Scott Langley first started jujutsu at the age of five. After a move to North Yorkshire, he started karate. During that time, he found an interview with Frank Brennan relating his decision to become a full-time karate instructor. In reading that interview, Langley knew that was what he wanted to do and set himself on a path that took him to Japan, forming his Hombu Dojo Karate International, and publishing four books on various karate topics. Today, Langley took some time during a seminar in Florida [February 2024] to talk about the road he traveled while training and teaching karate. All images provided by Scott Langley. This interview is the second part of a two part interview. Read the first part here.
MAYTT: Do you feel that the way your HDKI is structured is going to be or should be part of the future of martial arts organizations?
SL: As I reflect on the future of our organization, my primary goal is to ensure its sustainability. At fifty-one, just having turned that age, I aim to step back from organizational leadership by the time I’m fifty-five. This step back doesn’t mean distancing myself from karate or training – those remain central to my life. Rather, it’s about allowing the next generation of instructors to take the lead, setting a precedent for a sustainable future.
I don’t want to cling to power into my sixties or seventies, seeing my control tighten as time passes. Instead, I plan to pass on the reins while I’m still active and capable. This approach not only sets a precedent but also paves the way for the group’s long-term sustainability.
Regarding influence on the wider world of karate, only time will tell. My hope is that our organization can contribute in some small way to the karate lexicon, enriching the collective knowledge of the art. I’d be content knowing that my contribution has made a positive impact, however small.
I’ve observed other organizations beginning to emphasize community and principle-based approaches, much like ours. For example, in the HDKI, we operate without rules, only guiding principles. Our mission statement is: Be kind and teach good karate; Have karate adventures, Provide opportunity, Shu-Ha-Ri.
Every decision we make is rooted in tradition, balanced with innovation and cooperation, and respect – I nearly forgot that one. Respect is paramount, guiding our actions and ensuring alignment with our guiding principles.
It’s interesting to see similar themes emerging in other organizations. Whether they’ve been influenced by our approach or arrived at similar conclusions independently is unclear. Nonetheless, I believe these shifts toward community-focused and principle-based approaches are positive developments for the world of karate. Only time will reveal the full impact of these changes, but for now, we’ll continue to chart our course and see where history takes us.
MAYTT: One thing you mentioned was bringing up future instructors. How are you planning on raising the next crop of HDKI instructors?
SL: One of the primary ways we ensure the quality of instruction in our organization is by cultivating a team of skilled and dedicated instructors. In my dojo in Dublin, which boasts 700 members, we have five full-time instructors and two part-time instructors. These individuals are true professionals, deeply committed to their craft.
When I departed from organizations like the JKS about ten years ago, I recognized a gap in access to their rigorous full-time instructors’ courses. These programs consistently produce world-class instructors but being independent meant I no longer had access to this pipeline of top-quality talent. It became imperative for me to establish a system within our organization to nurture and develop instructors of comparable caliber.
While I couldn’t replicate the formal instructor courses offered by those organizations, I focused on creating an environment where instructors could dedicate themselves to karate wholeheartedly. Though our instructors may not experience the rapid ascent from a mid-level dan rank to world-class status within a few years, over a longer period – say, five to ten years – they undergo significant growth.
I’ve witnessed individuals join our organization at eighteen or nineteen years old, progressing steadily over the years through consistent training and teaching. By the time they reach their late twenties or early thirties, they’ve amassed a wealth of experience and expertise, akin to that of seasoned practitioners. These instructors are capable of leading classes confidently and imparting valuable insights to students of all levels. After a period of time, teaching and training full-time, they become world class and are capable to holding their own in any karate environment. They exemplify our commitment to excellence in instruction and contribute significantly to the overall quality of our organization.
In addition to cultivating instructors within our organization, we also offer an internship program aimed at providing valuable training opportunities to individuals from around the world. Through this program, participants can spend a month at our dojo for free, with the added benefit of receiving a stipend of €400 to cover their food expenses for the duration of their stay. This initiative not only offers a firsthand experience of our training methods but also serves as a platform for individuals to enhance their skills and elevate their level of karate practice.
