Judo Joe

 Chicago is famous for it's size, diversity and politics. This makes it interesting and a challenge.

Judo Joe was a native of the Chicago area.  Many of us start out on Wrestling teams and find

Judo. Judo preceded Karate here in the U.S. at the wholesale level. Matter of fact many Y.M.C.A's

would not let Karate-ka use the name Karate but preferred Judo name

The Army used Sawdust pits to practice Hand-to-Hand with recruits. Judo is a respectable art

because the recipient lands on the ground. If un-trained the impact can be devastating ,at most and

dizzying ,at least.

Judo Joe was a Heavy weight. He had wide hips. This means when he tugged, his opponent

yielded. He was fast. He would start in a Karate position then ensnarl  his opponent. Whop!

The Major Hip throw was his trademark. Many a Karate-ka was obliterated from his Hip Throws.

Judo Joe should have been disqualified and forgotten about in Karate Tournament history.

He was big, skillful. Would he have faired at the Kodukan World Mecca of Judo in Japan?

We don't know. We do know and stated earlier ,Chicago and every place else has its politics.

The other point is ,why not is incorporate some breakfall training in the gym. One needs a

trainer and mats of course and make sure one is healthy enough for the workout. Thank

Judo Joe.

                                 

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Hooked On Tyson

 Schools desperate for student bodies overstate things. This may be their style is superior to others.

Others can  argue that point. The point here is it depends. Angie wowed us at a tournament once.

She had vertical kicks and long Blond hair wrapped into a Bun. She had long legs. Beneath her

exhibition was a background in Ballet, she admitted. It was Ballet not Tae Kwon Do that got her

prepared. It was those long legs with Ballet training in her growing years that we  witnessed.

In Tae Kwon Do Fighter ,our guide book we discuss Lanky vs Stocky body types.

Many westerners (Lanky) will never be as good as Jackie Chan of Bruce Lee. They do not have the body 

build. Angie is lanky and talented in her own way-not her schools. The school is the beneficiary.

Then there' Mike Tyson. retired Boxer. He can still knock out a man. This can be stated with

assurance because the side of the head (temple) does not thicken as chest, abs or glutts.

That means Tyson's hook punch from those stocky arms- upside the head is as devastating now as 20 years 

ago..

No one style is superior to another. "Come join our school because our style is better" is incorrect.

What is correct is how we differ and use that to our advantage. Tyson's stockiness , Angie's lankiness 

are natural talents .

Most of us are average Joe's (Jane's) 

1.Average height

2. Average weight

3.Average I.Q.

We don't have Shaq O'Neal's or Yah Zee or seven footers in our gyms or for sparring partners. They 

do practice our arts as a side line but do the heavy lifting in Football and Basketball.

The advantages  to being average, "Diddle in the middle"

Most recent  is WNBA Star  Britney Griener. She is a superb athelete with remarkable body build:

6' 9" height

size 17 shoes

7-foot wing span

Who lives the longest, healthiest life?

A) The giant at over 7 foot

B) Joe or Jane average

C) The Dwarf  - excludes Yoda at 24"  tall and 800 years old-pun intended

                                                                    

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I'll Be Back

 "I'll be back" is the famous Terminator story line. Restrictions seem to be lifting on masking

so we should be seeing more of our children attending Martial Arts classes. Encourage members

to get their annual check-ups and keep up practice.

Children may grow up living in fear. Both real and imagined. The Martial Arts instills confidence

and pride as they proceed through the ranks. We're human, still fearful  but overpowered by.sense of pride 

and well being. Often parents tell us of the difference they see in their child after accomplishing Martial 

Arts . 

Prospects should visit 2-3 schools before enrolling.

1. Look for experience of teachers including First Aid Certification

2. Class discipline-Are things chaotic or running smooth?

3. Is there a contract or Escape Clause if not happy?

4. If I drop off my child will others be present?

5. It may take a year or more to get Black Belt. Does one have the commitment ?

   Commitment means in the heart not because of the Contract.

Our heroes tell their story with Weaponry. So forgive The Terminator for his weaponry.

Lest we forget or Martial Art theme is basic-Empty Hand Self Protection.

"I'll be Back"  from that thick voice, will always drum.

 Meanwhile, welcome back our kids to the gym.

                                        

Twitter started nearly two decades ago. Tweeters had to learn what to talk a bout.

One party wrote," you guys must get up at 5:00 a.m. and tweet?" An appropriate response would

at that time would be,' Some get up and write, some get up and read sounds even ?

Things are coming out of hibernation. How would one know this without sight or sound?

The birds chirp and the flower bulbs emerge.

This brings us to todays timeless thought.

                                          "I must have flowers, always and always"

                                                         --- VanGogh

           Quote still resonating  while his works of art commands millions of  USD.

Whale Wars

 They kept us pinned to our seats. Story, installment and a worthy cause. So why was Whale Wars

television episodes cancelled ?

Envy of the military are navy guys. They endure 4 years many, but not all -at sea. A few of our comrades

stay fit in the cramped quarters with exercise-Martial Arts.  No drugs, tobacco or alcohol makes one

feel better or endure like exercise. It helps in the fight against home sickness many believe.

Whale Wars is a story of a civilian fleet of ships stopping Whaling Ships. Their mission is to

save whales. The Captain provides the leadership. There is a evil empire. Jonah, Moby Dick, then

 Whale Wars. There is sure to be an encore.

                              

Another day, Another dollar

 Of course our stars get the most attention. They shine bright and high up in the media.

They should not have to apologize for being  at the right place at the right time.

Mark's story is he was walking the streets as a pedestrian and a producer walking by

asked him if he had interest in movies because of his looks. He went on to make history.

Heard are complaints about being too wealthy and taking Martial Arts. Supposedly paying

for rank instead of putting in the time and grind. No one mentions the expenses Dojo

owners and promoters or " opportunity costs."  The hidden cost of not study or work

instead of attending a tournament. Some participate and do not get renumerated-at first.

Betcha guys like Norris would rather teach a group of bright eyed children eager for their

first belt knowing the first is the most exciting. Like the first bite of ice cream. Later ones

start to lose flavor. Same can be said for belts or ranking.

George Lucus (Star Wars) got an award. He was reminded that the group that sponsored it 

were connected with Steven Spielberg. George said. "Yes! George and I give each other awards

all the time. "

Another day, another dollar.

                                           

Covid-19 Battle Royale

 Notice how  masking is disappearing. One shops and clerks may be behind a shield and not masked.

Last channel check, Martial Arts Schools are back in session-lights on and no masks.

We'll survey Sensie to see what they are doing to stay safe while practicing their art.

Some in our Arts family practice on beaches, parks and other outdoor locales. Supposedly

safest of places.

Who is winning the Battle Royal? Covid and its variants or our strong willed Artist?

Groups  practicing those healthy drills bare footed have not been defeated yet.