Interview with Sensei John Rakoto

During the spring seminar 2016, we could gather some questions to ask to Sensei John RAKOTO concerning the art that is so dear to his heart.

Let's start at the beginning. What were your first steps in martial arts?

In my home country, Madagascar, in the school where I studied, martial arts were a separate discipline, a subject. It was therefore compulsory to choose one or more. I started with judo and kendo. My elder brother, who was already practicing Karatedo, guided naturally my first steps.

Do you notice a difference between the Karatedo of your childhood and today?

Karatedo has evolved over time. When I practiced in my country, we were training very hard and never complained. I didn’t integrate any “kids’ group”, but directly trained with adults, which offered me a quick progression. Today people seek too much comfort and give up quickly. Nevertheless, thanks to the evolution of the knowledge on how the body works, advanced pedagogy helps us avoid a practice harmful to our health.

What influence does Karatedo have on education?

Karatedo conveys values that allow us to have a better understanding of others. Daily practice strengthens the will and exchange with dojo partners improves sociability. Regularity in training helps children to focus their energy and concentrate better. With discipline and assiduity, adults manage stress better in everyday life.

Sensei Rakoto John with Shihan Mizuguchi Hirofumi in Takatsuki, Japan in 1992

When did you meet Shihan Mizuguchi for the first time?

In 1991, I went to Japan to visit Soke Mabuni in Yoshukan Honbu Dojo in Osaka. The following year, he consigned me to his first assistant, Shihan Mizuguchi Hirofumi. Since then, a strong bond has developed between us. This is how I became his first "gaijin" (foreigner) student representing him outside Japan. In 1993 Shihan Mizuguchi came for the first time in Bordeaux for a short visit. In 1995 I organized his first seminar in France. Since then, the Kenshikai family has grown in the hexagon. Sensei came to give his first seminar in Madagascar in 1999. He continues to teach us and share his passion every year.

What is Shihan Mizuguchi’s typical training like?

His training begins with a long practice of kihon, followed by learning or the revision of kata and their applications (bunkai). Sensei always pays close attention to details. He insists a lot on natural breathing.

You are the president of the International Shitoryu Karatedo Kenshikai. What were your motivations to found ISKK?

In recognition to my respectable Sensei, it was natural to create the International Shitoryu Karatedo Kenshikai for all he has given to me and what he will bring me in the future. Our international association wishes to preserve the legacy of his teaching.

What makes ISKK different from other organizations?

ISKK’s goals are to develop and promote the values and practice of Shitoryu Karatedo Yoshukan Kenshikai founded by Shihan Mizuguchi Hirofumi. Among our objectives is to allow access to regular training facilities and progression to all our members. We hold regular training seminars to promote Shitoryu Karatedo Kenshikai and perpetrate Shihan Mizuguchi Hirofumi’s teachings. We encourage cultural exchange between the members of our association.

Shihan Mizuguchi Hirofumi offering the "kanban" of ISKK to validate the association founding

Among the different schools of Karatedo, Shitoryu has the largest number of kata. Which do you think are the most important, if it is possible to choose?

The fact that Shitoryu Karatedo has a large number of kata, is a great wealth. It is certain that it would take several lives to master all of them. But it is important to note that we have 12 basic kata, which build the core of Shitoryu Karatedo. These are the "Yotsu no kata": dai ichi dosa, dai ni dosa, dai san dosa, dai yon dosa; then the 5 Heian, Naihanchin Shodan, Sanchin and Tensho. Together they form the "Juni no kata," the 12 basic kata characterizing our style. We also have our specificities, kata created by our founder, Kenwa Mabuni Sensei. Each Shitoryu karateka must know them.

You often say that practicing Sanchin and Tensho is essential whatever the level of the karateka. Why are they so important?

These two kata are really important because they work on breathing, which is vital to our efficiency research. They also develop the notion of laterality and alter flexibility and firmness. Tensho kata trains open hand techniques. Sanchin and Tensho tend to reinforce internal organs. Traditional classes always start with these two kata.

What's your tokui kata and why?

I have several, but Sochin is my real tokui kata. This kata gives me vitality, sense of finesse and agility. Kata defines well what the name “Sochin” means: tranquil force.

Why is tanren kumite important in traditional Karatedo?

We practice tanren kumite to develop physical strength and to improve balance with correct breathing. Tanren kumite also enhances physical and mental endurance.

Sensei Rakoto John performing Sochin kata during the commemorative Kenshikai taikai organised in Japan 2016 to honor Shihan Mizuguchi

Besides teaching, do you have the time for your personal trainings?

Teaching is sharing. It is necessary for me to have a regular daily practice, in order to transmit correctly and to help my students improve. I never search an excuse to miss my own training as in karatedo we must always practice with the spirit of a beginner. I love learning.

Do you use training accessories?

Yes, the makiwara is indispensable for me to optimize my techniques (punches and open hand techniques) and to train the force of will. I also work with chishi (traditional dumbbells of Okinawa), as they develop compact muscles and strengthen joints.

You train kobudo, too. Why and what are your favorite weapons?

Kobudo is a cultural heritage of Okinawa, the home island of our founder, Sensei Mabuni Kenwa. Kobudo is an ancient practice of agricultural tools. Weapons are extensions of our body. I especially like the bo jutsu, sai jutsu and tonfa.

Concerning Mabuni Kenwa, we know several sources citing his Okinawan roots, others speak of him as descendants of Samurai. Though, Samurai lived only in Japan. Could you clarify us on this?

Let’s take a reliable source, the latest edition of the biography of Mabuni Kenwa, appeared in the book of Shitokai for the 20th anniversary of the WSKF (World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation) under the supervision of his son, Mabuni Kenei. In the text in English, it is well noted that he was born in Shuri, Okinawa, on 14 November 1889. He is a descendant of "Oni-Ohgushiku", a warlord of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Kenwa Mabuni would be his 17th generation grand-son. Throughout the translations, the English word "warlord" meaning "warrior or military leader" has turned into "samurai" in French. This is how an error gets copied-pasted and distributed stupidly.

Exactly. Today, media, internet, youtube and social networks are omnipresent. What influence do you think they have on our practice?

The transmission of martial arts has always been done, since the dawn of time, by the great masters. It was an oral transmission. There is very little written source on those early times. Technological development has taken over the ways of diffusion. However, in the transmission of traditional martial arts, a Sensei’s teaching is irreplaceable because he gives his energy, emotions and feelings in addition to technical corrections. A machine cannot substitute a human presence in effective exchange. These modern tools are just a way to remember and only if the information they contain is accurate. You cannot learn kata on youtube. A true karateka does not need a “net-sensei.”

Who are the people that inspire you?

The Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King are among those who inspire me a lot because they have always worked for peace.

What is your message to karareka?

Work with sincerity in humility to prosper together. Never give up facing any difficulty and never forget to question yourself.

This is how we can move forward and progress.

Original discussion gathered and translated from French by Veronika Jambor

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