Interview with Sensei Randy

1. How long have you been training?

I have been training in the martial arts for almost 19 years.

2. What martial arts have you studied?

I started in Aiki Ju Jutsu before I started training with Sensei Harp. The style (Kaze Arashi Ryu) was very rough. I was sore for 2 straight years! When I started with Harp, it was a new deal....the same art without the extreme pain in every class. I have studied and trained in Aikido, when I was living in Florida for a couple of years. I enjoyed it and learned a different perspective on the Aiki arts. The intent is totally different than Aiki Ju Do. I also have taken a few classes (when I was visiting my very good friend in Philadelphia) in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Those guys were crazy!! It was all about hurting the other guy and winning. They wouldn't tap.

3. What do you love most about the martial arts?

 Martial arts has given me strength, resolve and discipline. The ability to defend myself and those I love is just another added benefit that thankfully I have never had to use. It has taught me how not to get into bad situations as well.

4. What do you think is special about Harp Karate compared to other schools?

The people I have trained with are what makes Harp so special. Our Dojo seems to attract the best of the best. We all care about each other on and off the training floor.

5. How did you first become involved in the martial arts?

I had wanted to take up the martial arts since I was about 17, but after a severe knee injury when I was 18, I didn't think it was possible. But after my second knee operation at the age of 39, it felt good so I went for it!! I went to about 5 or 6 schools. When I watched Aiki being executed, I said "that's so cool!" so I started and have never stopped.

6. What is your proudest moment in the dojo?

Although receiving my first Black Belt was a very proud moment, I think I was even more proud when a couple of people that I helped to train for their Black Belts received theirs. And receiving my 2nd degree in Aiki and my 1st degree in Ken Jutsu when I was physically in sub-standard health really made me feel good about myself.

7. Who in the martial arts has inspired you?

Of course, watching Bruce Lee in the movies was the first inspiration for me. Another person who received his Black Belt in Aiki at the age of 63 or so, made me realize I could keep training for a long time. And of course, Sensei Terry with her 1000 day Seigan after some trying times in her life made me keep going when I wasn't sure I could.

8. Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

I am looking forward to working on improvement in my Aiki techniques and continue with my Ken Jutsu training. I love Ken Jutsu. The feeling of the sword in my hand has become so comfortable and satisfying.

9. What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

I would have to say that although I love Aiki and Ken Jutsu, the involvement with the exceptional people I train with is my favorite part.

10. How have the martial arts changed who you are?

It has given me confidence, humility and a feeling of strength that I did not know I had in me. It has made me realize that there really isn't anything you cannot do if you set your mind to it.

Photo By: Ken Smith

Interview with Sensei Terry

1. How long have you been training?

In January of 2012, I will have been training for 20 years … I wish I had started sooner!

2. What martial arts have you studied?

I began my martial arts training at Harp Karate, studying Sensei Harp’s interpretation of Isshin Ryu Karate. I took a stab at Aiki Ju Do, but it didn’t work for me … I love the concept and principles of Aiki, but I have physical limitations that prevent me from pursuing the art. No worries though … Aiki Ken Jutsu and Ken Ai Do provide me with many opportunities to expand my horizons. These sword arts add depth to my training.

3. What do you love most about the martial arts?

So hard to say … there is always room for improvement and growth … there is the feeling of confidence … there is the satisfaction in helping others learn … I have never found a negative aspect to martial arts training …

4. What do you think is special about Harp Karate compared to other schools? 

 I have never trained at another school, but I have visited some … at Harp Karate each student is an individual, valued for their individuality and trained with that individuality in mind. Each student is encouraged to work and progress at the pace that suits them best, and each student is backed by the support of all members of the dojo.

5. How did you first become involved in the martial arts? 

My sons joined Harp Karate while I was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in a battle against breast cancer. When I finished my chemotherapy, I decided I would “take karate” to regain my strength. My four year old son taught me to tie my belt! I soon discovered that one doesn’t “take karate” … okay … some do … but not me …I was hooked after the first few classes … after that I didn’t “take karate” …. I was on the road to becoming a martial artist.

6. What is your proudest moment in the dojo? 

I don’t think I can identify a proudest moment … there have been so many and there are so many more to come. The proudest moments so far have been when I have watched someone I have helped to train overcome all odds and attain their goals …

7. Who in the martial arts has inspired you? 

My brother was my first inspiration … then I joined Harp Karate and was inspired by many … Sensei Margot, Sensei Jennifer, and of course, Sensei Harp.

8. Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

As one of the senior members of the dojo (I’m old), I see my training continuing along the path I have been following … I work on making more of less

9. What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

When I enter the dojo whatever I practice is my favorite for that day … if I am the sensei I get to choose my favorite ,,, if I am not the Sensei, whatever I am assigned is my favorite for that time.

10. How have the martial arts changed who you are? 

The martial arts have made me an entirely different person …I am more confident (ok … confident at all) … I’m in the best physical condition I’ve ever been….I am happy and proud every day when I train and know that I have improved my life (and had fun doing it!) 

Interview with Sensei Kris Green

      How long have you been training?

I started in 1991, but had to take time off for knee problems for a few years, then got back into it and had to take time off after getting hit by an SUV while riding my bike in a perfectly legal and responsible fashion. But I’ve been back solidly for almost 5 years now.

What martial arts have you studied?

I’ve studied karate primarily, with Ken Jutsu (art of the boken) coming second. But I’ve also learned and taught some Tai Chi (Yang short form). I’ve been exposed to techniques from Aiki, Jujitsu, and other styles, but only at a very surface level.

What do you love most about the martial arts?

It’s a lot of fun, it’s challenging and it keeps me fit. I’m in better overall shape now than in my 20’s. In fact, martial arts was the first activity that I both liked and had to work hard to improve. I liked that challenge. And the breaks I took for injuries really helped me see how much I was missing. Another benefit is providing me an outlet emotionally and spiritually; the self-discipline and self-awareness have been VITAL to getting where I am today.

How did you first become involved in the martial arts?

My first college roommate wanted to check out the karate club at school. It was Isshinryu-based and a lot of his high school friends had done Isshinryu. I stuck with it; he didn’t.

What is your proudest moment in the dojo?

I think that would have to be seeing and hearing the reactions to what Sensei Lee and I prepared for our second degree test. We really worked hard on those interpretations of the kata, and having everyone react the way they did was extremely gratifying.

Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

I hope to still be on my seigan, first of all. Second, I hope to be more patient and aware; right now, I get very impatient in sparring. I don’t like to wait for my opponent, even though that is extremely important, and always backfires when I don’t wait. I also hope to have helped a few students progress to their next level of training. I’m thinking about some of the green belts, in particular.

What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

I love Kusanku. I think that kata is really complex and has a lot of layers to it, as evidenced by the “strange applications” Sensei Lee and I demonstrated a our second degree test. I also like sparring a lot.

How have the martial arts changed who you are?

Believe it or not, I’m a calmer person when I practice regularly. My mental focus is better. I’m happier. In high school, I had a lot of nicknames that were related to my dour personality. Now I’m much more pleasant to be around.

Photo by: Kathleen Vona