MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH
MASASHI IKEDA SENSEI
AUGUST / 2003
Interview by Shihan Eddie Morales
MartialForce.Com
Online Martial Arts Magazine
It was Saturday, August 23, 2003 approximately 10am, as I arrived at the Pasadena International Karate Association Dojo. I came with the intention of interviewing a visiting martial artist from Japan named Masashi Ikeda Sensei. As I entered through the front door, Black Belt Jim Sanchez, of the Gosoku Ryu system greeted me. He offered to introduce me to Ikeda Sensei. We walked to the back of the dojo where Ikeda Sensei was stretching and appeared to have been working out. After we were formally introduced, I explained the purpose of our meeting was to interview him for an online magazine (MAINFORCE.COM). Tom Serrano Shihan had advised him of the interview before my arrival to which Ikeda Sensei agreed.
After going through a series of questions for the interview, I asked if he could demonstrate kata and techniques of his karate system, Gensei Ryu. Mr. Ikeda agreed, walked over to the clear area on the dojo floor, and began his demonstration.
As I watched him begin, I could not help thinking how humble his demeanor was and I was curious to see how his demonstration would turn out. He said his first kata would be San Sai, which means three abilities. I watched as he went through this kata with very sharp technique, focus and power. It became obvious that I was watching a true champion working at his craft.
Mr. Ikeda then offered to demonstrate other kata of Gensei Ryu.I was very impressed with his overall demonstration and felt it presented itself as a great example of strong karate gained through hard-core practice and discipline. Reflecting upon Mr.Ikeda's performance and humble attitude made me realize also that his instructor, Master Kunihiko Tosa, must be one of Japan’s foremost instructors, and needless to say, quite proud of him as well.
The interview was truly refreshing as it presented Ikeda Sensei advanced abilities, complemented by his attributes of humbleness and tradition. This young man is a true Karateka in every sense of the word.
Masashi Ikeda Sensei is currently a member of the Nerima Team in Tokyo Japan. The team consist of ten members and are rated # 2 out of sixty teams. Ikeda sensei also placed 3rd in the all Japan karate championship with over 100 competitors in his division.
Gensei Ryu Karate
1) M.Force-What style of karate do you practice?
Mr.Ikeda-The style I practice is Gen Sei Ryu .Gen means original Sei means self
defense or control Ryu is home or style. It is a combination of shotokan and shitoryu
styles.
2) M.Force-Who is your instructor?
Mr.Ikeda-My instructors name is Master Kunihiko Tosa.
3) M.Force-What part of Japan are you from?
Mr.Ikeda-Tokyo Japan and I compete in Tokyo Nerima tournament team.
4) M.Force-Do you compete allot?
Mr.Ikeda-Yes, until last year I competed in kata and fighting, I like the fighting.
5) M.Force- How many years have you practiced karate?
Mr.Ikeda-twenty one years, I started at the age of ten practicing different styles like
shotokan then at the age of sixteen I began training in Gen Sei Ryu with Master
Kunihiko Tosa .
6) M.Force-Which do you enjoy more kata or fighting?
Mr.Ikeda-Now I enjoy fighting more but I still practice my Kata.
7) M.Force-What are you doing out here in the United States ,California at this time?
Mr.Ikeda-I am here as a student studying English for my job.
8) M.Force-What is your job?
Mr.Ikeda-I'm an internet writer, internet TV and radio etc..
9) M.Force-Where are you training in California?
Mr.Ikeda-At the international Karate Association Dojo in Pasadena .I have seen allot of
tae kwon do and hapkido schools in this area but I wanted to practice my Karate while I
am here in the United States so I chose this school I.K.A.with Shihan Tom Serrano and I
enjoy practicing.
10) M.Force-What do you think of Karate here in America?
Mr.Ikeda-I have always been interested in American karate before I came here to
United States because Japanese karate is a little bit different so I wanted to see
American karate to understand the differences. I have noticed that American karate has
allot of Goshin Jitsu or jitsu application while Japanese has less but both are very good
training.
M.Force-The interview was very short because Ikeda Sensei was pressed for time
but we thank him for accepting to speak with us.
Click On Pictures to enlarge
Masashi Ikeda Sensei can be reached at the Pasadena International Karate Dojo
while he is here in the United States.
