----Why did you decide to work at LAPD? what is your background?

Sammy When I was a kid, I really wanted to become a police officer. I have an uncle who is a Sheriff in the midwest. He always used to have some really great stories he would tell us during Christmas. Initially, this is probably what got me interested in my profession. After I became a teenager, however, I became more interested in music than police work. I moved to Los Angeles after I graduated high school and began working for a large record label in Hollywood. After a couple years of working in the record industry, I realized that it was just a boring desk job. That got me thinking about what I really wanted to do with my life. I don't recall exactly how it happened, but I had soon begun the testing process with the LAPD. Unfortunately, the entire testing process took almost two years, during which time I had to keep working in the record industry, making very little money. I still don't know how I was able to make a living on such small wages. Since I graduated from the academy, I have primarily been working the streets as a patrol officer. This is what I came on the job to do, and I can't imagine doing anything else. I did take a small break from patrol about one year ago to teach arrest and control techniques to other officers. This was a nice change of pace, as I really enjoy teaching martial arts.

----Why did you decide to become a Shorinji kenpo-ka?

Sammy I began training in Shorinji Kempo shortly after I began the police academy. I had been studying aikido and Japanese swordsmanship under Obata Toshishiro Sensei in Hollywood, and wanted to further develop myself as a martial artist. Shorinji Kempo seemed to be more in line with the principles taught in Aikido than other martial arts such as karate or boxing. I didn't want to ruin everything that I learned in Aikido by studying an art with a completely different philosophy. Obata Sensei has always had a respect for Shorinji Kempo as a very strong and effective martial art. With his permission, I began training under Kuramoto Sensei.

----When did you meet sensei kuramoto.?what is your first expression of Shorinji?

Sammy Although I have known of Shorinji Kempo for a long time, the first time I actually witnessed the techniques performed live, was at a Japanese martial arts demonstration in Long Beach about eight years ago. Various martial arts, such as kyudo, sumo, kusarigama jutsu, karate, and iaido were demonstrated, but the one that really caught everyone's attention was Shorinji Kempo. I can't remember which branch was demonstrating, but they delivered punches, kicks, and throws with amazing speed and energy. This really got me interested in Shorinji Kempo. A couple years after that demonstration, I was at a place that I felt comfortable with in my Aikido training and wanted to try something new. I read in a martial arts magazine that Kuramoto Sensei had recently opened a dojo in the Hollywood area -- this was about five years ago. I called Kuramoto Sensei up, watched a class and the rest is history.

----What factors do you take into consideration when you try to catch bad guy?

Sammy Fortunately, a lot of the bad guys still listen to the police and we don't need to catch them. However, there are always those that think they can get away, or that want to fight. Whenever someone decides not to go along with the program, the most important thing is to think of is "tactics". This basically means to put yourself in a position of advantage, where you and your partner will be safe. Because most altercations happen so quickly, it's really difficult to think of exactly what needs to be done. Most of the time, you just react without really thinking about what's going on. There's not usually time to think, "If he punches me here, then I'll do this." Depending on what kind of training you've had, and how proficient you've become with your training, has a lot to do with the outcome the fight. I believe Kuramoto Sensei realizes this, which is why he trains the way he does.

----What is your dream?

Sammy To have a happy family. I wish to raise my children to be respectful and considerate of other people, and to do their best at whatever it is they put their minds to. This is what is most important to me. Of course, I would also like to teach Shorinji Kempo when I am at a level to do so. Kuramoto Sensei puts a great deal of energy into instructing us. I look forward to being able to pass down what he has taught me.

::LINKS:: SHORINJI KEMPO of HOLLYWOOD : http://www.shorinjikempohollywood.com/