| We recently had the opportunity to interview Mr. Akihito Yagi, who plays Giryo in the film BLACK BELT. We are posting the interview below for your enjoyment! Feel free to discuss!
Can you tell us a bit about your formal martial arts training, and how you make your living? How and when and why you began in martial arts, what disciplines you train in, etc.?
We can practice Karate even in a small tiny place. I start my daily training by practicing Tsuki and Keri. After that, I do Kata. Jogging is another part of my training regimen, as well as weight training, like push-ups, etc.. I also punch a makiwara (a padded striking post).
My grandfather and father succeeded the founder of Goju-ryu, Chojin Miyagi-sensei. They are my masters as well. My family owns a karate dojo. These factors led me to begin my karate training. I started practicing Karate when I was 3 years old. Karate has been a part of life ever since.
When I lived in Japan, I was in a music band, I had a part-time job and I also had my karate training. But I live in North America now. And I visit each of our Goju-ryo Karate dojos and teach there.
What can you tell us about the transition from real-life martial arts to on-screen martial arts?
My character, Giryo, is a lot like me. That's why it wasn't much of stretch to play him. He has the same philosophy,"karate ni sente nashi" which is typically translated as, "There is no first attack in karate." He is humble and ambitious. He is conscious of what we should be physically and mentally through karate at all times.
One of our readers was impressed by the sense of deep respect between the students in this film, and asks how much of that was "acting" and how much was "real".
Akito Yagi: We say that Karate-do starts and ends with a show of respect. We respect each other and practice Karate at the dojo.
This was your first film role, right? Did you view it as a martial arts challenge, an acting challenge...both?
This was my first time, so I was a little nervous, but it was a lot of fun. I would like to act again if another opportunity comes along. So the karate in the film was an extension of the karate that I have been practicing. It was a chance to meet up with and take on people from different schools of karate. I learned a lot from it.
How did you prepare mentally for this role?
Giryu is very honest and always struggling with himself. It was easy for me to slip into such a character because I am also a karateka.
Was performing in a movie very different than you expected it to be? What was it like working with your co-stars and director?
I was very impressed by the director and crew. They created each scene very quickly and I was able to learn all about the filmmaking process. Everyone in the crew was a professional, working hard to do a good job in their respective areas. Now whenever I see movies, I wonder to myself, "Now, how did they shoot that scene?"
Do you have any plans to do more acting?
Mr. Fuyuhiko Nishi, who is the planner, the martial arts director, and also played Togo in " Black Belt" , will write and direct a film called "High Kick Girl" coming out next spring. I will be in this film. I am now living in North America, mainly Canada, but I will be in Japan for one month for acting. In the future I would like to pursue more film roles, and whatever else I can do.
Do you feel that "Black Belt" accurately portrayed the philosophy behind Karate?
Yes, I think so. "Black Belt" has some fictional elements but there are also many elements that I myself learned from my sensei and senpais.
What was the reaction to the film?
Everybody was surprised because it was my first starring role. If I hadn't been in this film myself, I would definitely go to see "Black Belt" in the theater.
Are you a big film fan? Who are some of your favorite martial arts stars?
Yes, I am! I love watching movies, any genre. I rent two or three DVDs a week, I have my own band and write lyrics. It is very inspirational for me, as it gives me new ideas for lyrics and it also heightens my sensitivity from the movies. My favorite action stars are Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Tony Jaa and and Stephen Chow.
Please buy and watch "Black Belt"!!
Thank you! | 
