Many martial artists attribute Bruce Lee as a source of inspiration for getting into Martial Arts. Recently I had the privilege of talking to Michael Robishaw, who saw the Legend perform at a tournament, and was privilege enough to talk to him. He then moved on to take lessons from a close friend of Bruce Lee’s, and the Father of Taekwondo in America, Jhoon Rhee.
Here are some of the highlights of a man who has lived through so much of the history many of us have only read about.
David Ianetta: You’ve seen a lot in your years of practicing, what would you say are the main differences you see in classes then versus now?
Michael Robishaw: The main difference is the over all length and amount of exercise we do, classes would have around 20 to 30 mins of calisthenics and then stretching for 10 to 15 mins then either form training and or basic kicking and blocking and punching, now all this is compressed to around 45 mins to an hr at the most.
David Ianetta: What are the improvements you would say are worth noting??
Michael Robishaw: Some of the new training style is better, like new types of stretching (hyperbolic etc..) Forms are more defined and more attention to over all power behind all aspects of the art. Sparring equipment is safer and sparring rules are in place for the athletes safety and overall health.
David: Many people feel we have lost so much over the years, would you agree?
Michael: I really don’t think we have lost anything, if we look at how all the styles have evolved from a common self defense and need to protect your village and or loved ones, It now is known to make people more emotionally stable, help with depression and anxiety, it also opens the mind to more possibilities of achieving one’s goals in life and making you physically fit, so if anything martial arts have and will make your life better.
David: Seems like some schools don’t have a limit on how many students show up for class, what is the Ideal class size?
Michael: Well this is a question, everyone will have a different answer, I think around 12 or less is the optimum size, This amount will give the master and Instructors more possibilities of one on one training. This will allow more improvement in students over all knowledge and confidence, also perfecting their forms and kicks, blocks and punches.
David: So then you’d see more value in things like private lessons?
Michael: Private lessons for some are easier for the student to learn at their own pace and are not put under pressure to be as good or as fast as others, elite training for the student that excels at a different pace then others may be needed, most masters will offer this to students that seem to be just a bit more serious about their training or goals.
David: Here is a loaded questions, what is a Martial Artist, are there levels that qualify? How much has Martial arts life should be embraced to be considered a true martial artist versus a dabbler?
Michael: To me martial arts is a way of life and defines one’s skill to creatively practice and develop the way of combat and can perfect skills that express and face conflict and adversity to prevent or stop physical confrontation. If you have any of these aspects in your way of thinking, you are a martial artist, levels can be quantified by how serious you are about your training and overall mental and physical health. Belts and status are all good but truly don’t express one’s level of skills or experience. Anybody just doing it for status or attention is not a martial artist and truly does not understand the undertaking of responsibility of a true martial artist.
David: Can someone attend two classes a week and really be proficient? What’s the minimum amount of practice time?
Michael: I think if a student is serious about their training two classes a week can be sufficient, but only if they also train on their own also a few days a week, stretching and basic form practice can help excel your skills, Our Grandmaster tells us to do three kicks each day, twice a day everyday to stay focused and limber. I think each individual knows their limits and their downfalls, there is no time limit either way, everyone trains differently.
David: Some have said that there is often too much being taught with the idea that students need variety or they will get bored. What are your thoughts on quality versus quantity?
Michael: Some of the answers are also part of the previous question, I will always believe quality is much more important than quantity. That brings me to a Bruce Lee quote, (you knew this was coming eventually…LOL)”I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
In addition to still practicing his martial arts skills, Michael Robishaw also coaches his Granddaughter whom he is very proud of. The knowledge is passed on to the next generation.
- Martial Arts Through The Years: An interview With Michael Robishaw - January 12, 2023
- The Life of an Adult Martial Artist: Is It Worth the Sacrifice? - June 18, 2022
- Motivation and Age: Do You Have Something “Still in the Basement”? - June 11, 2022
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