MARTIALFORCE.COM

 

 

PRESENTS

 

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH

 

 

SENSEI RAY BORNTRAGER

 

SEPT / 2016

 

 

Approximately ten years ago I met a Martial Artist that not only practices with an open mind but lives the old tradition. By that i mean courtesy and genuine caring for others is his way of being. He trains as if his life depends on it and in the old when Karate was developed, it did. These are modern times and criminals and or people that will do you harm still exist. Sensei Borntrager maintains a strong mental posture in training and teaches his students to be prepared for the worst conditions or situations. It is an honor to do this interview and more of an honor to call him a friend. We here at Martialforce.com hope you enjoy his thoughts and journey.

 

Interviewed by Eddie Morales

 

 

Martialforce.com: What have you been doing since our last interview in November of 2007?  What’s new in your life?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: Hard charging’ and helping the community.  In my last interview with Martial Force.com, my system of Shiryudokai Karate-do had already been established in the San Jacinto and Hemet Valleys for 20 years.  However, I was opening my own Dojo for the first time.  My grand opening was not as successful as I hoped, and I struggled to stay in business for 2 years.  My Dojo had on average about 10 students with only 2 training slots:  children and adult (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).  Currently, Time 2 Shine Karate-Do is at full capacity with 70 students enrolled, offering 7 different time slots.

Time 2 Shine Karate-Do has been altered in numerous positive directions over the years, due to the demand of the community.  At first, I kept true to the strict military style of my martial arts upbringing.  Keeping to this style was not good for business, and I may have chased a few students out of the Dojo! I eventually realized, through research and self-reflection, a new style of instructor was needed.  My instructor and mentor, Hanshi Tyron Sheriff, always said, “Crack open those books!”  I realized I could eventually reach the goal of having the military-minded warrior, but I was going to need patience.  I have incorporated a gradual escalation of discipline as students climb the ranks. It has been a tremendous relief to see students accept and excel through this transition.        

Since my last interview, I realized that God had his plan for me, and let me say this has been an amazing ride.  The year 2007 was literally the start of my transformation. I knew I wanted to teach martial arts, but I did not realize the vastness of what my passion entailed.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be offering classes to toddlers (3-5 years old), young children (5-7 years old) or create a class that would cater specifically to individuals with special needs.  Surprisingly, I also took on a counselor role in helping families become strong, committed and happy.

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Where were you born and raised?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: I was born in Los Angeles County and spent most of my childhood on the streets of Whittier, California.  Certain areas of Whittier had a strong gang presence and much of the rough mentality that children absorbed worked its way into the school system. The best way I can put this is that I had no problem defending myself when the situation arose.  The martial arts, even in at its lowest and untrained form, proved itself to be a valuable skill.

I am very thankful to have grown up in Whittier since it sparked my interest in martial arts.  Every day after school I would pass by a martial arts studio and observe students practicing techniques through the window.  Just imagine a 10-year old boy walking home from school practicing techniques on the sidewalk while wearing a backpack full of books! 

 

Martialforce.com: In addition to teaching Karate, what is your current occupation?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: For 12 years I have worked as a Tribal Officer in the city of Highland, California.  I am currently assigned to the training division.  I have dedicated 5 years to training 200 armed officers and 150 unarmed security personnel in numerous subjects. In my 5 years as a training officer, I received certifications by California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) to teach arrest and control, defensive tactics, firearms, tactical communications and law enforcement active shooter response, as well as being certified to be an instructor for P.O.S.T. academy instructor. I am also certified to teach low- light firearms techniques, Taser and CPR/First Aid.  For the last 12 years, I have worked many details including foot patrol, vehicle patrol and bike patrol.  However, I truly feel my passion is in training.  There is nothing more gratifying than receiving letters of appreciation from officers who have either saved a life (CPR) or were able to survive an incident after using my training in the field.  In almost every letter, the officers were placed in highly stressful situations in which the training they received from me became applicable.    

