Following is the third part of a series of interviews with Ben Sensei. Here, he comments on the controversial subject of the exodus of senior GBI students, the elusive question of a syllabus and his desire to learn foot massage.
1. What would you say the biggest challenge facing GBI in the next six months? How about the next year ?
I say the biggest challenge for GBI is to find someone who could take care of the instructions of the Club in case I am physically unable to do it. For example, if somehow I can manage to get enough cash to go to Japan or USA to continue my own training, I will have to leave the GBI for a while, and it will be tough to find someone to fulfill my role. So far I am yet to find any of my students who has all the "right stuff", both technically, mentally and spiritually. But I don't lose hope. I believe one day one or some of my students will be able to help me run GBI, and at that day, I will be able to focus myself in other things, such as learning foot massage, shiatsu, etc.
2. What role does fitness and conditioning have in the GBI system ? Some clubs put a lot of emphasis on training the body for the martial arts. GBI, whilst including some joint warm-ups and stretching for safety, doesn't seem to do much conditioning aside from actual performance of techniques...
yes, and that's one of the major weaknesses of our training method. We don't put enough time to train conditioning. In my case, that's because we have only so much training time, so in that severely limited time, I prefer to teach the techniques right away. Students can learn their conditioning somewhere else, even at home. That's why I encourage them to take up other arts which emphasize conditioning, such as Tennis, Tai Chi, Yoga, fitness, aerobic, TaeBo etc. Because with such limited training time we have, I just don't have enough time to spare for conditioning.
For myself though, I do Karate KATA daily, about 10 Katas everyday. Believe it or not, it keep me from being a flabby fat slob. My eating habits can be described as "Excessive". Let's say I am a glutton. Karate KATA saved me from being a fatso. :)
3. * You mentioned in the last conversation that you "had a roomful of senior students who quit." What do you think motivates a person to train to a certain belt level and then quit (aside from factors out of their control such as work) ? To what extent is it the individual's motivation and to what extent the club's influence in their decision ?
I think work and marriage are the key factors of seniors leaving. Because I can see the pattern since 1998, people usually become A.W.O.L straight after marriage, or after getting a demanding job. Other than that, I think it's a matter of taste. Some people dislikes the soft training method we have in the GBI. Some people prefer to have more full-contact fighting, more intense grappling, more MMA-ish training method. Some people got turned off by the fact that we don't have competitions. So, people have their own reasons. I think it's normal, to each their own. There are so many martial arts styles in the world, so I am sure everybody will find something more fit to their liking, be it GBI or something else.
4. On tradition, which tradition is the GBI group following ? It seems you have the Ishihara influence, Wado-Ryu or Taman-Sensei influence, then Brosius Sensei & the modern Jujutsu strain. All of these schools come with their own set of traditions and values. So which founder does GBI follow ? If GBI is following all of them, filtered through the sensei, doesn't it become the sensei's personal creation ?
You got a point there, because my students often asked the same questions. Because, so many times it happened, that I will teach a technique, then my mind drifted off and suddenly I am teaching variations of the same technique which came from different styles. It's like.. "..this is how we do it in Wado. Then this is how the Hakko-ryu people are doing it. But Mr. Brosious does it this way...". I think, the GBI is pretty much in danger, in a sense, to become a Ben Haryo personal creation. In order not to making it purely a Ben Haryo personal creation, so I make a rule for myself. In addition to teach a "mix" of methods for self-defense, I discipline myself to also teach the arts in their "pure" way, according to the syllabus. For example, I can still teach Wado-ryu on its entirety, nothing diluted. If you want straight Wado-ryu, I can teach that. The same goes to Hakko-ryu and other arts which I taught. You can go for the original, you can go for the mixed version, or you can do both. In the end, the student will get the most benefit.
5. Related to the question above, GBI would then seem to have quite a vast curriculum. Is there a challenge in getting each of the above Senseis to approve the curriculum ? Also, how do you physically show them the"encyclopaedia" of techniques -- book, e-book, e-mail ? Is there in fact, a written record of GBI's syllabus and curriculum ?
We do have written records of the techniques of individual Ryuha within GBI, for example, Brosious sensei's Ketsugo Jujutsu, Wado-ryu and Hakko-ryu. However, we are yet to document the Henka (variation) and Ohyo (applications) of all those techniques.
I never had trouble to get the senseis to approve what I am doing, as long as I keep the originals intact and not giving my creation the same status as the originals. In fact, I am encouraged to do so. Mr. Hobbs said that all the 200++ plus techniques of Hakko-ryu are simply principles of movements, and we must discover the applications of the principles on our own. Taman sensei also said like wise. Prof. Brosious is even more liberal. He said "as long as the technique works, use it".
