COLLECTING ZEN JUDO MEMORIES

As we mentioned in our last issue, we continue to collect Zen Judo memories for the Wadokan News. Most families have family albums and stories that they share. Together the memories help new members learn important things about family life, about what it was like in the beginning and to discover the virtues, values and gifts from the past. For this issue I asked Sensei Brian Bagot to share with us his own memories of Zen Judo gradings in Petersfield. I found Brian's story funny and touching. If only all of us had had the chance to participate in a grading with Mac! Thank you Brian, for sharing it with us! Should you have some memories to share, please send them to us. We'll spread the good word to the Zen Judo community.

IN THE EARLY DAYS OF ZEN JUDO
By Andrew M Millard, BEM, 6th Dan British Zen Judo Family Association, andrew.millard@talk21.com.

Back in the mid 60’s I joined a British Judo Association club in Trowbridge and practiced for about 3 months with my 2 cousins. This is where I had my first taste of Judo.

In the late 60’s, I joined KyuShindo Judo at the Odd Fellows Hall in Portsmouth and was taught by the late great Bill Mustoe (who at the time was also sensei Mac McCarthy’s’ original Sensei). I continued there until I joined the Army in 1974 and left as 1st Kyu (brown belt). At the time I never really new who Mac was (this was all to change in later years!). I do remember that some KyuShindo students were becoming disillusioned at the way in which this art was moving (away from the traditional, and towards the competition) and that several members left. One of these was Mac McCarthy who left and created his own unique style of Judo, which we all now love as Zen Judo.

But also, another faction left KyuShindo and created another style based on very similar concepts. Bob and Wendy Lindsey created this and even to this day, they still have a club practicing in Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth although Wendy has now passed on.

I Continued in Judo and worked my way up the British Judo Association Grades, and finally became a 2nd Dan. Meanwhile, I was a member of the British Judo Team, and also a member of the BAOR (British Army on the Rhine) team. This was a great time, as we spent most weekends (at the army’s expense) travelling around Europe competing with most countries national teams. However, my roots have firmly been on the KyuShindo/Zen Style. And every time I came home on leave, I spent every evening of the week between different Judo clubs in and around Portsmouth.

When I was posted to Osnabruch in Germany, I found this small family Judo club run by Mike Healy, and asked to join, we travelled back to England to meet Mac and he converted my 2nd Dan directly to Zen Judo. In the Queens Birthdays Honours List 1991, I was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Judo, and to the Judo Community with BAOR. Every time I now went home on leave, I always and only practiced with the Petersfield Zen Judo club.

It seems strange, but the main thing I remember, from this period, is that every time I visited, I had to always stay up in the Randori Session, and meet every member that came into the club. I was being guided and taught by sensei McCarthy on the traditions, and style of Zen Judo (without actually practicing Zen Judo). To me it felt as though I was being groomed for some other task. What did come across very strongly, was that Zen Judo is not necessarily about practical excellence, it is the whole show. Your way of life, how you deal with people, your commitment to the art, and your ability to pass your skills and knowledge on to others.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike Healy for his confidence in me and for the introduction to Mac McCarthy. Without Mike, I would not be here today!

FUTURE TRAINING EVENTS

The Radcliffe Zen Judo Club will be Hosting a Christmas Weekend Judo Course On the 9/10th December 2000. The places will be limited to adults, blue belts and above. There will be lunches and refreshments provided both days The usual evening party / disco on the Saturday . Food and soft drinks provided. Bring your own alcoholic drinks. Cost will be only £25-00 per weekend or £12-50 per day. The course this year will be mainly judo on the Saturday And Budo arts on the Sunday Details are on The BZJFA Website www.bzjfa.fsnet.co.uk of the 1st rate instructors , times, and draught plan. The training places will be limited to 40 people so I would recommend you to send your £10-00 deposit as soon as possible to book your place.