MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
“Founding Father”
Interview with
So Shihan Felton Messina
Nihon Koden Shindo-Ryu
Aug / 2010
Interview by Lydia Alicea
Edited by William Rivera Kyoshi
It is the Fourth of July 2010, the 234th birthday of our nation, the United States. Citizens traditionally celebrate its passing with BBQs, fireworks displays, parades, going to the beach and visiting historical monuments, to name a few, yet for some Americans, is a day of reflection on its “beginnings.”
The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, documents that put forth the basic principles for governing a nation, based on simple yet complex ideas developed by the ‘founding fathers.’ These individuals were pioneers, staking out a new order, determined yet unclear as to how these new concepts would all play out, although certain that the people were ready for ‘new.’
On this unusually hot and muggy 4th of July, I had reread passages from So Shihan Messina’s book, ”The Physics of Karate-do” as well as my notes from our communications with Master Messina in preparation for this interview. Then, it struck me! How ironic that today, I am writing about another founding father, a man driven by the passion for his art and his determination to introduce this ‘new’ way, Karate-do, to his country, the Dominican Republic.
For all karateka, but particularly significant to our Hispanic brothers and sisters who practice the martial arts in the U.S. and around the world, it is an honor and a privilege to have such a distinguished, dedicated and talented martial artist in our midst.
· Formed and managed the ‘Kenpo Karate-Do Association’, introducing traditional Japanese Karate to the people of the Dominican Republic.
· Won various international tournaments in kata.
· Participated in six World Championships in the International Federation (W.U.K.O).
· Became the first and only Dominican certified as a world judge in WUKO.
· Served as President of the Dominican Federation of Judo of Kodokan.
· Promoter and the First President of the Dominican Federation of Karate.
· Promoted to So Shihan in 1999 by Master Hamada, founder of the Nihon Koden Shindo-Ryu.
More than forty years experience in the Martial Arts.
Simply put, Master Messina is inspirational, and a leader of vision.
Please read on and learn why.
Martialforce.com: We like to start our interviews at the beginning. Please tell us where you were born and where you grew up.
FELTON MESSINA: “I was born and raised in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic.”
Martialforce.com: You began practicing Karate-do in 1966 while studying at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) in Mayaguez. What was the draw for you?
FELTON MESSINA: “Growing up, my favorite sport was basketball. Just prior to my leaving to study at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, I was going to become part of a team representing my country. Once in Puerto Rico, a friend in Mayaguez contacted me and asked if I was interested in going to see a karate exhibition. I asked him, “What is Karate?” He responded that it some form of Japanese discipline. The year was 1966.
Because of my curiosity, I accompanied my friend to this exhibition held at a fraternity located in front of the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts. For the first time, I saw the man who would become my first karate instructor, his name, Professor Edwin Hernandez.
When I began to see the manner in which this young man was able to use his legs while confronting each opponent regardless of size or weight, it absolutely amazed and fascinated me at the same time. I wish to tell you that when I had left the Dominican Republic to live in Puerto Rico, there were no karate schools only Judo. When the exhibition ended, Edwin announced that he was going to begin karate classes and if anyone was interested, to sign up. I was the first person to sign up on the list of new students. From the moment, I began practicing karate, I completely forgot about basketball. The attraction I felt with karate was captivating, struck by the exoticness of its movements and kicks. It was like being struck by an arrow.”
Martialforce.com: Describe your instruction under Edwin Hernandez in Okinawan Kenpo Karate-Do.
FELTON MESSINA: “The instruction and the classes that Edwin Hernandez taught were extremely hard. To that let me say this: While in Okinawa, Edwin got accustomed to fighting (kumite) using protective gear. When he returned to the U.S., he did not bring the equipment with him. As a result, he instructed his students in kumite without equipment, making practice tremendously challenging. You learned how to block because a kick would easily send you rolling across the floor. We ended each class pretty beat up. On a positive note, this was very beneficial as Edwin made us lose our fear of pain.”
Martialforce.com: Was instruction in Japanese as well as in Spanish?
FELTON MESSINA: “Edwin taught us using Japanese words, but most of the time instruction was in Spanish.”
