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Name:
Jim Raistrick (Actually James but I prefer Jim)

Rank:
Ni Dan (2nd Dan)

Style(s):
Judo, Jiu-jitsu, Pankration & Ido (Blend of Judo, Tai Chi and Kung Fu)

Main Style?
Hard one - depends on the situation, but probably Jiu-jitsu

Why is this your main style?
Because it has so many aspects and encompasses so much, also because I enjoy it.

How long have you been training in the Arts?
Since August of 1982.

Any advice for people starting up in the Arts?
Have a good hard look at why you want to train and what you intend to get out of it, then ensure that the style you choose enables you to attain those goals. Also you need to make sure that you continually progress and grow in the style you choose, in other words - don't stagnate.

Greatest personal achievement in the Arts to date?
Attaining both my first grading (in 1983) and my first Black Belt grade (in 1990). Oops, that's two!

Reason for continuing to train?
Simple, it gets in the blood and it's hard to quit. Seriously though, I have yet to become bored with it and find that I learn something new (or remember something that I'd forgotten) each week. You need to challenge yourself. I hate it when you get to a point where you're just going through the motions, which I've not had with MA's, but I have had with other aspects of my life.

What else would you like to do and why?
I suppose you mean what other Arts would I like to do. I like 'soft' styles but in going in direct contradiction to that I'd have to say Western Boxing, I like cowboy hats.

Is your style a 'complete' style? If so, why?
I'd like to say yes, but I know it's not. For example, I don't think I'd be able to train a person for competition. With regards to self defence, we have a very extensive system but in the end it comes down to the individual using the techniques in a specific circumstance to see that what we've taught will work for them.

Have you competed? If so, in what (Kata/Kumite)
Yes, about fifteen years ago was the last time in an actual Judo competition. I haven't again because I saw it as being detrimental to my training.

Who do you most admire in the Arts and why?
Interesting question. I have no heroes and if you'd have asked who do I look up to I would've said no one, but I would have to say the people I most specifically admire in the Arts would have to be my students. The reasons have to do with the way that they push themselves and ask well thought out questions. I hate sycophants and go out of my way to drive anyone who displays this type of behaviour out of my class (and out of our Society where the opportunity arises).

Do you think it's appropriate for Kyu grades to help teach? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, it's not only appropriate - it's vital. If a person goes through their whole training and attains a Black Belt without having the opportunity to actively teach others, you have an uncompleted Black Belt. I could see that if you were training students for combat only where they were not required to teach others at some later date then this would not be as crucial, but where you are teaching with the idea that they will open other Dojo's then it is imperative.

Further information:
I have a (brief) biography on our website at www.australiangoshinjutsu.com or www.agjs.com for those who are interested, or you could just ask me over a drink!

We welcome others to our Dojo's at any time, just be prepared to jump on the mat because I have a pet hate against spectators. You won't be ridiculed or hurt (as long as you don't disrespect those on the mat) and who knows you may learn something or better yet teach us something.

 

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