#056 Claudio Zanoni (Iaido) - Italy

Introduction to the Podcast

Overview of the Episode

• This episode is introduced by the host, welcoming listeners to the "Tukshkai Inside Look" podcast.

• The podcast is supported by patrons on Patreon, who contribute varying amounts monthly.

• Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast and can find additional content at patreon.com/tokushkai.

Claudio Zanoni's Background

Personal Introduction

• Claudio Zanoni introduces himself as a 57-year-old logistic manager from Turin, Italy, with over 20 years of experience in Iaido.

• He mentions starting Iaido about 15 years ago but took a break to focus on his studies. Now he aims to improve his skills further.

Early Sports Involvement

• Claudio shares that he was active in various sports during his youth, including football, rugby, and volleyball. However, he had no prior experience with martial arts until recently.

• His initial interest in martial arts sparked when he accompanied his daughter to judo classes and later transitioned into Iaido after being introduced by a friend practicing Aikido.

Transitioning to Iaido

Discovering Iaido

• After watching an Iaido lesson at a local dojo near his home in Turin, Claudio felt intrigued and decided to try it out for himself. He quickly became dedicated to practicing regularly.

Differences Between Sports

• When asked about the differences between team sports like football and individual practice in Iaido, Claudio reflects on how competition played a significant role in his earlier sports experiences compared to the introspective nature of Iaido practice.

Competition vs Individual Practice

Competitive Spirit

• Claudio describes himself as competitive during his time playing team sports; however, he notes that Iaido offers a different kind of challenge focused more on personal growth than competition against others.

Evolution of Perspective

• Over time, Claudio's perspective shifted significantly regarding what constitutes sport; he began appreciating the internal journey offered by Iaido rather than just external competition found in team sports.

Engagement with Competition

Initial Competitions in Iaido

• Despite not having many competitions available initially (around 1999), Claudio expresses excitement about participating when opportunities arose within Italy and abroad for Iaido practitioners.

Journey Towards Competition

• He recounts traveling from Turin to Brighton for competitions despite limited organization or structure within the community at that time; this illustrates both dedication and passion for advancing within the art form of Iaido.

First Experience in England

Initial Impressions and Language Barrier

• The speaker recalls their first experience meeting students like Jacobson and Louis Vuitton in England, highlighting the cultural exchange.

• They faced significant language barriers during a seminar, struggling to understand due to their low English proficiency at the time.

Competition Experience

• After attending the seminar, they participated in a competition but lost both matches within six minutes, which was a pivotal moment for them.

• The speaker reflects on the small community of Yaido practitioners in Italy, noting limited interaction among members.

Realization About Martial Arts

• They recognized that Yaido is not just an individual martial art but requires community engagement and shared experiences for growth.

Building Connections Through Competitions

European Championships Participation

• The speaker has participated in 20 European championships over the years, forming friendships despite language barriers.

• Socializing with fellow competitors became easier after sharing drinks, fostering connections beyond competition results.

Shift in Perspective on Winning

• Initially motivated by competition outcomes, they later realized that personal growth and learning were more important than winning.

Motivation Behind Traveling to Brighton

Family Involvement and Competitive Spirit

• The decision to drive 2000 kilometers to Brighton was driven by their competitive nature and encouragement from their teacher about their potential success.

Changing Goals Post-Competition

• After competing, the speaker's focus shifted from wanting to win to valuing learning experiences gained through practice and competitions.

Transformation Through Practice

Long-term Growth Mindset

• Over time, participation in competitions led them to prioritize effort and improvement rather than solely focusing on winning.

• This change marked a significant evolution in their approach towards martial arts training and competitions.

The Influence of Andy Watson on Personal Growth

Early Influences and Aspirations

• The speaker reflects on their long-standing friendship with Andy Watson, who was initially perceived as an enemy but later became a significant influence in their life.

• Andy is described as one of the best practitioners ("yayoka") in Europe, serving as a role model for the speaker's aspirations in martial arts.

• The first encounter with Andy at a competition in Brighton left a lasting impression, motivating the speaker to elevate their skills to match his level.

• The importance of mentorship and influential figures is emphasized; specific individuals can catalyze personal transformation.

Memorable Experiences at Competitions

• A notable event from 2004 during the European Championship in Bologna is recounted, highlighting social interactions among competitors and referees.

• An awkward yet memorable moment occurred when the speaker attempted to communicate with Ishido Sensei through a translator, expressing a desire to become his direct student.

• Despite feeling foolish for asking such a direct question, Ishido Sensei responded kindly and offered guidance on following other students instead.

Training Opportunities in Japan

• The relationship with Ishido Sensei continued positively over time, allowing for ongoing learning opportunities despite not being an official student.

• Regular visits to Japan are highlighted as crucial experiences that deepen understanding of martial arts practice and philosophy.

Insights Gained from Training

• Each visit to Japan brings excitement and realization about the vast knowledge still to be learned within martial arts training environments (dojos).

• The experience reinforces the idea that one lifetime is insufficient for mastering all aspects of martial arts; continuous learning is essential.

Balancing Practice and Exploration

• The speaker discusses balancing training sessions with sightseeing during trips to Japan, indicating that while practice takes precedence, cultural exploration also holds value.

• Specific locations visited include Kawasaki before heading to Kyoto for competitions; this highlights how travel complements training experiences.

Experiences and Lessons in Martial Arts

Reflections on Exam Failures

• The speaker shares a personal experience of failing the Roku exam in 2012, highlighting the emotional impact of this failure during a trip to Japan with their sensei.

• Despite disappointment, the speaker describes the three days spent training as wonderful, emphasizing the kindness and support from their sensei.