Martialforce.com: In 1968, you received your 1st degree black belt from Hernandez. Describe your shodan testing.
FELTON MESSINA: “In reality, Edwin did not test me for my black belt. What he had been doing was observing me for a very long time as I worked on improving my technique, kata, etc. One day, as Edwin was conducting a grading exam, he made the decision to promote me to black belt.”
Martialforce.com: Upon returning to the Dominican Republic in 1969, you learned that the only martial arts practiced there were Judo and Taekwondo, while there was a growing interest in Karate-do. Why do you think that was so particularly at that time?
FELTON MESSINA: “I am not certain as to the why. Upon graduating and receiving my degree in electrical engineering from the UPR, I returned to the Dominican Republic, and yes, Judo and Taekwondo were the only arts practiced there. A group of young guys, along with a friend who had quit practicing Taekwondo approached me about wanting to learn the Kenpo I practiced. He was impressed with how I practiced kumite, utilizing sabakis (body movement, repositioning.) He had seen me practicing kumite with his Taekwondo instructor during my vacation visits to home. From those moments, he decided this is what he wanted. I trained him to brown belt level and later brought Edwin to Santo Domingo to test him.
Karate-do was not being practiced in the Dominican Republic, and no instructors to teach. On one of my trips to Santo Domingo, months before I graduated, I formed, along with this young student what would eventually be known as the ‘Kenpo Karate-Do Association’ in the Dominican Republic.”
Martialforce.com: Discuss how the Kenpo Karate-Do Association evolved; were there any difficulties encountered and how did it spread throughout the Dominican Republic?
FELTON MESSINA: “The development of the Kenpo Karate-Do Association was rapid due in large part to the furor created from exhibitions which were televised, covered in local newspapers and talked about on radio shows. There was growing interest in a new system spreading across the Dominican Republic. As momentum grew, so did the expansion of the association as it branched out across the nation. The Dominican Republic is sub-divided into 29 provinces (like the United States divided into states). Eventually, Kenpo was being practiced in each province, with close to 7,000 students throughout the country.”
Messina Kata Champion
Martialforce.com: Discuss your involvement with the Dominican Federation of Judo of Kodokan. Did it become a stepping-stone to the development of the Dominican Karate Federation?
FELTON MESSINA: “Although I never practiced Judo, I was chosen to serve as Vice President of the Dominican Federation of Judo of Kodokan. While I served as Vice President of the Federation, there was a period where there were setbacks involving the then President. Because of disagreements and fault placed on him on a number of things that had transpired, the president decided to resign from his position. At that point, I assumed the position as President of the Federation. I used the Federation as a springboard to position myself well with the President of the Olympic Committee, specifically with respect to the development of National Dominican Karate Federation. Under the direction of and with the assistance from the President of the Olympic Committee, and with the recognition of the World Karate Organization, (W.U.K.O.) in 1977, the Dominican Federation of Karate was created.”
Martialforce.com: Do you feel that the Dominican Federation of Karate would not have been possible without the support of the Dominican Olympic Committee?
FELTON MESSINA: “Without question, for the Dominican Federation of Karate to have existed, it needed to be part of the Dominican Olympic Committee. In addition, the endorsement of the Olympic Committee gave it the attention and all the support a federation needed, particularly in its early years. This was important to its development and defining its’ standing worldwide.”
Martialforce.com: You also coached the Dominican Karate Team. Describe how you organized and prepared your students for competition.
FELTON MESSINA: “Certainly. For various years I was the trainer of the selection of Karate competitors representing our country, winning first place in the Pan American Karate Competitions Championships endorsed by the Pan American Karate Federation, members of the then World Union of Karate-do Organizations (W.U.K.O.)
I had brought my years of experience to prepare our selection of competitors; this experience is made up of my previous years of competition in various world championships of W.U.K.O. Additionally, I had passed the exams certifying me as a world judge in competitions. I was the first and only Dominican to be certified as a world judge. The Dominican team earned a number of awards, first, second and third place as champions of the Pan American Karate-do Competitions.”
Team Championship Curazao
Martialforce.com: Did you compete as a member of your team?