Once we have developed instructors within our organization, we focus on providing them with opportunities to further their growth and expand their reach. One avenue through which we accomplish this is by leveraging social media platforms to showcase our instructors and their teaching methods. By sharing videos and insights from our classes, we can reach thousands of people and promote our unique approach to karate instruction.
Moreover, we offer our instructors to our international affiliates at no cost or for a nominal fee. For example, an instructor who was previously a member of our dojo traveled to Sweden, where the affiliate covered his flight expenses. During his week-long visit, he taught classes at multiple dojos within the HDKI network, thereby sharing his expertise and establishing professional connections. This arrangement benefits both the affiliate, which gains access to a skilled instructor, and the instructor, who gains exposure to a wider audience and potential opportunities for future engagements.
Overall, our organization is committed to providing various avenues for instructor development and advancement. Whether through internship programs, social media outreach, or international collaborations, we strive to offer valuable opportunities for growth and promote excellence in karate instruction.
MAYTT: That is great! In your opinion, what makes the training different from anywhere else in the world where one can achieve so much in a short amount of time?
SL: Indeed, the intensity and scale of martial arts training in Japan, particularly in disciplines like karate, are unmatched. The system begins with specialized junior high schools dedicated to martial arts, where students undergo rigorous training six hours a day, six days a week. These schools serve as breeding grounds for talent, with hundreds of students honing their skills under demanding conditions.
From there, the most promising individuals progress to high school karate programs, which maintain the same rigorous schedule and training regimen. However, the number of such high schools is more limited, perhaps around fifty across Japan. This selective process ensures that only the most dedicated and talented individuals advance to the next level.
Finally, a select few from these high school programs earn spots at top universities with renowned karate programs. These universities continue the tradition of intense training, with students dedicating themselves to karate for another four years. The number of universities offering such programs is even smaller, with approximately ten institutions at this elite level.
By the time students enter the instructor’s course after completing their university education, they have undergone over a decade of relentless training and conditioning. This course, lasting two to three years, refines their skills further, exposing them to the highest levels of competition and pressure. The result is a cadre of elite instructors who represent the pinnacle of karate expertise.
While this system produces exceptional martial artists, it’s important to recognize that it also leaves behind countless individuals who may have harbored a deep love for karate but were unable to endure the grueling demands of the training regimen. Thus, while the training methods themselves may not differ significantly from those practiced elsewhere, the sheer intensity and selectivity of the Japanese system set it apart.
MAYTT: Once you get to a certain point, there are smaller numbers which allows the time and space to make sure these upcoming karateka are doing what they need to be doing.
SL: They’re super distilled. Of those thousands and thousands of twelve-year-olds that went into junior high school, only one or two would graduate from that instructor’s course.
MAYTT: Your HDKI holds tradition, innovation, respect, and collaboration as its four tenets. In relation to the future of karate, in what ways can the art evolve and change while looking both to the past (tradition) and to the future (innovation)?
SL: The concept of a “traditional martial art” is oxymoronic, in my view. Tradition and art, by their very nature, seem contradictory. Art is constantly evolving and changing, while tradition implies adherence to established practices. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the notion of claiming lineage or connections to tradition as some sort of badge of honor. It’s not that I lack respect for the giants upon whose shoulders we stand, but rather that I see attempting to replicate past archetypes as futile. Martial arts, to me, is about realizing one’s own potential, not trying to mimic someone else’s.
However, within the realm of martial arts, there are certain elements of tradition that I believe should be cherished. These traditions serve to differentiate the martial arts space from the outside world. Whether it’s the attire we wear, the etiquette we observe, or the language we use, these traditions create a sense of heritage and prestige that is worth preserving. For example, just as ballet maintains certain traditions like using French terminology, karate retains Japanese terminology within its practice space as a nod to its historical roots.
That being said, it’s essential not to let tradition hinder the evolution of the physical techniques themselves. Insisting on doing techniques a certain way simply because “that’s how they’ve always been done” is nonsensical. Karate, like any martial art, has evolved over time, and innovation should be embraced as the cornerstone of its physicality.