• The overall trip was enjoyable, with most time dedicated to practice at the dojo, illustrating a commitment to martial arts beyond just exams.

Advice for Young Practitioners

• When discussing advice for younger practitioners who face failure, the speaker stresses the importance of mindset in martial arts—practicing for self-improvement rather than solely for results.

• Key questions to consider after failing an exam include whether one has practiced enough and if external factors affected performance. This reflection is crucial for growth.

Importance of Enjoyment in Practice

• The speaker recalls advice from Shiloh regarding achievable ranks; while many can reach certain levels through dedication, enjoyment should be prioritized over mere achievement.

• Emphasizing that practice should be enjoyable rather than result-driven helps maintain motivation and passion within martial arts.

Addressing Pressure and Expectations

• A student’s repeated failures led them to quit due to pressure; however, it was noted that losing interest in practice was a significant factor contributing to this decision.

• The speaker reflects on their responsibility as a dojo leader to help students understand that enjoyment in practice is more important than grades or competition outcomes.

Managing Performance Anxiety

• The speaker discusses feelings of excitement and pressure during performances (shiai), noting that these emotions are common regardless of rank or experience level.

• They highlight how managing anxiety is essential across all levels—from beginners facing their first exams to advanced practitioners under pressure during competitions.

Understanding Pressure and Growth in Martial Arts

The Nature of Exam Pressure

• The speaker discusses the constant pressure associated with exams, emphasizing the need to manage this stress to achieve personal goals.

• Reflecting on a personal experience of failing an exam, the speaker shares insights gained from that moment, particularly about handling disappointment.

Supportive Environment After Failure

• A mentor provided encouragement after the failure, highlighting the importance of supportive figures in overcoming setbacks.

• The speaker describes a day spent training with a sensei as a significant gift that helped shift focus away from failure.

Learning from Mistakes

• The speaker expresses regret over their performance but is reassured by peers who emphasize that mistakes are part of growth.

• Advice received post-exam stresses resilience: trying again and focusing on improvement rather than dwelling on failure.

Continuous Improvement Through Community

• Emphasizing ongoing practice and deeper engagement in martial arts as essential for personal development and teaching others effectively.

• Discussion shifts to the value of having mentors at different levels (senior, peer, junior), which aids in continuous learning.

Influences from Peers and Competitors

• The speaker acknowledges younger competitors who inspire them to improve through healthy competition at European championships.

• Notable competitors are mentioned as sources of motivation; observing their skills pushes one to elevate their own abilities.

Building Relationships for Growth

• Importance is placed on surrounding oneself with skilled individuals who challenge you to grow within your discipline.

• Specific names are mentioned (e.g., Andy Watson), illustrating how relationships within the martial arts community foster improvement despite external challenges like pandemic restrictions.

Practicing with Japanese Masters

Insights on Training and Mentorship

• The speaker discusses practicing with Japanese individuals, highlighting a notable practitioner from Kanazawa named Takeda, who is a student of a respected sensei.

• Mention of an impressive American-Japanese practitioner who organizes the Kyoto Taikai; he recently achieved the rank of 7th Dan, showcasing his exceptional skills.

• The speaker expresses admiration for this practitioner's abilities observed during annual events in Kyoto.

Role of Senpai and Personal Growth

• The concept of "senpai" is introduced, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in martial arts. The speaker reflects on their long-term relationship with their teacher, Renaissance, spanning 16 to 18 years.

• A close friendship has developed alongside the teacher-student dynamic, indicating that personal connections enhance learning experiences.

Teaching and Organizational Responsibilities

• The speaker describes their role as a leader at Kiriyoku Dojo alongside Daniel Borla and mentions being appointed as the Italian Technical Director for Iaido by the Italian Kendo Confederation.

• They discuss challenges faced due to COVID-19, including losing students and adapting teaching methods through online platforms like Zoom to maintain engagement.

Community Building During Challenges

• Efforts are made to organize webinars aimed at instructors to share knowledge about Iaido practices during lockdown periods.

• The speaker emphasizes collaboration among different sectors within Iaido (development, competition, refereeing), aiming to unify efforts despite challenging circumstances.

Philosophy on Practice and Community

• A reflection on how Iaido practice fosters community rather than isolation; it’s important for practitioners to feel part of a family-like group.

• Encouragement for students to leave personal problems outside the dojo and focus on enjoying practice as part of a supportive environment.

Getting to Know the Guest

Personal Preferences and Background

• The guest identifies as a dog person, owning two Akita dogs, which reflects their affinity for Japanese culture through martial arts.

• The female Akita exhibits protective traits similar to the guest's personality, indicating a connection between their characteristics and those of their pets.

• The guest describes themselves as somewhat reserved but capable of leadership and protection when necessary, drawing parallels between their nature and that of their dogs.

Social Media Insights

• On social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook, the guest shares content primarily focused on dogs and serene landscapes, emphasizing relaxation through nature.

• They highlight the importance of enjoying life through simple pleasures such as beautiful scenery alongside their love for dogs.

Comfort Food Discussion

• As an Italian, the guest considers pasta to be comfort food but expresses a particular fondness for takoyaki, stating it brings them immense happiness.

• They clarify that they prefer takoyaki on its own rather than combined with other dishes like pasta or pizza.

Closing Thoughts

• In concluding remarks, the guest emphasizes the significance of community within martial arts practice and encourages mutual support among practitioners.

• They express gratitude towards everyone who has helped them throughout their journey in martial arts and stress the importance of staying connected during challenging times.

Final Remarks

• The host appreciates the conversation and hopes for future interactions with the guest to continue exploring traditional Japanese martial arts.

• Acknowledgment is given to patrons supporting the podcast via Patreon, encouraging listeners to connect on social media platforms for more content.