Exceptional Student Apr 2017

Steve B.

Big congratulations are in order for Steve, the Hikari Ryuza Center’s newest “Student of the Quarter!” Steve is an enormously talented individual; he is a pilot for a major airline, he juggles fire torches, he is a husband and a father and to us he is a fantastic Jutsuka! We are recognizing his many contributions to the Dojo; everything from his attention to detail to his healthy competitive nature to his eagerness to help. Tough, independent thinker, hard worker. He is a true asset to the Ryu! We interviewed him so everyone could get to know him a little better. Without further ado, we present: Steve!

Interview with Steve

by Professor Shizumi

P: How old are you?
S: 48.

P: What is your profession?
S: Airline Pilot.

P: When did you start training in Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu?
S: In October of 2014.

P: What is your favorite roll?
S: Wow… Favorite roll – Hon Mae Chugaeri.

P: How about your favorite fall?
S: I’m really liking Ushiro Hashi Sutemi. When I first did that it was such a thud, and now I’m laying back very gently; it’s very satisfying.

P: And what is your favorite technique?
S: Hmmm. That’s hard to say. I’m just going to go with O’Koshi, but specifically when executed from a punch. It’s very satisfying to take control of their punch and put them on the ground because of it.

P: Do you have a favorite color?
S: Yeah, probably blue. It’s changed over the years, but it’s probably blue. Sr. Grandmaster is probably going to laugh because my answers are so wordy.

P: What about a number?
S: 2. It’s always been two. I can only trace it back to that was the number I always wore when playing soccer.

P: Can you tell us something about yourself that maybe not everyone would know?
S: I’ve always been a closet musician. I’ve played piano, ssaxophone (soprano, alto, tenor), marching baritone, guitar. I can hold my own on a drum kit and I was in a rock band in college. The band was “DME and the Localizers.” It was an aviation joke that sounded like a band name.

P: What are your reasons for studying Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu?
S: I am doing things I didn’t know I could do. I am pushing my self in directions that are challenging and don’t come easy for me. Additionally, I am enjoying the boost in self-confidence that goes along with what where previously uncomfortable situations. I can see that I am developing a stronger projection of energy.

P: What are 3 goals that you currently have?
S: Upgrade to Captain within a few years. Black Belt, when I’m ready. Develop fluency in Spanish. Lose about 5 more pounds.

P: What are some of the important things you are learning in your Bujutsu?
S: To breathe. Development of situational awareness. A further enhancement of personal responsibility. As an adult you already have some coming in here, but it grows three dimensionally.

P: Why do you think you were chosen as the Student of the Quarter?
S: Loyalty and dedication.

P: If you wanted to invite a friend to Bujutsu, what would you say?
S: Here is exactly what I’ve said: We have looked at some of the other martial arts schools in the area and they come across more like some of the villians in the “Karate Kid,” with an authoritative, dictator like Sensei, yelling at his students, whereas at Hikari Ryuza we are more welcoming, loving and accepting. We tend to work with a student’s strengths to help them overcome their weaknesses.

P: What is your favorite part of class?
S: When we pair off with somebody to work on techniques, seeing someone else learn a technique or helping them learn it, helps you learn the technique better.

P: How far do you want to go in your Bujutsu?
S: Why would it stop?
P: What rank do you envision yourself as in the future?
S: A Sensei. Middle Black Belt ranks.

P: Is there anything else you would like to add before we conclude this interview?
S: No I think that covers it.