Mastering martial arts requires discipline, dedication and perseverance. You must develop a strong mind-body connection to execute the techniques with precision and control.
Ramin Mamazadeh is a highly accomplished Japanese martial arts self-defense instructor, holding the prestigious titles of Third Dan in Aikido and Second Dan in Kyokushin Karate.
Martial artists will practice Kendo, Judo, Iaido and Kobudo and demonstrate a variety of martial arts disciplines.
Ramin Mamadzade, head of media and international relations at the Azerbaijan Eurasian Aikido and Martial Arts Center and official representative of the Eurasian Aikido Organization in Azerbaijan, is instrumental in popularizing and promoting this centuries-old martial art.
The Eurasian Aikido Association has established branches in 25 countries on 4 continents.
Ramin Mamadzadeh also serves as the leader of the Kampang Kyokushin Karate Club, further contributing to the advancement and promotion of martial arts.
In the interview Azer NewsRamin Mamazadeh shares his journey to martial arts excellence.
Q: You have been practicing Kyokushin Karate and Aikido for many years. What inspired you to start practicing Kyokushin Karate and Aikido?
answer: I have been interested in martial arts since I was a child and I have studied various martial arts such as boxing, Shotokan Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, but all of them were short-lived. I decided to start Aikido after watching Steven Seagal's movies. He made Aikido famous all over the world with his movies, and today many people think of Steven Seagal when they think of Aikido. It was my dream to meet him, and finally my dream came true. I met Steven when he visited Azerbaijan for the first time in 2015. He was invited by President Ilham Aliyev to develop martial arts in Azerbaijan. Since then we have become good friends and we still keep in touch all the time. We meet every time he visits Azerbaijan. I also go to Russia to attend his Aikido seminars and other events.
I started Aikido in 2007 and continue to practice until now. My Aikido teacher from the day I started Aikido is Mr. Nazim Aliyev (Aikido/Judo Master Sports 6th Dan, also serves as the president of Azerbaijan Eurasia Aikido and Martial Arts Center). Martial arts became my hobby and lifestyle. Currently, I have many students practicing Aikido and Kyokushin Karate. Kyokushin Karate is the second martial art I started in 2014 and practice until now. The reason I chose Kyokushin Karate is that after getting my black belt in Aikido in 2014, I decided to learn another Japanese martial art and chose Kyokushin Karate, which is full contact karate. During my Kyokushin Karate training, I became physically stronger and learned a lot, especially how to punch correctly with my hands and feet.
And as I said above, I am not stopping there, I will continue to work on myself and develop my practice in Kendo from 2018, Judo from 2022, Iaido and Kobudo from 2022.
Q: What physical and psychological skills do you think are essential to success in combat?
answer: To be the winner in any fight, you must first of all avoid this fight/conflict. Because the best fight is the one that did not happen. That is, you need to resolve the conflict with words, not with fists, and use physical force. In this case, you will be the real winner, because according to Morihei Ueshiba Sensei, the founder of Aikido, the main victory is winning over yourself. Winning over yourself means winning over the main enemy, and your main enemy is yourself – your ego/laziness/fear. For example, if you come home tired after work, school, etc., and you have to go to sports, but you are tired and want to lie on a nice sofa and watch your favorite movie, here you need to overcome yourself, get up and go to sports. This is the real victory over yourself. Martial arts skills can only be used in extreme situations where there is no other solution and you have to protect your family. The three skills that are important during a fight are self-control/calmness/confidence.
Q: What principles and values do you aim to instill in your students through your teaching methods?
answer: There are six main principles and values I try to impart through my teaching: respect and discipline, mental toughness, humility and continuous learning, safety and control, ethics and integrity, and awareness and adaptability. Training methods include repetition and drills, partner work, visualization, feedback, and progressive training. Focusing on these skills and principles equips students with a holistic martial arts foundation that goes beyond physical ability to include spiritual and ethical growth.
Q: How popular is Aikido and Kyokushinkai Karate in Azerbaijan?
answer: Aikido and Kyokushin Karate have their fans and enjoy a certain popularity in Azerbaijan. Aikido has been developing in Azerbaijan since 1990. There are many clubs and organizations that provide training in Aikido. Seminars and certifications are held by highly qualified masters from both inside and outside the country. Kyokushin Karate has also gained fans in Azerbaijan and has been developing since 1993. The Kyokushin Karate Federation has been active since 1999. Azerbaijani karatekas who teach Kyokushin Karate have been very successful in competitions. Some have become world champions and have been multiple European and Azerbaijan champions. Both disciplines provide a good opportunity for physical and mental development and also instill discipline, respect and self-control in students.
Q: What age group is most prevalent among your students?
answer: I have Aikido and Kyokushin Karate groups for various ages, including a group for kids 5-8 years old, a group for kids 9+ years old, a group for kids 14+ years old, and an adult group. I also have a women's Aikido group, and I would like to point out that Aikido is especially beneficial for women for several reasons.
Self defence: Aikido focuses on taking advantage of the opponent's energy and movement, making it an effective form of self-defense without requiring great strength.
Health: Practicing Aikido improves your overall physical fitness, including flexibility, coordination and balance, all of which are essential for health and wellbeing.
Confidence and Empowerment: The skills and techniques learned in Aikido increase a sense of confidence and empowerment, helping women feel more at ease in a variety of situations.
Stress Relief: The physical activity and mental focus required by Aikido is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Non-competitive environment: Aikido emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect over competition, which creates a supportive and inclusive training environment.
Mental training: Aikido promotes calm, concentration and self-control, contributing to personal growth and emotional resilience.
Q: What do you consider to be your main role as a coach?
answer: The primary mission of a martial arts instructor is to guide and support their students on their martial arts journey by focusing on several key goals.
Capacity building: It teaches students martial arts techniques, forms and principles, enhancing their proficiency and understanding.
Personal Growth: It develops qualities such as discipline, respect, self-confidence and perseverance that are essential to martial arts training.
Health: Promotes overall physical fitness through exercises that improve strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance. Self-Defense: Equips students with practical self-defense skills and strategies to effectively defend themselves in real-life situations.
Safety and Health: Emphasis on proper technique to prevent injury and ensure a safe and supportive training environment.
Cultural and philosophical understanding: We instill an understanding of the cultural, historical and philosophical aspects of martial arts, helping students gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding.
Community Building: We foster a sense of community and friendship among students and an environment of mutual respect and support.
Q: What message would you like to give to people who want to learn martial arts?
answer: I think Decision
It is our number one asset to adhere to. Starting a new path always requires persistence and determination, and setting clear goals will make it easier to move forward.
Furthermore, you need to learn the intricacies of each art form to become a professional. Patience and
DisciplineAlso, martial arts skills take time and consistent practice, so be prepared for progress to be slow.
To let art permeate your soul, Open to learningEvery session is an opportunity to learn something new, so be sure to engage and learn from your instructor and other students.
But sports doesn't always mean physical strength.
physically and Mental endurance Here too you take the lead role. Martial arts training trains not only the body but also the mind. Get ready to become stronger in all areas.
Embodying true humanity in all areas –
respect. Martial arts teaches you to respect yourself and others: respect your coach, your partner, and the martial arts tradition you practice.
Finally, no matter what art you are doing,
Enjoy the process is always one of the key factors. Find joy in your training and enjoy the learning process. Your enthusiasm will help you overcome any difficulties.
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Laman Ismayilova is a staff journalist at AzerNews. Follow her on Twitter. Follow
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