FELTON MESSINA: “In 1975, I competed in the III World Tournament (W.U.K.O.) in Santa Clara, California. In October 1977, I competed as member of the Dominican Republic team in the IV World Tournament in Tokyo, Japan. The team comprised of five athletes with me as instructor and competitor. We did not have much luck as the first team to face off against the previous year’s champions, the team from England. The English team consisted of five competitors, the shortest one measuring six feet in height and although we gave them a good fight, it was not enough to defeat them. Yet, it was a tremendous experience to have fought against the champions.”
Martialforce.com: The following question takes a different direction, one that might explain the growing interest in karate in the Dominican Republic back in the 1960’s. Perhaps it had nothing to do with politics but instead was a result of growing popularity worldwide. It was an interesting development for such a tiny nation. During the 1960’s, the Dominican Republic was experiencing its share of revolts and government instability and fallout from the brief U.S. intervention in 1965. Do you believe these conditions may have explained why Dominicans were so interested in learning karate-do, a need for self-defense?
FELTON MESSINA: “I will respond to your question in the following manner: the war in 1965 took place before karate developed in my country. The major breakthrough we had in karate began towards the end of 1968, three years after the war and the American intervention in the Republic. During this period, karate-do began to spread throughout the Dominican Republic, no one was talking about the revolution and the country wanted to be at peace. What I am saying is, the rapid increase of people seeking to learn karate was due in large part, to the ‘karate craze’ taking hold everywhere. Karate was now the ‘latest thing’ and its attraction was novel, never experienced inside my country. Therefore, to answer your question, the interest in karate-do had nothing whatsoever to do with what took place in 1965.”
Martialforce.com: You taught karate to military personnel for self-defense and competitive purposes. Please discuss.
FELTON MESSINA: “In 1978, I had been asked to meet with the Secretary of the Armed Forces. During the interview, he asked, ‘Is it true that you are the most knowledgeable person of karate in our country?’ I responded, “You said that, not I.”
He went on to say that others had spoken very highly of me and was impressed. He wanted two things from me: The first was to train the cadets from the officers’ training school in self-defense as well as aspects deemed important in the discipline of Karate; the second, was that I organize karate teams for competition within the armed forces as well as for the national police force. There were already annual tournaments in basketball, baseball and swimming, etc. What the Secretary wanted was for karate to also be part of the military games.”
Martialforce.com: At some point, you began practicing Nihon Koden Shindo-Ryu, and later invited Master Hiroyuki Hamada to teach in the Dominican Republic. What aspect of the art interests you?
FELTON MESSINA: “I began practicing Nihon Koden Shindo-Ryu when I brought Master Hiroyuki Hamada, its creator, to Santo Domingo in 1975. Up until that point, I had been practicing only Kenpo Karate-do with Edwin. It is important to point out that the individual who connected me with Master Hamada was Master Mamoru Matsunaga whom had lived more than sixty years in the Dominican Republic and was eighth Dan in Judo, 3rd Dan in Karate and a student of Master Hamada in Karate while attending high school.
During my first trip to Tokyo, Japan in 1977 to compete, I brought with me two of my most advanced students to visit Master Hamada at his dojo. During the visit, Master Hamada asked me, ‘What other martial arts are you interested in learning?’ My response was Iaido (art of the sword.) He then sent for Master Iwagoro Setoguchi, 7th Dan in Muso Shinden Ryu. He taught my two students and me for three hours daily. After changing into our karate gi, we practiced for four hours with Master Hamada and his students. Training lasted for approximately one month. Master Setoguchi trained us up to 1st degree (Shodan) black belt in Iaido.”
Martialforce.com: For readers who may not be familiar with the art, can you briefly describe some of its basic aspects?
FELTON MESSINA: “The fundamental aspects of Shindo-Ryu that I enjoy is that it is a style based on traditional karate forms originating centuries ago, based on basic techniques created by the early grandmasters. My instructor (Hamada) studied and made his own style based on these true traditions of the early practitioners. Another aspect of Shindo-Ryu that I enjoy is that it is powerful and fast.”
Martialforce.com: Describe your training experience under Hamada.