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: We know from your last interview how you got involved in training. Can you tell our readers what keeps you going in a time when so many quit?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: My instructor, Hanshi Tyron Sheriff, said 2 statements that left an everlasting impression on my dedication as a martial artist:

“A Black Belt has an obligation to share his/her skill to help build his/her community, and if not, he/she is considered selfish and should have never achieved such a rank.”

This has helped me with my life long dedication to Shiryudokai karate, and it helped me realize that I can be of service once I achieve the proper rank.   There has been a drastic change in my community (and possibly the world) directly related to respect and the responsibility of our youth.  I find it difficult to reach these young individuals when they see themselves as equals to their parents, elders and anyone else holding a position of authority.  One of my key tools is using the mindset of, “Black Belt Obligation.” Explaining the steps of a black belt and his/her obligation to help build the community has been a vital tool for me, as well as reaching these young individuals.      

“In the past a Sensei or Master was known as the Sheriff of the town and if the village was under duress or needed defending, the people of the village would go to the Sensei/Master’s house instead of seeking law enforcement.” 

I am truly grateful to have an extremely professional and dedicated senior ranking crew that understands my position of a Black Belt.  They know what is expected of them and whole-heartedly support what the Dojo stands for. They hold great value in skill; however, I expect them to eventually become wise and impartial leaders of their community. 

I’m not sure if the above 2 statements would apply or hold value to every Black Belt out there, but these statements have made a profound effect on my martial arts lifestyle.   

 

Martialforce.com: How long have you been teaching and where is your school located?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: I started training under Hanshi Sheriff just 3 days after I turned 18 years old, and I started helping with instruction about 3 months later. On April 9, 2016, I celebrated 20 years in the martial arts and on August 1, 2016, I celebrated 20 years as an instructor.  I always say to my students, “ever since I was a child, I knew I was going to be a martial artist for the rest of my life, but I never expected to be a leader to so many people.”

I am very proud to report Time 2 Shine Karate-Do has been in business for 9 strong years with no sign of slowing. My dedicated staff; Sensei Ryan Eads, Sensei Rosalba Godina, Sensei Lindsay Borntrager, Sensei Heidi Frank and Sempi Lisa Chapman have helped me create a strong and worthy Dojo. I am considering renting the next suite over to make the Dojo larger due to each class being at full capacity.  

Dojo Location:

Time 2 Shine Karate-Do

1520 S. San Jacinto Ave.

San Jacinto, Ca. 92583

(951) 282-4650

 

 

Martialforce.com: Do you teach Kobudo as a separate art or a progression to the Karate?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: Shyryudokai Karate-Do is the accumulation of Okinawa Karate, Shotokan Karate and, of course, Okinawa Kobudo (Weapons of Okinawa).  My system incorporates Kobudo training as part of the progression of rank. By the time a student achieves black belt, he/she will have at the least 4 different weapons. The weapons of my system are:  Bo, Tonfa, Sai, Kama, Tekko (brass knuckle), nunchaku, Ecku Bo (boat oar) and Nunti Bo.

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: What weapon is your favorite?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: I would have to say Ecku Bo or any long-range weapon.  I appreciate the fact I am very proficient in my short range (empty hand) fighting, so I feel it is an advantage to also be proficient in keeping any threat at a distance.   

 

 

Martialforce.com: Does anyone in your family practice Karate?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: My entire family is involved in the Dojo. My son, age 3, is part of my toddler class which is offered to ages 3-5.  My daughter, age 6, is gifted with Autism and Cerebral Palsy and attends our Special Needs Karate Program.  And, wouldn’t you know it? My wife is the instructor of BOTH classes.  She has been blessed with the ability to stay home with two children and be the care giver for our special needs daughter. My wife graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a focus in education.  She has become a great asset to the Shiryudokai Karate Family. The students of the dojo nicknamed her Mrs. Sensei.  Since my recent promotion to Shihan, the dojo is starting to call her Mrs. Shihan. How cool!  

