Meet Ashish Kuvavala, World Karate Champion 1997 at Australia, Gold Medal for best fighting in 1994 at Japan, Gold Medal in 1982 at Madras at the All India Karatedo Federation. Poonabest had the privilege of having a tête-à-tête with him.

What is meaning of the title 'Shihan' and 'Sensai' attached to your name?

Ashish: 'Shihan' means the person who can teach the teacher. It is a form of a degree or a doctorate that is awarded to a person who attains a certain level of excellence in this art form. 'Sensai' means the teacher.

How did you get attracted to this sport?
For your kind information, Karate is not a sport, it's an art form and sport is an aspect of it. Any art form is an expression of you. There is no winning and losing in art. The competitions are held to judge how well one can express his/her self. As to what attracted me to Karate,
nothing specific, I just got instinctively drawn to the art
and started enjoying myself thoroughly which lead me to dwell deeper into the finer aspects of this form of art.

Since when have you been practicing and who were your coaches?
I have been practicing this art since 1977 and received my training under Sensei Parvez Mistry who can be called the father of Karate in India. I also had my training under International Grand Masters from Japan like Hanshi (i.e. Grandmaster) Masayuki Hisataka, Shihan Morio Higonan & Shihan Sasaki.

Your profile says '4^th DAN Black Belt', what does DAN mean, and what is the significance of the belts?
DAN in a broad sense means a degree. Belts of various colours are a symbolic representation of an individual's progress in the art.

What is the meaning of the word KUKIKAN?
In Japanese 'Ku' is the sky or it can also be said as the limitless energy of the cosmos, which represents the sky. 'Ki' means the Prana or life force or the internal energy. 'kan' means the house or the roof. Kukikan represents the roof of teaching, where the manifestation of the external (Cosmic) & the internal energy takes place. 'Kukikan' is a scientific art, which applies the principles of physical sciences combined with Oriental philosophy leading to the overall development of the mind and the body.

You are a consultant and a trainer for Stress Management Programs, What are the signs of stress?
Stress is easily manifested in the body. The extremely fast paced, and at times, chaotic existence we lead in today's frenzied times is taking a toll on our health. A majority of
us suffer from illnesses that are psychosomatic in nature. The chart will be able to elucidate my point better.

All these ailments are manifestations of stress that people undergo.

It is also mentioned that you are a consultant for setting up health projects?
Yes, people who wish to set up gymnasiums or health centres often consult me. Today, people are increasingly getting health conscious. However working out at a Gym or dancing to music is not the only option to get fit.
Yoga and Meditation are also great ways to stay fit, besides being great stress busters.

Any special moment you would always love to cherish?
When I won the world championship in 1997 at Australia, when our Tricolor was at the top and our national anthem was sung.

Interview by: Prasad Hiranwar
Photo Courtesy: Ashish Kuvavala