Despite 43 years doing judo and now 4 years teaching it full time it took MG to force me to use a judo approach to my life.
For some people age or disability forces them to consider physical tasks in a different way.
I have been getting stronger on an almost daily basis now for about a week, and whilst this could be a false dawn it is encouraging.
My strength and endurance is still a long way from where it was and probably always will be, but my new way of approaching things is just so much more efficient.
I have just unloaded and carried my judo mats from my van to the shed, BMG (before MG) this would have been a frantic 10 at a time crashing of the walls sweating and swearing event, completed in maybe 15 minutes,
AMG (after MG) It was a 5 at a time serene stroll leaving me space to think.
I took the time to carefully re-arrange the shed, nothing got in my way or fell over whilst I placed the mats, I even found time to carry a few zeppelin sized bumble bees out of the shed first.
Start to finish maybe 20 minutes, no sweat, no swearing....
Happy days thanks Jigoro and sorry I didn't listen.
I have to carry this efficiency into my thinking and everyday life which was always Dr Kano's bigger idea, he never considered that Judo was just another fighting art it was always intended to be so much more.
The 'Do' in judo in fact means way and the 'Ju' translates as efficient NOT gentle which is a common mistranslation..
My mum has understood this principal for years, forced by her arthritis to take things steadily,
I am reminded that, just prior to my diagnosis, I joined her in trying to clear moss from the terrace in her garden.
She was using a stick with a pointed piece of metal to dislodge one tiny lump at a time.
I suggested that the whole job could be done so much faster with my jet washer (and it could Mum).
She refused explaining that this would cause too much mess and wash the moss onto the garden (and it would Mark).
At the time, standing there with a stiff broom and joining her, in what seemed like a ridiculous waste of time I was angry at what seemed like her inability to understand.
I am now reminded that it was me that didn't understand.
Didn't understand that there was no time limit,
Didn't understand that this was a great opportunity to work together
on something and talk.
Great judo mum.
My Sensei and long time friend is suffering from a serious illness and has asked me to cover his junior sessions in his abscence at Pinewood Judo Club.
It is a great honour to have his trust and I feel the weight of responsibilty for what is so dear to him.
It has been a challenge to fit this alongside all of my other responsibilities (judo and otherwise) but
I think I have made a reasonable job so far, with a self awarded 8 out of 10 last week and a slightly disappointing 5 out of 10 this week.
Sadly some children have left the club to train elsewhere before my Sensei's illness was diagnosed.
This initially angered me but in this, as everything else I have to think more in a more judo way.
I cannot help those that have exercised their free will to move elsewhere.
I should not judge them, I cannot see from their point of view.
I should not harbor resentment as this is self destructive.
I can concentrate all of my efforts in helping those that have shown respect and loyalty.
I can work hard to be a great coach.
I can make use all of the great judo talent available around the club.
Aaaaaand We can kick their arses somewhere when we meet them at a competition!
Did you think I had gone all hippy Zen on you again?
Peace baby but just a bit of fighting here and there please.
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