Episode 962- Sensei Makio Nishida
Sensei Nishida (left) with Mas Oyama (right) in the early 1970's.
In today's episode Jeremy sits down in person and chats with Sensei Makio Nishida, direct student of Mas Oyama, while at Uechi-Con 2024.Sensei Makio Nishida - Episode 962
SUMMARY
In this episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, Jeremy interviews Sensei Makio Nishida, a seasoned martial artist with a rich history in karate, training under legendary karate master Mas Oyama. They discuss Nishida's journey from Japan to America, his experiences in martial arts, and the importance of community and mentorship. Nishida shares humorous anecdotes, life lessons learned through martial arts, and his philosophy on teaching and training. The conversation highlights the significance of resilience, personal growth, and the inclusive nature of martial arts, transcending styles and egos.
TAKEAWAYS
* Karate is a journey of personal growth and resilience.
* Community and mentorship play crucial roles in martial arts.
* Size doesn't determine capability in martial arts.
* Winning is not the ultimate goal in martial arts.
* Humor and happiness enhance the learning experience.
* Ego can hinder the true spirit of martial arts.
* Inclusivity in martial arts fosters a supportive environment.
* Life lessons learned through martial arts are invaluable.
* Teaching is about sharing knowledge and experiences.
* The journey in martial arts is as important as the destination.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Makio Nishida
07:05 Journey to America and Early Experiences
12:08 Influences and Mentorship in Karate
18:35 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
24:10 Training and Teaching Philosophy
30:22 The Importance of Community in Martial Arts
38:54 Evolving Perspectives on Karate
45:55 Reflections on Life and Martial Arts
56:24 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Show Notes
This episode is sponsored by Kataaro. Please check out their site at Kataaro Custom Martial Arts Products - Kataaro. And use the code WK10 to save 10% off your first order. And be sure to ask them about a wholesale account for school owners!
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Show Transcript
Jeremy (00:00.801)
What's happening everybody welcome into another episode of whistle kick martial arts radio and on today's episode I'm joined by Makio Nishida. Yes, I say your name. Yes. Yes. Yes. All right Thank you for being here. We're gonna start our chat in a minute to all of you out there Remember whistle kick calm whistle kick martial arts radio calm for all the things that we do to support you the traditional martial arts of the world
Today's episode is sponsored by Katara. I've got my Katara hoodie on the Katara family hoodie Belts in the cool belt bag that they sent this is Check out Katara kata a ro comm
Use the WK10 for 10 % off your first order. And if you're watching this episode when it first comes out, they have belts for breast cancer awareness and they're donating half the proceeds to breast cancer research. So great company. Wonderful. Thanks for being here. You just told the best story and are they, what order are these coming out? you know? These will come out the week after. Okay.
Okay, so the last episode, last week's episode, if you're watching these in order with Sensei Andre Tippett, would you mind retelling that story? So, I was here just making sure the gear was good. Andrew went to grab you from the lobby and you said there was a large man walking towards you. Take it from there.
Is that the tournament or today? Today, start with today. I was talking to Grant and then we're talking... Grant Campbell? Grant Campbell. Grant knew Mr. Tiffin. He's from East Coast. Anyway, we're talking about the old days and then I look up and I said, that's not Mr. Tiffin, isn't it? And then he said...
Jeremy (02:21.857)
Andre, he go over there and then I'm looking up here and you're little skinnier, but still that huge guy. remember that you made the pulp out of me. I don't think he remember. Those days, all days, the senior division right now, you have like a 35, 45 or like a AU or the...
those people are like 55, 65 and stuff. So 35 and older is all senior. Senior division. I resent that, by the Yes, and today 35, they are crazy fast and then could do anything. And then anyway, so I'm in the old man division. I was like 40 something years old. And then I saw him, I said,
No, he's not coming into this station. He is. And then I look at him. And did you recognize him? Yes. Yeah. Those days I watched TV and then I loved him. He was crazy. He's a great player. Yes. So I loved him. And of course, that's after he's, I'm not sure he's retired or he's still.
I'm not sure that time. He's very nice, smiling and then I don't want to... Facing and then... Of course, you know, I was there.
