Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
In a recent article written by John Vesia, at Martial Views Blog, he writes about a incident at the Olympics, in Judo. Personally, I cannot begin to understand any animosities that may have existed between those two judo-ka. Regardless, I believe and am disappointed that the art of judo and its competitive aspects was unable to provide a bridge across what ever divide that led to the actions of ungentlemanly behavior.
Hey, I am a karate-ka and even when an active duty Marine expressing certain mental, physical and spiritual traits there was always, always respect for one another regardless. One of the reasons we used certain cultural driven socially expected forms of etiquette. If we didn’t respect one another for things like our beliefs and so on we at least held high regard and respect for our way in the dojo.
This becomes, in my mind, critical when we participate in competitive endeavors where culture and beliefs are different, sometimes vastly different. When I read the post and article I could only wonder to myself what and when did we lose the “Sportsmanship and Etiquette that come with it” in our efforts in competition.
I always thought that such environments would and were bridges that span divides that sometimes separate us as groups. I always felt that even in the military when various different services with a natural tendency toward a competitive difference and spirit, i.e., like the annual Army and Navy football rival, that we always met with honor, dignity, a certain level of humbleness and a great respect for each service regardless of how the stacked against the Marines ;-).
I also always thought that our following of a philosophical principles “Way or Path” was about fostering how we as individuals beleived and lived while allowing space to accept and understand others and their views, beliefs and culture - much like an old Okinawan karate master who wanted karate to be a tool toward understanding from all sides, so that we all may learn, grow and become proficient masters of ourselves and our marital disciplines.
I still believe one of the most fundamental goals of martial disciplines is to exchange theories, ideas, ways and techniques, etc., that would help us grow even more. To develop the trait that all things are good and everyone benefits in one form or another through that connection, exchange, analysis, hypotheses and finally synthesis into something made unique and new by each individual regardless of culture and beliefs and with the ability to hold fast, true and with honor and esprit de corps of their own lives, cultures and beliefs as sacrosanct.
I still believe in that gentlemanly behavior or if you prefer that sportsmanship culture and etiquette. I sadly say that the behavior demonstrated at that judo event, like other not so proper events happening at the Olympics in the news, tells me that at least in that one case Judo and the Judo community are the worse for it for it reflects not just on the individual but on the culture, society and individuals all.
I do hope that it is an isolated event, at least in martial arts and especially in Judo. Judo has been a forefather and propagator of all things martial arts we are experiencing today. Judo led the charge and inspired even the Okinawans and their karate making it what it was then and what it is today. I hope the humility that is supposed to be intricate to the way has not been lost or subverted.
Read also Vesia Sensei’s article here: “Sore Loser at the Olympics” http://www.martialviews.com
Read the Article Vesia Sensei’s used here: “Egyptian judoka loses to Israeli, refuses to shake hands” http://www.timesofisrael.com/egyptian-judoka-loses-to-israeli-refuses-to-shake-hands/
Hat tip (Ritsu-rei) to <Martial Views by John Vesia Sensei> as the inspiration for this post.
Bibliography (Click the link)
“In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter.” - Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal (ret)
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