The following is an interview with Australian Wado-Ryu
instructor Shihan Linc Hibbs 6th DAN, Chief instructor of TAI SHI KAI Wado-Ryu
Q1. Shihan, When did you commence
training and who was your instructor?
I commenced training in January 1976 learning
the Wado-Ryu style under Sensei Wally Maclean.
Q2. What was your reason for
taking up Karate and why Wado-Ryu?
As a teenager I was always interested in the
martial arts but it wasn’t until a few years later that I finally made the
effort and started training. Like most people who join a club I knew nothing of
styles or the differences between them. It just happened to be the style I
chose at the time. All styles are good, it is what the Karateka puts into
his/her training that is important. Also having a good instructor helps.
Q3. Was Karate-do your first
martial arts experience?
Yes, as I said I have been practising Wado-Ryu
since January 1976, but I have also practised a small amount of Silat, Kungfu,
Tai Chi, Aikido and Jujutsu. Wado-Ryu is a hard, fast style of Karate. The
softness of these other martial arts have helped me find the right balance with
my karate. I believe every martial art has its merits. Those instructors who
wear blinkers are missing out on an immense amount of martial arts knowledge
and history.
Q4. Do you teach these other
martial arts to your students?
Training consists mainly of Wado-Ryu basics and
Kihon Kumite. Also Wado-Ryu Kata and their applications. When students reach
Shodan I introduce them to the softer side of the martial arts. Practice
revolves around partner work self defence using soft flowing techniques, using
Tai Sabaki and including locks, sweeps and throws. Ohtsuka Sensei was a Jujutsu
master and he included a small amount of Jujutsu in the Wado-Ryu style.
Q5. How important is it in today’s
society to learn some form of self-defence?
Violence is becoming more prevalent everyday.
People and society in general are becoming selfish and uncaring. Drugs are also
a major concern and are also a large cause of violence and armed robbery etc.
It is imperative that both men and women make an effort to get some basic
self-defence knowledge. Many attacks are not only happening on the street but
in people’s homes.
Q6. You mentioned Kata. How many
Kata do you teach? Why is kata so important?
In Tai Shi Kai we practice only 16 Kata. Some
styles practise up to 30 or more. the number is not important, it is
understanding what the Kata is all about. Kata in essence is the heart of
Karate-do. It is where the students develop and achieve their self-defence
skills. Too many people today dismiss Kata as boring or irrelevant. This only
shows their lack of knowledge and understanding of the Bunkai (applications)
hidden within the Kata.
Q7. What Role do you think sport
Karate has in today’s martial arts?
Karate-do was not created as a sport and was
never meant to become one. Sport Karate only serves to create big egos and
swelled heads for an elite few. Karate was devised as a way of developing and
improving the mind, body and spirit of the Karateka; a way of embracing and
combining the mind and body in harmony. A way of learning to understand the
person within and thus create a more tolerant and peaceful society. No amount
of trophies or medals will take the place of these qualities, but to each his
own.
Q8. Do you incorporate weapons
into TAI SHI KAI?
At the academy we teach Tanto dori, bojutsu,
Tachi dori, Idori, Cane defence and stick fighting. Practice with these weapons
to help the students with their self defence applications, Tai Sabaki and
footwork. They also add a new dimension for senior students. Instead of
defending against kicks and punches they now have to contend with a knife or
stick, which makes them rethink their whole self-defence approach.
Q9. Shihan, What are the main
benefits you have gained from your martial arts training?
Oh I could go on forever expounding the virtues
and benefits of practicing Karate-do but I think the main benefit would have to
be friendship. Throughout my years of teaching, training and travelling, I have
met some very sincere people. Those martial artists who are not caught up with
their own ego. These people and all of my students, are my friends. Without
friendship the world is a very lonely place.
Q10. How do you keep yourself
motivated? What helps you to continue along the martial arts path?
Seeing students mastering a new technique,
getting fitter, more flexible, stronger etc, makes me feel good inside. I am a
very positive person and I try to pass this positive feeling on to each and
every student. Also the feedback and support I get from students makes me feel
that I must be doing something right. I know what karate-do has done for me and
so my motivation and reward is to see them improve. I also attend seminars and
workshops organised by Shihan Graham Slater (I.M.A.) He is doing a wonderful
job of bringing martial artists together exchanging ideas in friendship and
harmony.
Q11. Do you think people are
missing the traditional values of Karate-do?
Yes I’m afraid so. Most styles of Karate today
are involved in sport Karate. There are very few styles teaching Karate as it
was meant to be taught. I am finding more and more people are joining to learn
for self-defence reasons. I also have many students come to me from other
styles because they are constantly being pushed into competition.
Q12. Have you ever had to use your
Karate outside the dojo?
I use my karate outside the dojo 7 days a week,
365 days a year. I believe Karate-do is a way of life, a positive way of life.
It can teach you so much about yourself and others. It saturates your blood,
enveloping and enriching your life. Its about improving ones life and the world
we live in. Its about helping to make the world a happier safer place to live.
Its about helping others to improve their lives and helping those less
fortunate then yourself.
Interviewers: Shihan, Thank you for your
time.
Shihan: Thank you.