A Life Lesson From Judo

This is the story of a young boy who tragically lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. Years went by, but his self-esteem was left behind. One day, his parents decided that it was time to move to somewhere new. So while looking through some boxes, the boy came across an old martial arts magazine, and it was from there that he quickly signed up to study Judo. 

The boy began his lessons with an old Japanese Judo Master. On his first week, the Judo master taught him a very impressive throw. And on the second week, he was asked to practice that same throw. Time passed, and he was doing extremely well, so he could not understand why after three months of training, the master had only taught him one move. 

"Sensei", the boy finally asked. "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?" To which the master replied: "This is the only move you know but this is the only move you'll ever need to know." Not quite understanding but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. 

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first Judo tournament. With everyone seated and his parents looking on, the boy surprised himself by winning his first two matches. The next however, was a little harder but the young boy pulled off the technique, the only technique he knew and won. 

The fourth match amazingly went the same way and the young boy found himself in the tournament final, facing a much bigger & stronger opponent. For some time in the finals, the young boy struggled immensely as he appeared to be overmatched by his opponent.  

Concerned for the boy's safety, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "Let him continue", the sensei insisted. The referee was hesitant but soon after, the match resumed. 

As the bout continued, his opponent had made a critical mistake and dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The crowd, moved by his courage & performance jumped up and shouted for joy as the boy had won the match & the tournament. He was the champion. 

On the way home, the boy and his sensei reviewed every move in each & every match he had. But while discussing, the boy summoned his courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?" To which his master replied: "You won for two reasons. First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of Judo. And second, the only known defence for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his greatest strength. 

Thanks for reading!  

Yours Sincerely,

Satori Café