In summary, I believe that while tradition should inform the institutionalized aspects of karate, such as etiquette and language, innovation should be prioritized when it comes to the physical techniques. These two elements are not contradictory; rather, they complement each other and contribute to the richness and depth of the martial arts practice.
Allow me to illustrate my point: when someone enters a dojo, they are essentially embarking on a journey to rediscover their physical intelligence. It’s like starting from scratch, learning how to walk, breathe, stand, and move in a completely different way. In essence, they become like babies again, and the dojo becomes a sacred space where this transformation takes place. The traditions within the dojo serve to emphasize this distinction from the outside world and create an environment conducive to learning and growth.
However, where some people go wrong is when they allow tradition to dictate the content of what is taught. While it’s essential to maintain the traditions that set the dojo apart, the actual techniques and teachings should be updated to reflect modern understanding, especially in terms of biomechanics. What may have been taught in the past, based on the biomechanical understanding of earlier eras, may no longer be the most effective or efficient approach. Instead, we should teach karate through the lens of contemporary biomechanics while preserving the traditional framework that defines the dojo’s atmosphere.
In essence, tradition sets the stage for learning within the dojo, but the actual teachings should be informed by the latest knowledge and understanding available. This approach ensures that students receive the most effective instruction while still honoring the rich heritage of karate.
MAYTT: Thank you for that analogy. You have written four books that span different topics within karate. What has inspired you to write and what continues to drive you to write?
SL: For me, writing became both a revelation and a source of solace during my time in Japan. At the urging of a friend, I delved into recounting my experiences, which culminated in two books: Karate Stupid and Karate Clever. The process of writing not only unveiled my ability to craft narratives but also served as a cathartic release for the trauma I had endured.
However, my journey as a writer didn’t stop there. Inspired by personal loss, I compiled a collection of articles into a book titled Shuhari: Evolving Karate Thoughts, with all proceeds dedicated to cancer research in honor of a dear friend and fellow instructor who tragically succumbed to leukemia. This endeavor underscored the power of words to contribute to meaningful causes beyond personal expression.
Last year, as I entered my fifties, I reflected on the inevitability of physical decline and the importance of sustaining oneself as a karateka. This introspection gave rise to my fourth book, A Sustainable Karateka, which chronicles my strategies for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being amidst the challenges of aging.
Through writing, I’ve discovered not only a means of self-expression but also a platform for sharing insights, raising awareness, and giving back to the community. Each book represents a chapter in my ongoing journey of growth, resilience, and contribution to the world of karate and beyond.
MAYTT: Do you have any other plans to flush out any other ideas you have relating to karate?
SL: Beyond the physical practice, I would like to share my knowledge and insights, as I am currently working on the next volume of Shuhari to raise further awareness and support for cancer research. Looking ahead, I plan to complete my Karate trilogy with Karate Adventures, which will give readers a comprehensive narrative that spans both my personal and martial arts experiences. I currently have written a novel that has gone through draft after draft, but no publisher wants it yet. In addition, I create and post many videos on YouTube, providing a dynamic platform for sharing instructional insights and reflections on my practice. I want to foster dialogue within the martial arts community so different perspectives can be found valuable.
MAYTT: The best of luck with those endeavors. In your first book, you had a disclaimer where ties were severed as a result of publishing. What were your initial reactions to that, and have you found a sense of closure from that event?
SL: My initial reaction to the situation was one of horror, truly. I felt completely horrified – I didn’t anticipate it happening. Describing how I felt about it has been challenging, but I did my best to articulate my emotions in Karate Clever. Writing a book about my experiences made me realize that everyone now knows my story, which was something I didn’t fully grasp at first. Over the past decade, I’ve grown accustomed to this aspect of sharing my narrative.
There was a sort of cognitive dissonance at play – I simultaneously didn’t expect it yet knew it was inevitable. Half of me hoped everything would be fine, while the other half knew it wouldn’t be. So, when it happened, I wasn’t truly surprised. It just felt like the inevitable culmination of events. It’s hard to put into words, but it just was what it was.
I’ve always considered adaptability one of my strengths. So, when faced with this new challenge, I approached it with a mindset of acceptance and readiness. Embracing challenges is what karate has taught me – this was just another hurdle to overcome. So, I acknowledged the situation, accepted it as a new challenge, and simply got on with it. That’s how I’ve always approached adversity, and this time was no different.