But, well, of course I lost, you know, to get to the things. But when he coming in and then he was very nice and then bow, bow each other, onegaishimasu. And then in my underneath of my tongue, don't hurt me. I have to go home.
Jeremy (04:32.575)
I don't want any, well, I'm not worried. Maybe as you know, most of the martial artists, they don't worry about broken bones because they deal with it all the time. Or fracture the broken bones and then they put the cast and then they're practicing, most of them. So I was not worried about it, but you know, the world is destroying. But this is a man that...
You saw on TV, you knew what he was capable of. I would be terrified. Yeah, that's why I saw his like globe hands and then everything. He shook my hand when we were done. Yes. And I think I grabbed one of his fingers, you know, like a small, like a baby. I only felt one hand figure and that was Lufrigno's hand. Lufrigno's hand. Yeah, the Hulk.
So, and then we shake hands and that's, gosh, this will be the last day. I didn't really scared of he's gonna do something or whatever, but it's just a size, how are you gonna do anything? It's like a...
little aunt looking up to the bigger things. And I said, I'm not going to anything about it. It's just like impossible. It's OK. think when I come to America, I was talking to Grant. You and I almost like the same height.
when I come and tough life in America made me much shorter, smaller.
Jeremy (06:36.033)
I know he want to say something, so I said, yeah, just my ego is getting better. He started laughing. That's exactly you. When did you move here? 1970. I graduated college, finished university in 1968, and then I'm those days of young kids. I don't know what to do.
what I want to do. And then so I'm helping the band, so I'm doing the lody. Crazy man. And also I was walking through the high school. What I did is I remember just doing it in a karate and then walking in a restaurant so I could make some money.
so then I could spend it in downtown. My parents are very strict people, so I'm hiding and then doing those stuff. So anyway, my father asked me when I graduated university, and then what are you gonna do? Do you know what are you gonna do? And then I said, I'm thinking. So he said,
walk for me at my company. So that's the last thing I wanted. So I have to find a job. did he do at his company? He had a shipyard company. making the kind of a yacht and then also the patrol boat, fire rescue boat, not the big ship. Building. Building. Right. So building company. You could do this. I never see me walking in. So
Couple years I'm walking and then that time there are Vietnam War going on. So and then the little restaurant like a club I'm walking is it's nearby, Stars and Stripes, it's a newspaper company. So I met a lot of GI and then officers and then I made a good friend with them. I'm not really good with English but.
Jeremy (08:57.547)
crazy head I could say anything. So one of the guys said, know, Hey, Maki, why don't you come visit me? And then later someone told me, you took those words literally. They are just saying, you know, come see me. They all say that. said, is it? I didn't know. So I thought, well, he is sincerely saying that. So he's a good
good men. So that's why I come to America and then I traveling around and doing a little bit of a because those days.
Jeremy (09:41.237)
the beginning of yoga, meditation, karate, martial art. So they're all interested. And then I said, I know karate. I could do something. So that's how I'm traveling through. And then in New Mexico, I ended up hired by a restaurant guy. So I ended up in a partner.
with the restaurant. It's gone already, but it was a beautiful French restaurant. but. A French restaurant. Yeah, a French restaurant. That's it. The Japanese working in a French restaurant. In New Mexico. New Mexico. It sounds like a sitcom. absolutely. You should. Yeah. You could make a lot of funny stories. Yes. And then, so. And then.
Jeremy (10:38.397)
Anyhow, I was working in a restaurant and then teaching karate for the hippies. Don't take any money, but you just come walk out and then several ladies are kind of young, beautiful American ladies. And so you could come. That's how it started. So then from there,
Somehow when I was in Japan, you know in Japan you never think of I'm gonna teach karate if you are normal students Because you have to be something talented and then you have to be some sort of a presence also Kind of a lineage of You know that they did in a high school college or whatever just like a football
So I don't have those things. So I never thought I'm the candidate or could make it in the karate world. And then also my sizes. One episode, Masao Yama, I don't know if you know him or not. Masao Yama is a Kyokushinkai. Yeah, Kyokushinkai is the head. then so I went to talk to him before I come to America.
