In case they can not find the same style, for the sake of Karate practice, they should join a class. Some Sensei's may say their students must practice only their style. But I will not say that. I am only thinking of their personal health aspect. When they are back in India, they can always practice Kancho Kanazawa's way in our Dojos.
 

4. Having been practicing martial arts for the last 40 years and Karate for 30-odd years, how have you found things change, with respect to students, their interest, their background, etc.?

 
Todays' Karate is mostly sport-oriented. Even though I once did practice tournament Karate, I do not advocate it to everyone. The young karatekas must need this because it keeps them interested in the class. A tournament is a serious affair, at the same time it is fun, also. True Karate is for self defense and self-development only. Times have changed.
 

5.How relevant do you think is Karate-Do in modern times, with the busy schedules that people have in cities? And how do you think it helps the young and fast moving crowd?

 
Karate-Do is a way of life, however fast today's life may be. It will be good to train  Karate at least few hours in a week. it is very easy to get carried over with your work in today's busy world. Health is wealth. Karate-Do will make one physically healthy and  mentally alert.  Like the famous Tai Chi saying ' Hinges of a door which is constantly used will not get rusted".  Same way, Karate makes you supple, agile and healthy.
 

6. Sensei, what is the  importance of having regular Gushukus?

 
We at S.K.I.I conduct at least two Gushuku training every year. When I first visited Japan in 1982, the day I landed in the Honbu dojo, Kanazawa Kancho told me the  following day they were going for Gushuku and whether I would like to come. I remember the Gushuku was somewhere near mount Fujiyama, we stayed in a beautiful small Japanese hotel. Most of the other Karatekas were from one university - young and full of spirit, I was the old man there. I learned a lot about Karate and certain etiquette a karateka must know and how a student must behave in front of a grandmaster, etc.  We did about six hours of training every day. Same kind of training we conduct here in SKII at a beach resort. About 3 days of intensive training in Karate. Every evening after the Karate sessions, I always make everybody do lot of pranayama( the art of yogic breathing ) followed by Dhyana ( meditation).

                                                In my 30-odd years of Karate life, I find meditation is a very important aspect, even though meditation is very much an individual affair. Intensive Karate training followed by  meditation can give you a good balance between the mind and the body. There is a saying, ' perfection closes the door'. Yet, one must  at least try . The importance of this kind of Gushuku is, a Karateka stays away from his day-to-day life. At least 3 days of  only Karate and no other activity other than Karate.
 

7.There are lots of Karate styles in India, that people find it confusing. You have been keeping a low-profile, preferring to teach only classes where you can directly supervise.

 
Many people ask me this question " How to find a good class "? What I should suggest is, before joining, better talk to the instructor and find out what you felt when you were with him. Then again, there is a saying ' When the student is ready, the master will come'. It will be OK for an experienced and seasoned karateka to judge a class, but not for a beginner. In that case, the best way is to join a class and practice - one fine day you will know whether you fit into it or not. You observe a class and see if it is purely tournament-oriented or to improve basics. If it is the former, maximum you will be a champion. But, Karate as a Do is much more than becoming a tournament champion.  It teaches you about life, mental control and a sense of belonging to a worthwhile cause.
 

8. What is your advice to the young generation of karatekas?
 My advice to the young Karatekas is that they should practice Karate correctly, which is very very important, for which one must first find a good dojo. And to continue so that it becomes a part of your life. The higher aspects of the art will reveal itself if you keep up the practice.