I suppose that somewhat addresses it. I genuinely embraced the excitement of something new. My time in the JKS was cherished, and while Karate Stupid may come across as critical, it’s more of a love letter to Japan and the JKS, capturing every aspect, flaws included. However, I found myself seeking more beyond the JKS. Despite not feeling stifled within the organization, I sensed a self-imposed limit. Since leaving, I’ve enjoyed newfound freedom, leveraging the strong foundation from the JKS to further develop my karate in a way that feels true to me.
Regarding closure, it’s a mixed bag. While I’ve made lifelong friends within the JKS, there are some whom I’ve lost touch with since leaving. While this occasionally saddens me, I believe it’s more their loss, bound by rigid rules and regulations. I’m content with the vibrant community we’ve built post-JKS, which fosters openness and growth – a direction I’m proud to be a part of.
MAYTT: It is great that you had a chance to move on and took a different path. Final question; what is your relationship with Rick Hotton?
SL: I’m actually at Rick’s at the moment.
MAYTT: That’s awesome.
SL: He was just here – I saw him walk past. He actually came in and gave me a beer, but I’m not going to drink the beer right now. [Laughs]
My relationship with Rick goes back to around February 2014. At that time, I had just been expelled from the JKS and joined the World Traditional Karate Organization with Richard Amos. Feeling liberated, a friend sent me a video of Rick’s teachings, which had been posted by his students urging him to share more content. I was impressed and reached out to Rick via Facebook, only to discover we were already friends on the platform. I introduced myself, praised his videos, and invited him to teach in Dublin.
Rick responded positively, acknowledging that he was familiar with my work as well. However, he mentioned he had never taught in Dublin, let alone Tallahassee, where he was based. Undeterred, I encouraged him to come over. Eventually, Rick accepted invitations from both me and a friend in Cincinnati, teaching there first in July and then coming to my dojo in September. My dojo became the second place he ever taught at, marking the beginning of our friendship and collaboration.
Over the years, Rick and I have developed a strong bond despite our differences. He’s an artist, both in his drawings and in his approach to karate, emphasizing feelings and expression. In contrast, I tend to be more analytical, focusing on biomechanics and technique. However, we complement each other well, blending his artistic flair with my analytical mindset.
We’ve taught together in various locations, from France to England to our current base in Sarasota. Despite our distinct styles, teaching alongside Rick has always been fruitful and enjoyable. Our collaboration continues to thrive, and I value the friendship and partnership we’ve built over the years.
MAYTT: That is amazing. How has this relationship with Hotton benefitted you in your own understanding of karate?
SL: Rick’s influence on my understanding of karate has been significant in several ways. Physically, we are quite different, which allows me to glean insights from him that I might not have arrived at on my own. Rick often emphasizes the concept of relaxed heaviness, which has been a valuable idea for me to integrate into my own practice. His ability to convey complex ideas through simple metaphors is another aspect of his teaching that I find particularly effective. While I tend to focus on biomechanics in my instruction, Rick’s skill in using metaphors helps reach a broader audience within the group.
I occasionally borrow his ideas, always giving credit to Rick for his contributions. For example, when discussing concepts like dialing in your stance or achieving relaxed heaviness, I make sure to reference Rick’s teachings. Additionally, Rick’s depth of character and spirituality have influenced me to incorporate a broader perspective into my practice. He is cautious about assuming the role of a guru but encourages practitioners to explore the spiritual aspects of their training.
This encouragement to delve deeper into the emotional and spiritual dimensions of karate has resonated with me. I now emphasize the importance of training not only the body and mind but also emotions and connections. Building a connection to one’s body, opponent, community, and the world at large is a central theme in my teaching, thanks in part to Rick’s influence. Overall, Rick’s teachings have enriched my understanding of karate and have encouraged me to explore new dimensions of the martial art.
MAYTT: Thank you for this great conversation, Langley Sensei!
SL: It was a pleasure.
This interview is the second part of a two part interview. Read the first part here.
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 