And then, so he said that Did you know him well? Well, he is my teacher in Tokyo and then main school. My sister wanted me to go because her son is delinquent, so I have to take him too. But anyway, so I went to say -
goodbye to him and then I'm going to America and said, Nishida, what are you going to do over there? Well, Q and 3 I find a job. Well, that is when I first come back to Japan. But I'm gonna live there and then maybe walk and then walk out something mumbling about that. And then my father behind me said, Oyama -sensei.
Jeremy (13:06.131)
I think my son want to open the dojo.
Jeremy (13:13.235)
And then he looked at me and said, what? Nishida, are you joking to your father or are you going to open the dojo? Said, well, I was thinking, this is what I was thinking. It's like a friendly circle of Karate people. Nishida, one thing I'm gonna tell you right now, don't fight with Americans, they kill you.
I never forget that part. They kill you. He said three times and then he talking another thing. He Nishida, do you remember what I said? He said, yes sir. They kill you. And then before I was leaving, Sensei, I will see you again and then please, you know, take care of yourself. Nishida, you better come back. Otherwise, they're gonna kill you.
He was serious. He was very serious because he remembered that the 50s he come to this country and go through like a lesson, you know, so he tried to make money and and then that time right after the World War two, so they all go against and then they put the name ring name. First, they put the name Tojo, but.
that the general who killed a lot of American soldiers. And then someone coming in and said, know, Tojo's name, maybe they kill you, why don't you change the name? So they changed the name to the Togo Brothers. Three guys, two Hawaiian, one Japanese, he's a Japanese Korean. Anyway, they go through.
they must have a crazy time. And then I listened to his story so bad, one of the guy, well, he got such a short temper, so somebody did do something bad, so he lost it. So the other two tried to break him up, he was not, and then, so.
Jeremy (15:33.973)
thousand people waiting outside of the kuro -si. And then he said, first time, Nishida, first time, I have to hide and then almost crawling from the back exit, and getting into the car because they said, they're gonna kill you, you're gonna leave right now. And then so that story I heard.
So he remember all those things and then he seeing, you know, smart, Alex, skinny kids, you not gonna make it. You know, it makes me think about the stories of him fighting a bull. Yes. bull sounds tame compared to a thousand people angry after a wrestling match. yes. that's, you know, that's why he said he was really
coming off from the table as a Nishida. Are you really?
Jeremy (16:35.307)
Yeah, because he knew I'm skinny puke and then one of the teacher from Kyokushinkai coming from Japan is it's all big big men, Oyama sensei and all those people. So Miura sensei. So I'm nobody. I'm really nobody. sensei, I'm not going to use the Kyokushin's name. So
Just let me practice with...
Don't fight. So that's the time. I met him several times after that and he kind of smiling. Are you still doing part time? Part time. It's like a friendship walk out. So he said, stay that way.
You said something about why you training your, was it your sister's child? Yeah, well actually what did happen is I was a very puny kid and then my sister is six years older than me and so I have really no one, you know, taking care of when I grow up except my mother.
My mother is very sick at that time, very weak, think. After that, she lived with me for 20 -some years in America after my father died. And then she lived until 98. So she was very, yeah, very, very good. I was after that. Anyway, downtown and then downtown, everybody's like, buzz cut. Downtown Tokyo. Right, downtown Tokyo is a little rough area.
Jeremy (18:35.333)
And then I'm the only one had a longer hair. And then so that everybody said, hey girl, hey girl. And then also my parents are not to do with the church and then Christians. And then my mother used to be a kind of secretary for the English minister and such. So they kind of give us a lot of clothing and stuff.
So there many of clothes in different color and then, know, the downtown boys basket never use, you know, little t -shirts and that's it. So girl, girl. And so they picked on me and then I was so, only I could do is cry. So then they leave me alone. my name is Makio, right? And then Naku or Naki means cry.
So they call me Nakio. The other boy, yeah, crying boy. So I am so kind of, I have a bad temper too, but I just don't want to be that way. And then, so somehow, again, my father find the Oyama Dojo, Matsumoto Dojo, throw me in. So that's how we...
how I started. And then I'm still telling my, this is my student, I have no, so, and then I did later find out my father is a really scared person so he can't swim, he can't ride bicycle, rarely. So he didn't,
teach me, he doesn't play any ball, game, or baseball. So I can do anything. And then also he just can't teach, so he just ignored it. So until...
