(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Martial arts require discipline, dedication and perseverance to
master the techniques. Practitioners must develop a strong
mind-body connection to perform techniques with precision and
control.
Ramin Mammadzade is a highly skilled Japanese Martial Arts
Self-defense Instructor, who holds the prestigious ranks of 3rd Dan
in Aikido and 2nd Dan in Kyokushin Karate.
The martial artist practices Kendo, Judo, Iaido and Kobudo,
demonstrating a diverse range of martial arts disciplines.
As the head of the media and International Relations at
Azerbaijan Eurasia Aikido and Budo Center, an official
representative of the Eurasia Aikido Organization in Azerbaijan,
Ramin Mammadzade contributes to the promotion and expanding the
reach of this centuries-old martial arts practices.
Note that the Eurasia Aikido Organization has established its
branches in 25 countries across four continents.
Ramin Mammadzade also leads Kampan Kyokushin Karate Club,
further showcasing his dedication to enhancing and promoting the
martial arts.
In his interview with Azernews , Ramin Mammadzade shares his
journey through martial arts excellence.
Q: You have been practicing Kyokushin Karate and Aikido
for many years. How did your journey into practicing Kyokushin
Karate and Aikido begin?
A: I had interest in martial arts from my
childhood and trained in different martial arts like box/shotokan
karate/Jiu-Jitsu/kickboxing but it all was short. Watching movies
with Steven Seagal inspired me to come to Aikido. He made Aikido
popular all over the world with his movies and nowadays many people
associate Aikido with Steven Seagal. It was my dream to meet him,
and finally my dream came true. We met with him during his first
visit to Azerbaijan in 2015 when Steven was invited to Azerbaijan
by President Ilham Aliyev in order to develop budo martial arts in
the country. Since that time we became good friends and till now we
are always in touch, when he visits Azerbaijan we meet. I am also
going to Russia to participate in his Aikido Seminars etc.
I started Aikido in 2007 and continue practicing it till now. My
Aikido Teacher(Sensei) from my first day in Aikido is Nazim Aliyev
(6 dan in Aikido/Judo Master Sport and he is also President of
Azerbaijan-Eurasia Aikido And Budo Center). Martial arts became my
hobby and lifestyle. For now a lot of trainees in Aikido and also
in Kyokushin Karate, which is my second Martial art which I started
in 2014 and practice till now. Why I came to Kyokushin Karate -
once I got my black belt in Aikido in 2014 I decided to learn one
more Japanese Martial art and my choice was Kyokushin as it is
Fullcontact Karate and became physically stronger while training in
Kyokushin and learned a lot especially how to punch properly with
hands and legs.
And as I mentioned above I did not stop on it and continue
working on myself and develop practicing Kendo from 2018/JUDO from
2022/IAIDO and Kobudo from 2022.
Q: What physical and psychological skills do you believe
are essential for success in combat?
A: In order to become a winner in any fight -
first of all you have to avoid this fight/conflict as the best
fight is the fight which did not happen meaning you have to solve
the conflict with words and not with your fists and using your
physical power and in this case you will be the real winner as the
main victory is victory over yourself as per OSENSEI Morihei
Ueshiba - creator of Aikido. Victory over yourself means you have
to win against your main enemy and your main enemy is yourself,
your ego/laziness/fear. For example you come home tired after work
or school or anywhere and you need to go to your sport but you are
tired and you want to lie on your lovely sofa and watch your
favorite movie - here you need to overcome yourself, stand up and
go to your sport - this is the real victory over yourself. You can
use your martial arts skills only in extreme situations where there
is no other solution and you have to protect your family. Three
skills that are important during the fight are
self-control/calmness/self-confidence.
Q: What principles and values do you aim to instill in
your students through your teaching methods?
A: There are six key principles and values that
I try to convey through your teaching: respect and discipline,
mental toughness, humility and continuous learning, safety and
control, ethics and integrity as well as awareness and
adaptability. Some training methods include repetition and drills,
partner work, visualization, feedback, progressive training. By
focusing on these skills and principles, trainees can develop a
well-rounded foundation in martial arts that goes beyond physical
abilities to include mental and ethical growth.
