Exceptional Student Sep 2021

Lucas F.

Big congratulations are in order for Lucas, the Hikari Ryuza Center’s newest “Student of the Quarter!”

Lucas has earned this recognition because he’s consistently and persistently strived to better himself. When you meet Lucas you will find him to be polite, helpful, maybe even a little quiet… but under the surface there’s a daring and spontaneous fellow who’s ready to jump in and add color to whatever’s happening! Besides having a killer smile… (would love to see that more!) Lucas is one of the most dedicated young men we have training with us. All those stars on his gi are from month and 2 month challenges, which not many successfully complete, and we’re pretty sure he’s just gettin’ warmed up. He’s quite a Jutsuka! We interviewed him so everyone could get to know him a little better. Without further ado, we present: Lucas!

Interview with Lucas

by Sr Professor Shizumi Crimi

Interview with Lucas ~ Student of the Quarter, September 2021 – November 2021

P: How old are you?
L: I am 15.

P: What grade are you in?
L: Ahh, 10th.

P: When did you start training in Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu?
L: Two years ago in November of 2019.

P: What is your favorite part of class?
L: I’d have to say Nage because… Throwing people!

P: What is your favorite roll?
L: Favorite roll, umm… Right now it’d be Te Tachi Chugaeri. It’s difficult because you have to control your movements and it’s a really good challenge.

P: How about your favorite fall?
L: Ahh, Jiyu Tobi Chugaeri Sutemi – Straight Over. It’s the free fall that makes it feel free. It’s fun!

P: And what is your favorite technique?
L: One of the Shime. I don’t remember the name, but it would be one of the Cross Fortifications; one of those.
P: The really painful one?
L: Yeah.

P: Do you have a favorite color?
L: Black. I don’t really know why; but I’m a night owl person, so I guess I just like the dark.

P: What about a number?
L: I don’t know if I have a favorite number.

P: Can you tell us something about yourself that maybe not everyone would know?
L: I might look to a lot of people like I’m not very expressive, but it’s just a shell you have to crack through. I mean I’m pretty open I like to think, but to new people I get kind of shy. After I get to know you though I start to open up.

P: What’s the best thing about being you?
L: I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. I guess I have to say my creativity and my imagination, but even that could go a little too far, as in too long in the amount of time I spend there.

P: Tell me something that makes you really angry or irritated?
L: English and all the silent letters. All the ‘there’s’ and grammar. That sort of stuff.

P: What are your reasons for studying Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu?
L: My reasons for studying Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu further would be more knowledge and just knowingness about my surroundings I guess.

P: What are some of the important things you are learning in your Bujutsu?
L: Being open-minded to everything, and knowing that no matter how difficult something is, there’s always a way through.

P: Why do you think you were chosen as the Student of the Quarter?
L: (Shrugs). If I were to guess at something it would be the very last stretch, but even then I don’t know. Before grading there were a bunch of techniques I didn’t have notes on and I worked my hardest at knowing them and getting them down.

P: What are 3 goals that you currently have?
L: 1) Graduating from high school. That’s a good one to start with. 2) I don’t know how to correctly put this… getting my Black Belt, but that doesn’t sound like the correct way to put this. It’s moreover becoming a Black Belt. 3) Becoming a marine; and also becoming a functional adult.

P: If you wanted to invite a friend to Bujutsu, what would you say?
L: I’ve been trying to do this in the time I’ve been here and I said it would be a great time and I’d love to have him, and even if they didn’t quite get into the groove of it, they’d come out knowing something more.

P: What do you think are some of the qualities of a Black Belt?
L: Being very aware of your surroundings. Having a better knowledge of responsibility, and doing everything that you do to the best of your ability.

P: How far do you want to go in your Bujutsu?
L: How far? As far as you can humanly possibly go. I’m here for life, so that’s really far, and I one day aspire to be called a Great Grandmaster.

P: Now imagine that you’re a very old person looking back on life. How old are you and what would you say is the most important thing in life?
L: I’m 75 and most important… this is going to sound really cheesy, but family and community; just knowing that somebody has your back.

P: Is there anything else you would like to add before we conclude this interview?
L:  Always do your best and never give up.