Jeremy (20:47.711)
Maybe fourth grade I'd be able to ride a bicycle. Swimming is like maybe sixth grade.
And in a public bathhouse, I tried to swim. And my friends helped me. so I was really, really don't have any athleticism or so that sense. So I can bunch kids play baseball. I can hit. I only remember I hit one time.
That's all I remember. I always swing out. Nothing really can do. So I thought I'd like to do something. And then nearby my house, there are Okinawan guy who has a little space like this space with his rented place. So he start teaching karate.
So I went to see and then I see my neighbor or somebody was doing it. It's scary those days, know, Okinawa, Karate, but I was looking and said, hey, Makiwa, what are you doing? I'm looking at it. You want to practice? So that's how it started. And then later, my sister overheard about Maso Yama. of course, you know.
She want to be her son to be a little bit more straight up because he's a delinquent. He's so bad. So I have to watch him because he's not going to sneak out from the dojo. So that's why. then, yeah, this is the kids. Going to the swimming class, he didn't go. He go over there and then went his...
Jeremy (22:51.679)
swimming trunks and then a cap and then bring it back and then, mom, I'm home. He's playing around also somewhere else. But he started it. I really liked it at that time. It was scary. School is scary, but I thought maybe I should be in that place to make myself to be.
little bit more available for help myself. I'm good, as you know, I'm good with this. I'm good with talking. So I talk out, most of the times I'm okay with it, physically I am really, really scary kid. even in the karate, just like Oyama sensei said.
don't fight because he knew I'm such a coward.
What was it like trading with him?
typical Japanese teacher, they're mean. It's all the stories I've heard that he's mean. they're mean, they're short tempered. He has a good heart, but he always tell you, you know, how weak you are and reminds you. So, but...
Jeremy (24:41.461)
He liked my nephew, and then he only had a daughter. he he was asking me, he Nishida, ask your sister if I could adopt him. And then my sister said, no way.
Jeremy (25:03.681)
But that's one of them, so I remember. And then I'm getting very busy, high school and then such. So then, know, I helping on the local, Kyokushin is spread out, school and then such. So at that time, he just build a...
First story building and the big building and then downstairs the basement of the dojo and this second and third floor is dojo, fourth floor he was living. But it is scary. Everybody is so serious. There are no joke. Which must have been hard for me. I'm guessing you have always had a sense of humor. Probably came from a home. that must have been Yeah, that's right. So yeah, it is.
I like that kind of a...
Jeremy (26:09.237)
military like, know, straight. like, you know, all those are the, he has a in -house students. So, which is, you know, they living in dojo and then they clean and then they practice just a little bit, but then they always standing in the dojo and then. Uchideshi? Uchideshi. Yes, yes, Uchideshi. Yes. So, so they are always, you know,
scary when they are standing and they just look at you, everybody coming in. And then also you have to bow to everybody. But perhaps what I like is that it's almost like a strict role in just practice.
Jeremy (27:08.091)
Only one thing I was thinking about, you know, what I remember. One of the things is that they do kumite every day. And then, no hold about. So anyway, so I must try to...
Jeremy (27:36.83)
I can open it.
I took a lot of roundhouse kick, but that is the kick, that is the one kick. I didn't wake up for, I don't know for how long, maybe 10, 20 minutes or so. But those days, you you just. So you went from the streets of Tokyo where they were making fun of you. Yeah. And your solution was to go to karate where they were knocking you out. That's it. Okay. Yeah. Big mistake. That's my life.
So one day I was, I remember, again
Jeremy (28:24.041)
All of sudden I wake up and then I'm on the floor and then everybody clean the dojo. Everybody have to clean the dojo after they finish the school class. it's already, no. First things I said, who do I fight next? I thought I was still in the commuter class. So where is my line? Because I was back there.
Osu! Then they laugh at us. He stop! Clean the floor! Osu! Everything is osu! Osu! And then so I look around, was on the floor, they go with towels, they're running down, and running back. What happened to the class? It's over about 20 minutes ago. You were sleeping.