In any case, I show Taman sensei my creations everytime I got the chance to train with him, and so far he never objected. Although there were so many times I thought I "Came up with a New" technique, and showed him, and he will show an exact same technique. Which means that he had learned it like decades ago. So, we reinvent the wheel so many times :) But then again, it's a learning process. Same goes to with Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Brosious. I show them a technique by sending them VCDs or .WMV videoclips. If the technique is good, they will say "it's a good one use it". If it's not so good, they will give me suggestions for improvements. Then sometimes they will comment something like "..that's a Henka/an Ohyo of Sandan-Gi Kata number xxx.." or "That's a good technique, I teach them as part of our knife defense technique, it's number xxx.."... Like I said, reinventing the wheels. :)
Anyway, in a sense, we are standing in one foot on traditions (keeping the originals intact), but one foot in innovations (constantly looking for better ways to apply the original principles). So, either way, I am happy.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
Interview with Ben Sensei, Part 2:
Following is the second part of the interview with Ben Sensei. Here he discusses how he copes with the awe of students and managing a Dojo.
Many people could be in awe of your 5th dan, or Godan grade. Technically, this is a master level. Do you have any advice for those who are in awe of you as a martial artist ? Also, how are the technical skills of a Godan different to other black belt levels ?
Well each organization has different concepts on what makes a Godan. When Pak Taman gave me one, I think it symbolizes the fact that I have completed all the core syllabus of what he has to offer, and that I have shown sufficient attitude to make him believe that I will carry on his traditions the way he want it to be. That's about it. I don't think I'm a master, I'm just a guy with less-than-average intellect, very-much-less-than-average physical capabilities, but with a certain above-average love for the art..which enables me to endure the training, and in the end, was able to memorize the whole syllabus.
Now that memorizing is done, my goal is to make the techniques truly a part of me, and the only way to achieve the goal is by consistent training. Judging by my chimp-level intellect and nonexistent physical condition, maybe I will achieve that goal by 4096 AD. If I am still alive, off course :)
Seriously, the best part of Budo is the training. I don't set any goal anymore. I just train and teach and enjoy it. I think the sense of happiness when doing the training and teaching transcends everything else.
2. While we’re on the subject of grades. What would you say are the responsibilities of senior grades within the club ? What, for example, would you say the responsibilities of a Brown Belt are ? What are the factors you take into consideration when awarding senior grades ?
Well, I have basically a roomful of seniors who quit training as soon as they get 4th, 3rd and 2nd Kyu. So, many people treat their training in GBI club simply as a self-defense course, not as an activity which they should be doing as a livelong journey. Kind of sad, really. But, like I say, people's love to the art are different. Just like every person's destiny are different. So, I have nothing against people quitting.
However, those who do wish to stick with it, must be very serious about that. I make a rule, that I will not award somebody their Shodan, if they are not as skilled and as serious about their training as I was when I was a MuKyu struggling to the Shodan grade. In short, I don't give away that DAN grades, people has to earn it. For Kyu grades, as long as the attitude are correct and the technical skills are sound, I'm really an easy-going guy when giving away Kyu grades :)
I think real serious responsibilities to become assistants to help me spread and teach the art should fall upon the shoulders of those who has reached 2nd and 1st Kyu. However I have people quitting on me at those grades. So I'm not kidding myself in thinking that people always has the same love to the art. People has different priorities in life, and I accept that as facts of life. So, I will simply continue teaching until I find the right students to help me carry on the traditions.
3. Some people look up to the Sensei as an all-knowing, parent-type figure ? That level of responsibility must be hard to take. Senseis are human beings, after all. Some Senseis have been said to fear their students superceding them, or just absorbing knowledge and moving on. As a modern, forward-looking martial artist, can you comment on this rarely-discussed aspect of a teacher’s life ?
I don't mind having a student surpass my achievements in the martial arts. In fact I am looking forward to it. If any of my boys or gals has more love to the art than myself, more skillful than myself, more passion to spread the teachings than myself, more capable in administering the GBI than myself, then I'm happy.
Absorbing knowledge and moving on to something else? That already happened many, many times! :D So I'm getting used to it. I guess it's a natural selection thing. Some people are fit to be teachers of my tradition, some people are not. That's a fact of life. There's nothing I can do about it, so I just kind of sit back and accept it. After all, I am not a god and nowhere near deification :)
4. You’ve done a lot to promote unity between the different styles of martial arts. In one Radio Republik Indonesia interview,
(you actually listened to that? And I thought only Gandarvas in the Jungle, CIA people in their NASA Satellites and the inhabitants of Planet Mars listened to that particular broadcast. Must make note to myself: people don't actually puke when they hear my orations :) )
you are said to have called on martial artists to unite as they are all artists. How do you manage the question of rank between clubs ? For example, how should a purple belt in, say, a BJJ style, relate to a Godan in a traditional Jujutsu style. Surely the lower-ranked BJJ student would have to regard the senior Jujutsu exponent as his (or her) senior ? If not, how should we manage the question of different ranking and status demarcations in our effort to unite the martial arts ?