   

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on Karate being taught as part of the school system? Do you think it would benefit the students and, if yes or no, explain why or why not?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: This is a very difficult question to answer, and I may offend someone by my personal view. Please remember that my opinion is the product of my surroundings and not my opinion of the world.

I feel that the martial arts should be mandatorily incorporated into the education system. The training should start as early as kindergarten.  The martial arts as a whole teaches that nothing is for free and with hard work and determination the student will achieve a level of honor and respect.  A student is taught that more privileges will be earned as he or she develops though the ranks. This is a necessity in developing their social awareness.  In my 20 years teaching karate and helping families, I have witnessed this same result from every student…a positive change in the student’s personality.  The positive changes included listening without interrupting, confidence in using defensive force, being at peace with conflict, understanding and respecting difference of opinions, conflict resolution and/or becoming a contributing member in the family.

Dreams and reality are definitely a part of this question. I am not sure the education system is prepared or willing to endure the training necessary in the building of warriors in schools.          

 

Martialforce.com: There are many lessons learned in the journey of Karate practice; that being said, can you tell our readers the most important lesson(s) you learned from your teacher Hanshi Tyrone Sheriff?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: Shuhari!!!  To most of the readers, this might not make sense.  Shuhari basically means learning, becoming, and leading.  Learning is the travels of a martial artist starting his/her dedicated struggle to find their place in their discipline.  Becoming is developing one’s self as an established essence of one’s subject/system of choice.  Leading is separation from the group and become a contributing member to their peers and to anyone that recognizes the value of their knowledge and experience.

Hanshi Tyrone Sheriff made it very easy for children to understand, “see it, understand it, teach it.”  Understanding Shuhari has basically taught me that I will never be done in my martial arts career and I must continuously search for the next level of education.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: What can a student expect to learn at your Dojo?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: Shiryudokai’s founder Hanshi Tyrone Sheriff has an extensive 24-year military background.  I have a 12-year law enforcement background, so this system has a strong focus on discipline and service.   Students enrolled in the Shiryudokai system will learn the values of tradition, honor, respect, integrity and responsibility through warrior development. 

Being a traditional Japanese karate, Okinawa karate and Okinawa Kobudo system, we have more than enough material to keep each class fresh with new skills.  In addition to the traditional aspects, my law enforcement background and instructor certifications have enabled me to offer ground fighting, restraint techniques, concepts on defense laws and weapon retention and defense.  

At my location, the goal of Time 2 Shine Karate is to provide exceptional instruction focusing on individual development.  In the last 20 years, I realized each individual student has different areas that need more attention.  My instructors and I hold ourselves obligated to help develop and strengthen these areas.     

 

Martialforce.com: What is your vision or hope for the future of Karate?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: I pray the world can still remember Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech… 

“I have a dream that Karate and fellow Dojos will be recognized for their value and not seen as a system that teaches violence.”  The world has become a more threatening place to live and Dojos should initially focus on preparing their warriors in Mind, Body and Spirit to survive.  “Technique is key”; however, knowing when to run or to engage needs to be established much earlier in the curriculum from now on. This is the dawn of our current and more dangerous world.  

“I have a dream the community will encourage and support Martial Arts Dojos in bringing the intensity from the world into training.”  A few days ago, I was closing my novice class (yellow & blue belts) to students ranging from ages 7-11.  I asked the CHILDREN, “What is the name of someone who straps a bomb to their body and blows themselves up?” To the parents’ amazement, every CHILD shouted out, “Suicide Bomber.” Although I was not surprised at the students’ knowledge, I was truly alarmed that the parents underestimated their children’s awareness.  This type of conversation would be frowned upon by community officials and they would stop me in my tracks due to this being a sensitive subject.  This is the support I dream to have.

 

 

Martialforce.com: Sensei Borntrager, it was great having you on this second interview and we here at Martialforce.com which you the best in any of your future endeavors. Do you have any closing words?

 

RAY BORNTRAGER: In closing, I thank you for reading my interview and I hope this reaches you in good health.  As a Sensei, I challenge you to seek higher knowledge and be attentive to the world that your students face every day.