They don't care. just said, so sorry. Get up. Cringe. That's that. I think, you know what? I think that is a better example of Kyokushinkai than the stories I've heard about Oyama. Right. I've never heard anything like this. Yeah, it's. But did it did it work? Did it?
Did it make you tough? Yeah, yeah. So what did happen is I think this is a normal thing that will happen. then these are, perhaps it's not only happened to me because of what I am or who I am. Because there are no, well, like, know, senpai, senior students and the mean senpai and those people, they mean to you.
But those mean ones go up there and then the upper classes, they're going to be triple means to them. And then they just toy them around, I said. So I thought, even I'm a very weak puny kid, but I have an attitude, which is...
Jeremy (30:52.865)
Later on that I thought perhaps that helped me to survive this country. It's not I'm going to get you or anything, but I can take it. I think maybe I could live with this. And then this is maybe better than 20 minutes on the floor. You don't remember anything compared to. So yeah, that karate.
Help to me is, I think, biggest thing is size. Doesn't matter. I thought, I was thinking, you know,
course I'm short for the Japanese too. Everybody's taller than me and then I'm always thought about it and then you know I think it's the same thing. So I remember when first job I got is a bus boy in San Antonio, New Mexico. That's the restaurant they're on. was becoming a partner but then a lot of things. Anyhow, one day
There are several episodes, well there's bunch of episodes because those days bar is something else. So there lots of fights and then first time I didn't think of anything. I thought you know those that I have to be very loyal to the owner, let's protect. So I jumped in in the middle of it and then
This is the funniest story. I only saw their belt buckles, those cowboys. It's right on the eyes and then I look up, they're over my head, they're punching each other. There's a theme here, cowboys, football players. I never forget. I only saw the belt buckle.
Jeremy (33:07.073)
So spelled like here, like here, and then they're punching. I'm no use. And then next time, I was chasing somebody drinking and then didn't pay, and then got the scold from my owner.
Don't chase anybody because outside you never know what they're carrying. Was there, the timing here, there was still a decent amount of prejudice. Yes, it is. So it is very interesting because Sanofi is about 40 mile or so south of the...
Los Alamos. And then Los Alamos is the one made atomic bomb. And then Dr. Oppenheimer and then his son dying with the restaurant so that everybody coming in and they said, know, if you have anything to do with that or have something go against them, you don't need to do anything. Or someone coming in and then
Yeah, are, you know, Vietnam are going now and then so lots of Korean War veterans, World War veterans still there. So there are some prejudice, but fortunately, I don't have.
Most likely, and then I ignored it. I ignored it because it's no use. Perhaps I'm becoming little bit matured or something. But then they come to Texas on the 80s and start doing some of the tournament back again.
Jeremy (35:25.109)
Now I've heard, and I don't know as much about the 80s, but I've heard in the 70s, tournaments in Texas were a different sort of tournament. They were difficult, they were rough. yes, so when I moved from, like you know, towards the of the 80s, 70s, when I went there, it is, it is, it's a war. And then I still...
see those people, crazy people. And then one day I still remember that only, maybe not only one time, but I lost it because some guy, because I scored clearly and then he got mad at me. And then also he lost. So, and then referee said, Yame, or the stop.
And then so I drop and then turn around, he punched me. And then one thing I never liked is that the chip shot. So I totally lost it, you know. You said you have a temper. Yes. Yeah. And then that time.
I went all out and I'd go after them and then I still remember just a big man, big black guy. He coming in and said, hey, I can't, don't, don't, don't, don't, don't do that, don't do that. I climb up on him and then I said, no, no, no, and then I climb up and over his head and I'm patchy. because of his standing right middle.
The other guy can't reach me. I was going on the top of his head. You were finally taller. Yes, absolutely. You were at the high ground. Yeah. That's the only thing I remember. And a good memory of tournament. How long were you in Texas? I've been there in Texas for since 1982. You're still living in Texas? Yes, still living in Texas.
Jeremy (37:47.201)
Still teaching? Yes, still teaching. Yes. Are you allowed to call it Kyokushin? No, I decided that Kyokushin Kai, well of course you know later on those days when I was doing the Kyokushin's name is only my school name. Well it's interestingly Sensei Woyama Dai, 3, 4, 5 Kyokushin.
by the few organizations now. Yeah, now it's more than that, I think. but I honor the...
the name of Kyokushin, and then also Oyama sensei said, okay, Nishida. Only he said is don't fight with those guys. That's all he said, but that he's okay. I thought that he's okay, I could teach, but I never asked him, can I teach as a Kyokushin guy? Because also another thing is Oyama sensei is...
