[KF25] Member Interview: Revario

[Patrick]

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community.

Member Profile

@Revario (View Profile)

Joined: February 26, 2023

Posts: 43

Interview

Where are you from?

I was born in Haiti. Moved to Gatineau, Quebec, Canada before I could walk.

Why did you get started in the martial arts?

I started at a very young age. To be quite honest, probably to be a Ninja Turtle. I was 4.

Why have you continued to practice them?

At first, because it gave me what it promised: I became a Ninja Turtle. I did take a break in my teens and came back to a different art than Karate because I wanted to try something new. I didn't like it. Then took another quick break. I was introduced to another art in my early 20s, and I went because of my lifelong interest in martial arts in general. I simply liked what I saw, and its methodology but mostly the teacher. After deep analysis, I came back to Karate in a new and different way. My time away helped me truly understand it. 

Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken.

As implied before, I did a few. First was Chito Kan Karate. The teen period was a Kung Fu of what I can only assume now was knowledge of mixed origin, not one specific style. Early 20s, I discovered Krav Maga and came back to Karate but Chito Ryu. 

What is your grade or level?

Not high. Official grade is 2nd kyu. I don't train for belts, however, and my sensei knows this. Hence, I get to learn kata from up to 3rd dan. Only and specifically the ones I have interest in. Again, I don't train for belts and promotion but for skills and understanding of movements for purpose of self-defense.

Something @sensei8 said has stuck with me: The proof is on the floor. I understood that one's knowledge, understanding, and application is much more important then level or rank. 

I do sound bitter when it comes to this topic, as I learn in unorthodox ways and have lots of issues with ranking systems. 

Do you teach?

I try to teach. Specifically offering free lessons and seminars to interested people in my area and to dojo in my community. So far, the interest has been quite limited as I am not good at promoting.

What are your first memories from training?

I started very young, I was 4 years old, so my first memory is learning the rolls on a gym mat. Not spectacular or anything great, just a very far and muddled memory.

What has been the highlight of your training?

I would have to say that is the moment when it all clicked and made sense as one. When I was able to see, visualise, and understand that kihon, kata, and kumite are truly one. From there, my approach to Karate took a very sharp turn and remained on that path. 

What do you do when you're not training?

Stimulate my mind via movies, readings, and video games. 

What do you do for a living?

I work in Customer Service. It pays the bill.

Who are or were your martial arts heroes?

The few that stand out are the ones that I follow the teachings of. In no specific order: Tsuyoshi Chitose, Motobu Choki, Mas Oyama, Yamaguchi Gogen, and, of course, my sensei.

What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows?

The Raid series. Gangs of London. I will answer this by saying action directed by Gareth Edwards. He knows how to make an art shine as well as the artist and brings great brutality to his action. I am quite confident anyone who has seen any of his work can confirm, he changed martial art action cinema and what can come out of it. (I think we all secretly would have wanted a Mortal Kombat done in the same fashion as his Raid movies).

Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years?

I am quite uncertain to be honest. I would ultimately like to have either an established school or be a travelling teacher giving practical seminars in dojos around America.

Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join?

Yes, via a simple Google search with those exact words, Karate forum, and it worked. I joined because it was exactly what I was looking for; a community of people into martial arts. People that were not keyboard warriors but true martial artists who had real insight to give with no ego or pretentions. I think people here speak from experience and have nothing to prove to anyone. Such intelligent communities seem to be rare in the midst of all social media.

Why did you stay?

Despite not having constant updates, pictures, videos and comments like other social media platforms, there is highly educated content and intelligent conversations. 

How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training?

Inspired by peoples comment and methodologies. 

Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you?

@Wastelander. Because when I initially had that spark and idea in regards to practical Karate, he is the first person I found online who was doing it seriously. In all honesty, at the time, I didn't know he was involved here or that his handle was Wastelander but his logo was unmistakable. So not necessarily via here or this site but on other media, he has been an inspiration and beacon when it comes to practical Karate. (There may be others who have also inspired me elsewhere that I simply don't recognize their name/handle here).

Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey?

In one of my most recent interactions, I figured and understood I may not be as alone as I once thought I was on the path I have chosen. It is good to know and understand that (a.) I'm not that special, lol, and (b.) Others have dealt with similar situations, continued, strived and succeeded in their martial arts path. That there is no reason to give in or give up and as hard as it can be to take a route that is not often taken, it is absolutely rewarding and worth it. That is something that has, does, and will continue to affect me forever.

Knowing that this place exists, in and of itself, has had a positive impact on my training, not just one piece of advice.

Edited 15 hours ago by Patrick

[Patrick]

Thank you for being a part of our community and for sharing with us, @Revario. It's great to get to know you better through this interview.

[sensei8]

I've always enjoyed your contributions here at KF, @Revario. You're right, rank's not important and I respect your attitude towards rank. I too love the Ninja Turtles. Thank you for the interview.