Rank and titles are meaningless outside the Dojo. It only signifies what the giver thinks about the receiver. Thus, it means something only inside the Club/Dojo. I know of a brown belt in Wado whom are better than me in doing Wado Katas, won more Karate competitions than me, and throwing better high roundhouse kicks than me. I know of a Wado 1st Dan in Holland, a 20 years old fella, who knows all Wado Jujutsu stuff that I know, maybe more. The only seniority that counts for, to me, is personal maturity regarding the role of Budo in enriching people's life. A 6th Dan in Jujutsu, be it BJJ, Gendai or Koryu, will not impress me if he still has the "my-art-is-the-best-I-can-beat-you-all" attitude. I will be more impressed by a guy who say "I don't care whether my art is the best or not, but I try to make people's life better with my art". Those guys with nothing to prove are my true heroes.
5. As patriotic Indonesians, many try to base their organizations on Pancasila. Can you explain the role of the Pancasila in GBI ?
I try to become a living embodiment of Pancasila. For starter, I accept only believers of a religion. Whatever religion is OK, I will even accept Rastafarians, Shintoists, Judaists, Mormons, whatever. It does not have to be an organized religions, because I will also accept anyone who does not follow a formal religion, as long as they believe in a God, an Universal Life Giver, or whatever you call it. Because it's kind of difficult to do the Mokuso without a God to say prayers to :) To whom atheists will direct their prayers? So I cannot accept them. Those are the embodiments of the 1st Pillar of Pancasila.
I also teach my students to respect even their opponent's human rights. Never hurt their opponent excessively. Pain should be administered as little as possible, only as much as necessary. That is the embodiment of the 2nd Pillar of Pancasila.
I always encourage my students to develop a bonds of brotherhood amongst themselves, and I also work hard to form a cooperation between martial artists from different clubs. That's the embodiment of the 3rd Pillar of Pancasila.
The Dojo is not a democracy, however, I always ask for my students opinions (in a Musyawarah style) about how to better run the Club. You know this, right? To me that's the embodiment of the 4th Pillar of Pancasila.
And lastly, I teach for free in YAI and Esa Unggul. In fact I always provide free teachings for those who need training but can't afford tuition fees. So, that's my interpretation of the 5th Pillar of Pancasila.
Do I sound like a product of the New Order generation? Oopss.. :)
Any more questions, bring em on bro!
Ben

Don't pick lemons.
See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos.
Many people could be in awe of your 5th dan, or Godan grade. Technically, this is a master level. Do you have any advice for those who are in awe of you as a martial artist ? Also, how are the technical skills of a Godan different to other black belt levels ?
Well each organization has different concepts on what makes a Godan. When Pak Taman gave me one, I think it symbolizes the fact that I have completed all the core syllabus of what he has to offer, and that I have shown sufficient attitude to make him believe that I will carry on his traditions the way he want it to be. That's about it. I don't think I'm a master, I'm just a guy with less-than-average intellect, very-much-less-than-average physical capabilities, but with a certain above-average love for the art..which enables me to endure the training, and in the end, was able to memorize the whole syllabus.
Now that memorizing is done, my goal is to make the techniques truly a part of me, and the only way to achieve the goal is by consistent training. Judging by my chimp-level intellect and nonexistent physical condition, maybe I will achieve that goal by 4096 AD. If I am still alive, off course :)
Seriously, the best part of Budo is the training. I don't set any goal anymore. I just train and teach and enjoy it. I think the sense of happiness when doing the training and teaching transcends everything else.
2. While we’re on the subject of grades. What would you say are the responsibilities of senior grades within the club ? What, for example, would you say the responsibilities of a Brown Belt are ? What are the factors you take into consideration when awarding senior grades ?
Well, I have basically a roomful of seniors who quit training as soon as they get 4th, 3rd and 2nd Kyu. So, many people treat their training in GBI club simply as a self-defense course, not as an activity which they should be doing as a livelong journey. Kind of sad, really. But, like I say, people's love to the art are different. Just like every person's destiny are different. So, I have nothing against people quitting.