Quite economical, advanced guy. So that's why in money, coming to the money, it's going to be lots of programs. But the interesting part is students knew that at the very last part, they don't want to pay. And then I think he had a little bit of a hard time. Then after that, because of that, they spread out.
So that's unfortunate. But I still go to the tournament or watch one of my old students. But he come temporarily work in America and then he's a Kyokushinkai student. So he's back there, he's teaching. So I still have some connections, but not really any closer.
Jeremy (39:52.737)
And then also, I don't really advertise as Kyokushinkara. And then Kyokushinkai has a school down in Dallas. So I'm Fort Worth. I think he had some 10 years anniversary or whatever the anniversary. He already asking one of my students if I could come honor him. So it's nice of them.
to including me on there. But as in the name of the Kyokushin, or even Kyokushin style, I don't normally use it. But is that what you teach? Kyokushin karate, well. Kyokushin karate has their merit and then the way they do it.
Jeremy (40:51.635)
I think there are more than fighting and then more than above and beyond. World is there. I'm not saying Kyokushin is limited because many of the Kyokushinkai teachers, they're good and then they're all together. and then I think, know, perhaps I, it's not my own style.
But I accepted many of like, for example, Uechi Ryu, Okinawa Goju Ryu, also Shito Ryu, those people. I went to the many students or I welcomed them to come to my class and then teach for, so that everybody has their offer.
and then also the beauty in it. And then of course, you know, I can't.
learn it or take it, but at least I could see and then also that will be my goal to become living as a human and then also a teacher to helping as a human and then a teacher or practice as a human. It helped me. It's a lot. So that's why I started at Tai Chi.
30 years ago. so I teach Tai Chi and karate. It's two opposite and then same thing. So same thing. That's so far. What I'm hearing you say about karate is you teach karate. Yes. Where so many people, I teach this type of this style of karate.
Jeremy (42:57.317)
And I get questions, we've talked about it on the show, with my school. What do you teach? I teach karate. Yeah, but what kind? Karate. Karate, yes. And that's kind of what I'm hearing you say. Right, that's exactly that. I think karate has that origin and then there are families and then such. And then yet, I think, know,
Every time they have some brilliant ideas and then respect it, you know, and then that is inclusive. Everything is inclusive. And then Masooyama, yeah, he did judo and then, you know, he did karate, he did boxing, he did wrestling. So I think, you know, whatever it work, use it. It seems to be rare.
Yes. That any of the martial artists that we celebrate that started a style or anything only trained in one thing. They all trained in a number of different things. Yes. And I think some of us miss that today. forget about that. Well, Yama sensei made Kyokushin. So I should do Kyokushin. But if Yama was born today, he would also do other things, too.
That's true. That's one thing interesting. All he's talking, what I learned, is he met Chinese teacher, he met Korean teacher, he met American wrestlers, he studied. And then boxing. So he studied. And then, of course, for his business, he said, I'm in.
I'm the karate. Yay. But I think, yes, you are very right. Just like I come to, this is the second year they invited me, and then come practice with them, which you have a lot to offer. And then, so. And these are great people. yeah, and wonderful.
Jeremy (45:25.619)
I think it's to do with that that's the way they teach. And it's very rare. As you know, in the Karate That's why we're so excited to be here and be involved. Thank you to the Weichiru Buto Kukai for having us and Marcus Sensei and Durkin Sensei for inviting us. Never been there. No egos.
So that's, you know, what do do? Or is this how you do? And then, you know, they all try. And then, you know, white belt or the black belt, same way. So that's how they, you know, it's just incredible. So I was just taking a Christian Bonham classes. And then, you know, this kid, he tried so hard, brown belt or so. I can do this.
