Why this old man started Judo

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 2:38pm

I recently became part of a Judo Club here in Portland.

I know, old disabled vet, doesn't really fit. Shouldn't I be taking something more hardcore and serious? Or he thought process goes the other direction and people wonder if I shouldn't be taking a much more calm art, or meditative process?

There's actually a few reasons. This may come across as prepper madness, but it falls for me as the same principle as a condom. I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

First off, I needed a physical outlet. I suffer from depressive bouts from my PTSD. Physical activity, especially HARD physical activity, (If you've never grappled before, trust me, it's HARD work) in a non repetitive setting is exactly what I need. Sure I could run or just do calisthenics, but I know my personality, and I won't do it if there isn't an end goal. Judo requires you to get strong if you want to do well.

Secondly, My kids need to learn how to fall. Of all the things I learned when I was a teenager, I most appreciate learning how to fall. However, It's been a long time, and I could use the practice, especially since I may mentally know the moves, but it's a long time since my body had the muscle memory. 8 years since my last combatives session, so it's been at least that long, and the RNA ain't there.

Third. It's nice to have an interest in common with my kids. I trace a lot of their school problems to boredom, the pathetic state of the public education system, and no end goals. I figure they're probably like me, and their enthusiasm for this new sport just drives it home. None of us are really "Team Players" as far as sports go, and so it's nice to have a sport where the entire point of having a team is to train against each other to get better. (In addition our body types aren't really suited to other martial arts. My son is almost 6 feet tall at 13, and my daughter is a 5 foot bundle of energy...)

Fourth. There's Something happening here. What it is ain't exactly clear. Of course, I'm quoting Buffalo Springfield, but the feel is the same. If something goes down, my kids need to be able to end a fight. As a result Judo is practically perfect, since it gives practical experience with fighting, as well as training the autonomic responses without emphasizing a "killer instinct" outlook. Plus, smarter cops know it, and it's important to know what might be thrown your way and how to save your own life if a pig starts throttling you.

Finally, It ties in with my recent feelings of understanding the nature of the Veteran. It is important for a veteran to pass on the skills and prepare the next generation for conflict. Many do it in an angry way, some do it in a pacifist way. I feel that I've choosing the middle path on violence, truly preparing for it, while hating it completely.

One last thing. None of this would have been possible without the help of my Mom. We've had our ups and downs, but helped me out when I swallowed my stubborn pride and asked. In a way, I consider that a way that Judo has already improved my life for the positive.

And if you've never seen competition Judo... it's a thing of beauty.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-BsQGK0XW0]

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Comments

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 3:32pm

Aaaand Dammit, I forgot the music.

Here you go. A new one that is freaking amazing and an old one in the spirit of me getting my life back together.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdiPF5z02Zo&feature=youtu.be]
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzRrpJ2WVv4]

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by mimi on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 3:52pm

My mind can't see you as an old man ...

A disabled vet? May be. Old? No. I am a mom of a vet, who got angry to be called disabled with PTSD, so we declare that his classification as such by some folks is bullshit. There is no disabled, PTSD suffering vet. Which is denial, but helps to keep up a remainder of dignity. Ups and down with your mom? My vet gets his physical outlet in his shit jobs where people count on his physical strength, slave work ... If I could be a mouse at your kitchen table and listen in ... I am sure I could learn something... but dare not ask. Just saying ...

Be well and have fun with the judo and your kids. In my imagination you are healthy and strong if you can engage with your kids in such a positive manner. Young man! Go on!

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Submitted by detroitmechworks on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 4:03pm

Heh, well, I may not consider myself old...

@mimi But the culture at large certainly does.

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by studentofearth on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 4:02pm

Skills to mentally and physically assess power is good to teach

your children. Then they can make the choice on how to deal with power when directed at them - redirect, absorb, reflect back or preemptive action. You may learn some techniques to improve physical and mental health with judo, and by example you're showing it is a lifelong effort. I am happy for your family unit.

A classic reference to ju in martial arts is "Ju yoku go o sei suru" – loosely translated as "Softness controls hardness." Jigoro Kano reportedly interpreted the meaning of this expression from the Tao Te Ching which says "Reversing is the movement of the Tao." He saw in this a natural law in which the act of yielding can be made with strength. Thus yielding does not imply weakness. (Draeger, 1997)

The idea of mind-body coordination is also implicit in ju. Ju carries the expectation that through diligent training, the body becomes "soft" or pliant to the mind. The body will be able to do what the mind envisions. This was an important concept in several jujutsu systems, including Tenjin Shinyo Ryu. Students in the early years of martial arts training often experience bafflement and frustration because they know what they are expected to do but cannot make their bodies cooperate. The unity of mind and body requires pliancy of both through long term practice.

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Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 4:12pm

Thank you very much for the links.

@studentofearth I've taken two other forms in the past. Aikido when I was a young teen (Which proved absolutely useless in every fight I got into later) and Army Combative training/drill with my unit. (Our unit was hosting the combatives tournament at Ft. Hood the year of the shooting, so, guess who got six months of daily PT and Combatives drill?)

I've tried both extremes, and so I think the middle path is the right one. I did try a couple Judo classes in College, but the instructor was such an asshole that It turned me off from the sport for a long time. The Dojo here is quite friendly, and they're letting my kids in the adult class with me because they are too large for most of the younger students to spar with. (Which I understand is over half of the classes)

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by snoopydawg on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 8:09pm

When I felt the need for physical outlook relief

I go to the batting cages and hit the crap out of the ball. I could visualize what whoever I was upset with as the ball.

I'm in the camp where fierce physical activity can help expel demons. Glad to hear that you found something that help you with your "stuff". Adding in time with your kids makes it more enjoyable.

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Apparently holocaust denial is not an issue anymore. Lots of people are denying the one in Gaza with absolutely no repercussions.

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 10:12pm

Slapping that mat is incredibly cathartic.

@snoopydawg And I know this may be ridiculous, but doing pushups with the count in Japanese really really helps me concentrate on my breathing whilst I do them.

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.