However, those who do wish to stick with it, must be very serious about that. I make a rule, that I will not award somebody their Shodan, if they are not as skilled and as serious about their training as I was when I was a MuKyu struggling to the Shodan grade. In short, I don't give away that DAN grades, people has to earn it. For Kyu grades, as long as the attitude are correct and the technical skills are sound, I'm really an easy-going guy when giving away Kyu grades :)
I think real serious responsibilities to become assistants to help me spread and teach the art should fall upon the shoulders of those who has reached 2nd and 1st Kyu. However I have people quitting on me at those grades. So I'm not kidding myself in thinking that people always has the same love to the art. People has different priorities in life, and I accept that as facts of life. So, I will simply continue teaching until I find the right students to help me carry on the traditions.
3. Some people look up to the Sensei as an all-knowing, parent-type figure ? That level of responsibility must be hard to take. Senseis are human beings, after all. Some Senseis have been said to fear their students superceding them, or just absorbing knowledge and moving on. As a modern, forward-looking martial artist, can you comment on this rarely-discussed aspect of a teacher’s life ?
I don't mind having a student surpass my achievements in the martial arts. In fact I am looking forward to it. If any of my boys or gals has more love to the art than myself, more skillful than myself, more passion to spread the teachings than myself, more capable in administering the GBI than myself, then I'm happy.
Absorbing knowledge and moving on to something else? That already happened many, many times! :D So I'm getting used to it. I guess it's a natural selection thing. Some people are fit to be teachers of my tradition, some people are not. That's a fact of life. There's nothing I can do about it, so I just kind of sit back and accept it. After all, I am not a god and nowhere near deification :)
4. You’ve done a lot to promote unity between the different styles of martial arts. In one Radio Republik Indonesia interview,
(you actually listened to that? And I thought only Gandarvas in the Jungle, CIA people in their NASA Satellites and the inhabitants of Planet Mars listened to that particular broadcast. Must make note to myself: people don't actually puke when they hear my orations :) )
you are said to have called on martial artists to unite as they are all artists. How do you manage the question of rank between clubs ? For example, how should a purple belt in, say, a BJJ style, relate to a Godan in a traditional Jujutsu style. Surely the lower-ranked BJJ student would have to regard the senior Jujutsu exponent as his (or her) senior ? If not, how should we manage the question of different ranking and status demarcations in our effort to unite the martial arts ?
Rank and titles are meaningless outside the Dojo. It only signifies what the giver thinks about the receiver. Thus, it means something only inside the Club/Dojo. I know of a brown belt in Wado whom are better than me in doing Wado Katas, won more Karate competitions than me, and throwing better high roundhouse kicks than me. I know of a Wado 1st Dan in Holland, a 20 years old fella, who knows all Wado Jujutsu stuff that I know, maybe more. The only seniority that counts for, to me, is personal maturity regarding the role of Budo in enriching people's life. A 6th Dan in Jujutsu, be it BJJ, Gendai or Koryu, will not impress me if he still has the "my-art-is-the-best-I-can-beat-you-all" attitude. I will be more impressed by a guy who say "I don't care whether my art is the best or not, but I try to make people's life better with my art". Those guys with nothing to prove are my true heroes.
5. As patriotic Indonesians, many try to base their organizations on Pancasila. Can you explain the role of the Pancasila in GBI ?
I try to become a living embodiment of Pancasila. For starter, I accept only believers of a religion. Whatever religion is OK, I will even accept Rastafarians, Shintoists, Judaists, Mormons, whatever. It does not have to be an organized religions, because I will also accept anyone who does not follow a formal religion, as long as they believe in a God, an Universal Life Giver, or whatever you call it. Because it's kind of difficult to do the Mokuso without a God to say prayers to :) To whom atheists will direct their prayers? So I cannot accept them. Those are the embodiments of the 1st Pillar of Pancasila.
I also teach my students to respect even their opponent's human rights. Never hurt their opponent excessively. Pain should be administered as little as possible, only as much as necessary. That is the embodiment of the 2nd Pillar of Pancasila.
I always encourage my students to develop a bonds of brotherhood amongst themselves, and I also work hard to form a cooperation between martial artists from different clubs. That's the embodiment of the 3rd Pillar of Pancasila.
The Dojo is not a democracy, however, I always ask for my students opinions (in a Musyawarah style) about how to better run the Club. You know this, right? To me that's the embodiment of the 4th Pillar of Pancasila.
And lastly, I teach for free in YAI and Esa Unggul. In fact I always provide free teachings for those who need training but can't afford tuition fees. So, that's my interpretation of the 5th Pillar of Pancasila.
Do I sound like a product of the New Order generation? Oopss.. :)
Any more questions, bring em on bro!
Ben

Don't pick lemons.
See all the new 2007 cars
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