FELTON MESSINA: “In 1975, when I first practiced with Master Hamada in Santo Domingo, I noticed that all the techniques he used were based on not trying to block, but rather displacing them so they pass by one’s side as if turning your body to avoid the adversary’s attack. He explained that in these instances, practice karate as if you were an older person. Therefore, while you are young, use whatever block you choose; when one reaches an older age its better not to block, instead, avoid an attack where you risk a possible fracture, knowing that your bones are not as strong as when you are younger.
I trained various times in Japan in Master Hamada’s dojo, and his teachings are based on a simple premise: the ultimate goal of karate is to create one large united family where we each help one another. The unity that Master Hamada spoke of is the centerpiece of what he tried to instill in all of my students. That was the most important lesson he taught me.”
In Japan warming up for workout
Martialforce.com: Describe the exam given to you by Hamada.
FELTON MESSINA: “Two days before Master Hamada was about to leave the Dominican Republic and return to Japan, he said to me: “Tomorrow, I will give you a test to see what level you are. The exam will cover from the basics (kihon no kata) up to everything you have learned thus far. I will be asking you to perform everything required from yellow to black belt, first Dan and greater. The exam lasted more than three hours.
When the exam ended, he reviewed the notes he had been writing in a book then called and asked me to stand in front of the tatami (mat.) He then announced that I was promoted to black belt 3rd Dan.”
Martialforce.com: The experience of traveling to Japan to practice at Hamada’s dojo must have seemed life altering. Were there any cultural differences you experienced while training under Hamada?
FELTON MESSINA: “From the various opportunities to go and train in Japan at Master Hamada’s dojo, I gained experiences that influenced my view of the martial arts particularly in karate-do. That I can say with great certainty. For example, Hamada always encouraged me use the knowledge that he taught me to help others. It did not matter that those others may have been trained in other styles and would ask me questions. What is important is they want to learn, and by teaching, you are helping others, as you become a better person. Remember, it is better to give than to receive. By giving, we are essentially learning to be better people in the world we live in. It is good that I share with you in this moment that Master Hamada was also a monk belonging to the Shinto religion.”
Martialforce.com: You hold the highest rank in Nihon Koden Shindo-Ryu as ‘So Shihan.’ Describe what this achievement means to you.
FELTON MESSINA: “On June 21, 1999, I went to Japan accompanied with ten of my most advanced students in America, to practice with Master Hamada at his dojo. Seventeen years had passed since we last met, although we frequently corresponded in writing. I did not want to return to Japan and I had told my students that the trip was very long and grueling, but I reconsidered.
Some of my students began calling, telling me that they had never met Master Hamada and that it would be a great idea to all go together. In the end, they convinced me. We put together a group of select students from different countries, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, as well as from various states in the U.S.
We arrived in the city of Sendai in Kagoshima, Japan to visit with Master Hamada. I had prepared two of my most advanced black belts to present to Master Hamada a series of exhibitions consisting of advanced techniques. Next day, after lunch we were due to go to his dojo to practice. I asked the translator to explain to Master Hamada that I wished to present to him the way I taught the Shindo-Ryu as he had transmitted to me in America, from white belt to 5th Dan. Master’s dojo could not fit another person inside with all of his advanced students lined up to observe. In attendance were large groups of students of lower levels who came to see what their brothers had brought from America.
I was presenting the entire style without advising Master Hamada beforehand of some of the variations I had introduced to the style. These changes did not alter the original Shindo-Ryu he had taught me; instead, they gave an air of elegance and beauty to the new Shindo-Ryu we were about to demonstrate to Master and his students. Our presentation took over three hours to complete. Master Hamada only sat and watched with no one uttering not a single word.
After I ordered the end of the presentation, my ten students and I saluted Master. Through the translator, I asked Master Hamada what he thought about the variations I had made. Hamada stood up and walked to the center of the dojo and said: “I do not understand how Felton, being more than 3,000 miles away from me, having passed seventeen years without face to face contact with me, comes today and demonstrates how the Shindo-Ryu that I taught him is now more beautiful than what I created.” He said he was in total agreement with what I had done to the style and was very proud of me.
