The "John Kreese Way" with Ryan Black

With last week's game at AJFC being cancelled at the last minute due to fields looking much like the rice paddies that adjoin the DojoMojo estate, some people turned up only to gnash their teeth at their misfortune. Oldest-of-old-skool Dojo founder Ryan Black was one of those (he was hoping to play his first game in the white, black & red for a couple of years), so we thought the least we could do was share with the world some choice comments Ryan had when we got together for a sparring match in the DojoMojo kendo hall a few weeks back.

We'd hoped to have his partner-in-babysitting Dave Watson join us, but his hectic schedule prevented him from strapping on the bogu for a quick bout. We're hoping to get him along to see some sumo wrestling with us sometime very soon, and may be able to squeeze some gems of wisdom out of him then. In the meantime, here's what Ryan had to say about the genesis and subsequent rise to dominance of "The Dojo Way":

DojoMojo Blog: Kiai Ryan! Thanks for spending some time with us here away from your monastic chamber at the top of the DojoMojo pagoda. Now - the legend of the frisbee Dojo is known across the country, with successful Nationals campaigns in 2004 and 2006. But few people know the story of how the Dojo began. How did the idea of establishing the world's first Ultimate Frisbee Dojo develop, and who would you say should take the credit for the original idea?

Ryan Black: If my memory serves me correctly then I believe the brilliant idea was created way back in 1984 by the then legendary (and some believe fictional character) Sensei of the Cobra Kai Dojo John Kreese. John began to teach members of the dojo the more traditional and admirable qualities of frisbee such as: playing without fear and mercy, winning at all costs, and that when it is game time then it's pain time!! This philosophy is now the ethos for the game of ultimate disc worldwide! The use of popular music being played at ultimate feilds across the world also began in the Cobra Kai Fisbee Dojo - with hits such as "You're the Best" (by Joe Esposito) and "Eye of the Tiger" (by Survivor) commonly heard at many tournaments inspiring the youth of today.

DMB: Wow - I'll bet very few people were aware of just how important John Kreese's contribution was to the game we play today! Imagine a frisbee game without Eye of the Tiger! Okay - so we're all sharing the benefits now from the hard work done all those years ago, but what was the Ultimate scene like in Brisbane at the time?

RB: Dead

DMB: Ouch! You're quick with that shinai! I can imagine that there were many obstacles to be overcome in building the world's first frisbee Dojo?

RB: Without a doubt, this trailblazing concept had its fair share of opponents. But just two stand out above all the minor concerns though - Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi. They were a thorn in the side of the Dojo for numerous seasons.

DMB: At least three seasons, as I recall... So, how long did it take for others to try to imitate the Dojo's success? I'm thinking particularly of now-defunct organisations like The Collective here...

RB: Oh don't get me started on the collective!!!

DMB: Another time, maybe. I'm sure there's a rich seam of Brisbane Ultimate history to be mined there though... Anyway, it's widely believed that the fundamental tenets of the Dojo Way were laid down many years ago by the esteemed Mr Miyagi. But from what you've told me already, it seems that nothing could be further from the truth?

RB: Grrr - that's the wrong dojo Steve!!! The fundamental tenets of the Dojo were laid down by John Kreese - why don't people ever remember the ex-special forces Vietnam veteran who on return from war tries to make an honest living beating up on street kids!

DMB: It's an inspiring story, Ryan. If only more people had that kind of moral fibre. Speaking of which, many people wonder why Dave Watson is the only founding Dojo player to still make the occasional on-field appearance*. Jay Sansness left town, and many thought that you had simply vanished. What happened? Can we expect comebacks from some or all of you in the near future?

RB: The golden boy of QLD ultimate gets a mention hey!! Well word has it that a few old members may be back soon to give golden bollocks a run for his money!

DMB: Prophetic words, already fulfilled by "weapon from antiquity" Dan Walls. Now - do you see the changes which have happened at the Dojo since its inception as a good or bad thing, or a bit of both?

RB: I just hope that the Dojo doesn't take itself too seriously. Time outs were never intended to set up team plays, they were created so everyone could have a laugh.

DMB: Well, you'll be glad to know that we still have an iron-clad rule that frisbee must never be discussed at halftime. And we never call timeouts (except when Andy McLean calls them - some sort of momentum theory he's got going). Following on then, what would you like to see done differently today?

RB: More afros and mullets to be worn by members playing for the Dojo. Big hair is a prerequisite for entry into the Dojo.

DMB: Yep - always will be. And lastly, what item(s) would you like to see added to the Dojo's extensive range of merchandise?

RB: Wigs. Oh... and hammers - so Matt Eastburn, throw real ones!


* Post-interview note: Dojo Oldskooler Dan Walls can now be seen on the field every week, usually horizontal & airborne.