Interview: Japanese B-boy Taisuke Talks About Learning to Break and Competing in This Year's Red Bull BC One Finals

Get to know one of the b-boys who's competing in the Red Bull BC One 2014 finals in Paris.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Breaking competition Red Bull BC One lands in Paris tonight, November 29, bringing the world's top b-boys together for intense one-on-one competition. Japanese b-boy Taisuke has competed in the BC One finals on five occasions in the past, and now, he's come to Paris to attempt becoming the global winner for BC One 2014. As one of the most technically skilled, powerful b-boy finalists, this may be his year. We caught up with Taisuke to see where his head's at leading up to the competition.

You’ve participated in many of the most recent Red Bull BC Ones (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)​. What do you want to bring to the competition this year? 

I just try to be myself. I act like every time I compete is the first time.

Have you been practicing a lot?

Yes. After the Asia finals, I've only had one month. I haven’t had a lot of time, so I'm going to try my best. 

How would you define your style of breaking compared to some of the other finalists who are going to be competing in Paris? 

My style is just mine—anything different. I make my moves in a way where they are only my positions. 

Would you say you’re more technical? Do you find yourself free-styling more? 

Before, I free-styled more. It was b-boy style. But I’ve changed, and now I have more skills. I've changed my thinking and approach. 

How did you discover breaking and how did you learn? 

My older sister liked to dance. I started dancing at seven years old, but at first it wasn't b-boying, just hip-hop. We didn't have a teacher, so one year later, a dance teacher came in, and he danced mostly like a b-boy. There were about 100 people in the class, but only two boys. He showed me a windmill, and then I said that I wanted to learn. So at eight I decided to become a b-boy. 

How do you balance your solo breaking with being in a crew? Do you prefer to compete one-on-one?

I like crew battles, because I can really enjoy myself. It’s always different when you're solo, and there's only one person on stage. I didn’t like one-on-one before, but every time I do it, I get some inspiration. There's a huge difference between solo and crew battles. I don’t really change, I just change my mindset. If I try something new, and I crash, it's ok, because it’s a crew battle. Your mentality is important in both. 

How would you describe the breaking scene in Japan compared to other parts of the world? 

The Japanese b-boy scene has grown but is still so-so. Now it’s ok, and for some people it’s really strong. I learned in the country, so we can’t really speak English. Now it’s really important to be able to communicate with people from other countries. 

What do you know about the breaking scene in France, and what do you think it means to have the BC One World Finals in Paris this year?

I want to make this my year, because in 2008, I got to the finals, but I lost. This time I want to win. Now it’s different. Last year I lost in the first round, but for me, I won. Everyone's been saying, “You can do it, this is your year.” That’s why I practice, practice, practice.

How do you describe the breaking scene in Paris?  Do you think they have a more aggressive style? 

Yes, they have a really aggressive style. It looks like fighting.

What kind of music are you listening to these days to get excited to compete?

Sometimes I like listening to James Brown or some old music, but now it's just beats. Mostly hip-hop, some breaks. 

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