Q: How popular are Aikido and Kyokushinkai Karate in
Azerbaijan?
A: Aikido and Kyokushin Karate in Azerbaijan
have their fans and a certain popularity. Aikido has been
developing in Azerbaijan since 1990. There are many clubs. and
organizations that conduct aikido training. Seminars and
certifications are held by highly qualified masters, both local and
international. Kyokushinkai Karate also has its audience in
Azerbaijan and has been developing since 1993. The Kyokushinkai
Federation has been functioning since 1999. The Azerbaijani
karatekas in the direction of Kyokushin Karate perform very
successfully in competitions; we have a world champion and repeated
champions of Europe and Azerbaijan. Both disciplines offer good
opportunities for physical and spiritual development, and also
instill discipline, respect and self-control in students.
Q: Which age groups are most prevalent among your
students?
A: I have Aikido and Kyokushin Karate groups
for different ages - from 5-8 years old kids group/9 + children
group/14+children group and adults group. Also I have a women
aikido group and want to note that Aikido can be particularly
beneficial for women for several reasons:
Self-Defense: Aikido focuses on using
an opponent's energy and movements against them, making it
effective for self-defense without requiring significant
strength.
Physical Fitness: Practicing aikido
improves overall physical fitness, including flexibility,
coordination, and balance, which are essential for health and
well-being.
Confidence and Empowerment: The skills and techniques learned in
aikido can boost confidence and a sense of empowerment, helping
women feel more secure in various situations.
Stress Relief: The physical activity
and mental focus required in aikido can be an excellent way to
relieve stress and improve mental clarity.
Non-Competitive Environment: Aikido
emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect rather than competition,
which can create a supportive and inclusive training
atmosphere.
Mental Discipline: Aikido promotes calmness, focus, and
self-control, contributing to personal growth and emotional
resilience.
Q: What do you consider your primary role as a coach to
be?
A: The main mission of a martial arts
instructor is to guide and support students in their martial arts
journey, focusing on several key objectives.
Skill Development: Teach students the
techniques, forms, and principles of the martial art, ensuring they
develop proficiency and understanding.
Personal Growth: Foster qualities such
as discipline, respect, confidence, and perseverance, which are
integral to martial arts training.
Physical Fitness: Promote overall
physical health through exercises that improve strength,
flexibility, coordination, and endurance. Self-Defense: Equip
students with practical self-defense skills and strategies to
protect themselves effectively in real-life situations.
Safety and Well-being: Ensure a safe
and supportive training environment, emphasizing proper techniques
to prevent injuries.
Cultural and Philosophical
Understanding: Instill an appreciation for the
cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects of the martial art,
helping students gain a deeper, holistic understanding.
Community Building: Create a sense of
community and camaraderie among students, fostering an environment
of mutual respect and support.
Q: What message would you like to convey to people who
want to practice martial arts?
A: I think determination
is the number one asset to which we should adhere. Starting a
new path always requires persistence and determination. Setting
clear goals will help you move forward.
Besides, learning the intricacies of each art and becoming a
professional requires patience and
discipline . Also, developing martial arts
skills takes time and constant training. Be prepared that progress
may be slow.
To imbibe art in your soul, you need to be open to
learning . Every session is an opportunity to learn
something new. Be willing to learn from your instructors and fellow
trainees.
But sport does not always mean physical strength.
Physical and mental
endurance also play a leading role here. Martial arts
training develops not only the body, but also the spirit. Prepare
to become stronger in every aspect.
Embodying true human characters, as in every field -
respect. Martial art teaches you to
respect yourself and others. Respect your coaches, partners, and
the traditions of the art you practice.
Finally, I can say that no matter what kind of art you do,
enjoying the process is always one of the
important factors. Find joy in training and enjoy the learning
process. Your enthusiasm will help you overcome any
difficulties.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews' staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr
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