The day prior to our departure to America, during our farewells in our last class, he called and awarded me with my seventh Dan. I was also awarded the title of So Shihan to be recognized when I am outside of Japan. I had the same rank as Master Hamada. The diploma he gave me specifically and clearly stated what he said before; I hold the title of So Shihan outside of Japan. This recognition given to me by the founder of the Nihon Koden Shindo-Ryu empowers me to expand and lead Shindo-Ryu throughout the world except in Japan. This acknowledgment directly from the hands of Master Hamada to me, is one of the greatest honors I could ever have received during my forty-four years practicing the art.”
Martialforce.com: As So Shihan, you have successfully expanded the style in various countries including the U.S. What made this possible?
FELTON MESSINA: “I believe that the reason expansion of Shindo-Ryu has been successful is mostly attributable to the students who have followed and believed in me and how I teach the art. The true protagonists of this expansion into other countries have been those students that have been with me for more than thirty years. They have indeed demonstrated their support of Shindo-Ryu.”
Martialforce.com: How would you describe its future?
FELTON MESSINA: “I would describe the future as very good. My students have a strong commitment to the art and will continue to open schools throughout the world. They believe that Shindo-Ryu has all the techniques and other aspects that make it beautiful, powerful and fast.”
Martialforce.com: What do you believe are your qualities that have developed your skills and strengths as a teacher and as an individual?
FELTON MESSINA: “My strongest quality is my ability to use my love and passion and apply it when I teach. When you are passionate and love what you do, your reach is boundless. Applying it to teaching, as I explain a movement, stance, punch, etc. to my students, I do so completely, going out of my way to explain not just the how, but the all important why. I always insist that no question should ever be held back. My thought here is that since my study of karate-do is so in-depth, I am well prepared to have all the answers my students expect and deserve to hear with respect to their questions or concerns. My years of studying our art have also given me great experiences.”
Martialforce.com: Discuss the importance of your writing.
FELTON MESSINA: “In “ The Physics of Karate-Do”, my purpose was to leave a legacy not just for my students but for all who wish to follow the path of our martial art, karate-do. To that end, there are several points, which I addressed in my book. I described in several sections the common errors committed while practicing. The problem is that mistakes are not noted, and in turn, the ‘incorrectness’ is transferred from instructor to student without knowing the ‘why’ it is being done wrong. In order to standout in your art, your practice must have consistency and good direction.
Along these thoughts, I also discuss how people need to examine the paths they have chosen and knowing how they should be prepared not just physically but mentally for life situations that may present themselves, including those, which may cause potential harm.
In addition, I discuss the practice of competing, advice based on my own experiences on how to prepare prior to attending a championship and later on what strategies to use and win. As a final note, the book is comprised of my recommendations that any practitioner of karate-do can benefit from regardless of style.”
Martialforce.com: What do you believe is the greatest obstacle in teaching karate to the youth of today as compared to the students you taught thirty years ago?
FELTON MESSINA: “I honestly believe that there are no real differences between the youth taught thirty years ago and today. Why? The answer is it is not the students. The teacher has 99% of the responsibility for these students, to train them and to lead them. A well-trained student should not be afraid to lose in competition unless he did not learn according to the guidelines and rules established by his instructor.
This has been my experience with the Pan American Champions I developed. Solid training gives confidence in executing kata, or kumite so that the student has the self-assurance to win.”
Martialforce.com: Where are your schools located?
FELTON MESSINA: “In the U.S., I have schools located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition, I have schools in The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador and Cambodia.”
Martialforce.com: Are there any particular students you would like to mention?
FELTON MESSINA: “If I wish to give mention to certain students? No, I would not do so because I have so many excellent students; if I were to single out several, it would disrespect the rest of them.”
On behalf of Martialforce.com, I wish to extend our thanks to So Shihan Felton Messina for the opportunity in presenting this interview.
To So Shihan Felton Messina I wish to say, “Gracias para este gran oportunidad en presentar a nuestra comunidad de estudiantes de los artes marcial, este entrevista. Para mi, fue un gran privilegio y honor.”
Lydia Alicea
To Martialforce.com