Don't worry about it. That's why you're here. That's why I'm here too. And then everybody get together and then doing that. This is beautiful. And I think, the grant said, and I see those people, they're always sharing something in the beautiful community. And I think that's an important thing because we've had both.
of the Dirk, Buzz and Judy on the show. One of the things we talk about, I don't know how much you know about this, but their school is in a very small area and they have a lot of students. Why? Because they treat everyone really well. It's that community first, training second. Yeah, it's like, know, one day I was there and they said...
Jeremy (47:19.905)
small community and 20 % or 30 % of them are students, right? I said, yes. What a concept. Do you treat people well? That's right. That's right. So no egos. And then this is something I learned, especially come to America.
You have to show ego first. So in a lot of places, Yeah, unfortunately. Yeah, right, unfortunately. but you know, the Wechidu people, they listen to you, and then also they share with you, this is what we do, and welcome you very well.
really enjoyed that. It seems to be, because I'm sure just as you have trained in a lot of places with a lot of people, I noticed that attitude more with schools that are Okinawan than Japanese. yes. Would you, have you seen that too? Yes. Why, any ideas? Yeah, think, well, and then another thing is Okinawan karate, they take care of you, they take care of you as a family.
But not necessarily they thinking about how to make it bigger, how to make it profitable. then also that, yes, Okinawan people are a little bit different, but they taking that as a...
say lifestyle maybe and then in Japanese they want to be a teacher they want to be a leader and then then here we go started with egos and then structure yeah that structures and then they tell you what to do what to say how to say so and then you know I saw
Jeremy (49:36.597)
big breakout from the Kyokushin and then here we go. Ego is there. They take the ego and then they're starved. So I bet by now all the Kyokushin people hate me. You know, I bet there are some out there that feel just as you do. Yeah. You know, that's one of the things that I've learned from us doing this show is that.
there are a lot of quiet people that think the same and there are many of the quiet people that think a lot of these sorts of things. it's the ones that we assume are the majority are just loud. Right, it is. It is. And then also they're going to totally on the opposite way of art, honor, and then the heart. No such a thing.
business first. So, and then, you know, if you're taking care of the people and care about them, it's not gonna happen. It's supposed not to And then, what about me? So, and then I think that another thing is too much of the winning. think the martial art is, it's not for the winning. Winning is, you you complete your life.
be owner, you know, with honor and then with care and then with a good heart. And then that's missing from that. And then what else left is an ego. And then that's awful. So that many times people coming in and let's do this business. Let's do this. You could do this, you know, and then why you are...
still have to work. I said, well, this is my retirement, I said. So this is my retirement. And then yesterday, I was telling my students, Sensei, how long you're going to do? Everybody's retired or whatever. And then I said, more years. So I'm 77. So 10 more years. And then,
Jeremy (52:05.88)
Sensei yesterday said, I'm 87. I could go for it. And then he's really... But what would you do if you stopped? Yeah, that's right. And then I don't know what to do. And then so people ask me, what are you going to do if you quit doing it?
Well, you coming in here and then walking out. And then I'm walking out with you. And then I'm practicing. And then I'm still learning. What else? So in that sense, I am a very, very lucky man. Very lucky man. And then I think I'm very happy man because of that. And then something to live with, you know, to...
go with and follow with and then also that you know your health, your heart, body, and you your heart. So have to be good to the heart. that I like I was doing Dharai Rama's bodyguard when he come here and then so I was with him for five days.
And,
He said, all you need is a good
Jeremy (53:42.149)
So that is your religion. So and then you know I never forget that and then he is so wonderful person and then I was thinking all the time if something will happen I don't think he need a bodyguard. I have to admit I was a little surprised when you said that you were the bodyguard. Yes that's right.
So I said, you don't need to worry about it. And then in the very last day at the airport, I was crying because please don't go. And he hold my head and then, thank you my friend. How can you say that?
my friend. and then you know, I was crying and then you know what, I won't stop my talking. I'm not your friend. You're my friend. So I thought, know, that giving,
And then also that you know always you know feeling of the people's goodness. I learned it you know through karate and then through Tai Chi through martial art. So this is you know enrich my life. So then I was watching that especially the school, Uechi -ryu, everybody happy. Everybody greet you. Everybody talk to you. No ego.
And then said, well, yeah. Andrew and I have talked about this quite a bit, that it is the largest group we're familiar with of great martial artists, great art. So they're not coming, said, you know, what do you want to know? Or do you know me? If you could go back, let's say behind that door was a time machine.
Jeremy (55:59.177)
Yes. And you could go back to before karate to, did you say they called you Nakio? Yeah, Nakio. You could go back to Nakio. Right. What would you tell him? you know, this is something I was thinking about and then especially later, we're getting old and then looking back on that and said, you know,
you did it, you you made it. You don't think you're becoming like this crazy person or starting up somebody and said, you what can you do? So, yeah, I really miss that the young, gentle, kids. then, but I have to give
little Nakio -chan. A little pat on the back and then, you know, I want to hug him and I said, you know, you made it. You did good. And you're crazy person, but maybe you are not that bad person. And then I didn't grew up with, you know, bad person. I have, you know, my friend, childhood friend.
He made a lot of money and then he died several years ago and then I miss him and then sometimes what he did is not really good. You know, that how he made the money or how he did that. And then I go over there and then his sister coming in and said, Mr. Nishida, do you know what my brother did? I said, yeah, I kind of heard about it.
terrible story. And then took all the inheritance and then didn't share anything. And then, you know, and then he was the volunteer fire chief and then, you know, he was all kind of an honorary job. And then, wow. And then I saw at least I didn't live like that. And then I felt so bad about him too, how he can live like
Jeremy (58:21.899)
So that sense, I thought about it in certain regret that perhaps I don't have a retirement. I don't have a...
Jeremy (58:37.331)
holiday vacation or I don't go exotic places or whatever or big house or no worried about money or anything. I live day to day and then but you know I thought about it myself very lately. This is good because if I could handle this and then I did.
and then this room and I still have my dojo and then I still have my students but not I have those but I have this karate in my heart and then the practice in my heart. That's really really never think of that much of because that was so much part of my life so I thought that this is the life I need to but
I have such a great joy and appreciation. So I have to thank karate for how I made my life. that's, know, I could say because yeah, that little kids, you know, crying all the time. And then that kids.
I have to tell him, you you did a good job. You know, of course, know, did a bunch of crazy and bad stuff. So, besides that, besides that, I said, you you did good. I have to give you a good A plus, I think, in that sense. Did you say you were in Fort Worth? Yes. So if anybody
might be in the audience, it's in that area of Texas. Do you have a website? Yes, yes. What's the website? We'll make sure we get it in the notes. OK. It's genjikai .com. Yeah, genjikai .com. Do you tell stories in class? Because I would come train with you just for stories. No.
Jeremy (01:01:02.901)
Many times people say, another story. So I tried to behave myself. I like to somehow, you know, because no one did really help me other than karate or the practice. So I didn't have, you know, the person who really come next to you and said, look, this you can do or...
you doing this right, no one tell me that. And then I, after 23, 24 years old, I go from my country and then my family left. So I'm just myself. so all the time, yes, there are lots of friends and then lots of students, sensei you great. Well, they all said that, you know.
I don't take anything seriously about what they said. You don't know. That's what always say. They said, what do mean? I said, you don't know. that's why I thought, thank you for asking me for that. So I got a chance to tell my little, little, little, little, little,
Thanks for being here. Yeah. This was a lot of fun. This was a good one. I'm sorry I didn't talk too much. It's your episode. If you don't talk, that means I have to. And that kind of defeats the purpose. I don't think I've laughed this much on an episode in a long time. you are funny. Yeah, my story is all fun. In my school, I tried to...
keep my students laughing and happy because I believe they learn better. When we're laughing, when we're happy, when we're paying attention, we're engaged, we can pay better attention, we can learn easier. That's true. Which is kind of counter to karate, but my students learn quickly. Yeah, think you know that, yes, that practice is all.
Jeremy (01:03:24.831)
So you just continue to do so because you can't explain what colors of the sunset is. You have to look at it. So I treat the karate and tai chi the same way. Just watch. You will see the difference every day, right? But fortunately,
I find the martial art is my life. then that's, yeah, that's the, know, change everything. So, and very fortunate, very lucky, very happy. Yes, yes. And then thank you for having me Of course, thanks for being here. This was a good time. It's a too crazy story. Yeah.