Hi - I've just found this web site after more than 20 years since moving away from Zen Judo. Back in the late 80's I found myself living in Aldershot and being increasingly dissillusioned with the BJA ended up in a small Dojo in Petersfield. The Sensei th

Newbie Joined: Sep 25, 2006 Posts: 2

I've just found this web site after more than 20 years since moving away from Zen Judo.
Back in the late 80's I found myself living in Aldershot and being increasingly dissillusioned with the BJA ended up in a small Dojo in Petersfield.
The Sensei there was Mac McCarthy, a truly wonderful teacher who showed and taught me a completey new philosophy of Judo. He took me from a BJA 4th Kyu, back to basics and right through to presenting me with my very first 1st Dan. -Some 20 odd years later, I still have that first belt, although it's more grey now than black!!

After a few short years with Mac, (at which tie I was privelidges to see him awarded his 6th Dan (I think) from the Japanese Embasy, I moved away from the area and lost touch with Zen Judo (at that time there were I think only a handful of Zen clubs in existance)
Despite drifting back into the BJA -there was little alternative in my area- I always kept to the fundementlas of what Mac taught me (little circles! and 'there's as much skill in being thrown as there is in throwing'). Many times to the dissapointment of BJA Sensei's who found having a dan grade who didn't like competition and agression, an unwelcome influence on the younger Kyu grades.

I'm now in my forties and would like to know if there are any Zen clubs in my area (south west somerset) that are running.

It's great to see that Zen has flourished so well over the past 20 yrs and I look forward to seeing more in the future.

All the best
Jon

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 18:10

Quote:

The Sensei there was Mac McCarthy, a truly wonderful teacher who showed and taught me a completely new philosophy of Judo. He took me from a BJA 4th Kyu, back to basics and right through to presenting me with my very first 1st Dan. -Some 20 odd years later, I still have that first belt, although it's more grey now than black!!

It's always good to hear from Mac's old student and to find out how they have got on. I was lucky to have the privilege of Shihan McCarthy's instruction at the Love Lane Dojo in Petersfield back in the early 90's and well remember the large and intimidating number of Black belts which would turn up for training sessions on Sunday's. I well remember my daughter (who got me into Zen Judo) being presented with her Orange belt by Mac at the end of a Sunday training session (much to our club sensei's consternation) and my wife was probably one of the last students to do Randori with Mac.

When Mac sadly passed away in December 1995, a number of the Felpham Zen Judo Club (which my family belonged to at the time) made the trip up to Petersfield for the funeral and to say goodbye. We still keep in touch with Peggy McCarthy (Mac's wife) and she still acts as Secretary and record keeper for the ZJF.

Quote:

Despite drifting back into the BJA -there was little alternative in my area- I always kept to the fundamentals of what Mac taught me (little circles! and 'there's as much skill in being thrown as there is in throwing'). Many times to the disappointment of BJA Sensei's who found having a dan grade who didn't like competition and aggression, an unwelcome influence on the younger Kyu grades.

I can see that this might have been a problem, on the plus side you have probably got a lot less injuries than your more aggressive counterparts over the years and this has probably allowed you to still enjoy your training now.

Quote:

I'm now in my forties and would like to know if there are any Zen clubs in my area (south west somerset) that are running.

Unfortunately the nearest club I can find at present is up in Trowbridge (see club's list), the club which Brian Baggot ran for years down in Wareham before he retired abroad, seems to have dropped of the face of the earth. You could try contacting Shihan Lawson (follow links on left of home page) as there might be another BZJFA club in your area. You could always start a Zen Judo Club up Very Happy

If you happen to be visiting Bognor Regis (Monday's) we would be glad to see you, also you would be welcome at the ZJF and BZJFA training courses. See the website for more info.

All the best in Budo,

John

(webmaster)

Guest

Hi Jon

Glad to hear your story regarding your studies with Mac. I had very little contact with him, but do remeber him well and the impact he made. I met three times. Twice in, Portsmouth, Oddfellows Hall for gradings and once at St. Augustines Hall, Kyushindo Headqurters, Highgate, London to take part in a Dan grading.

I still teach the original Kyushindo Sytem of Judo at Victory Hall, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset. We meet Sunday mornings 10-00 to 12-30. Please feel free to visit us.

Best wishes.

Ian.

Newbie Joined: Sep 25, 2006 Posts: 2

Hi Ian,

Everything seems to be pointing me back to the mat this week!
After 3 over years off, last week I watched a documentary all about Judo on the TV. Yesterday I ran into the Sensei from my local club (an independant group in Minehead, Somerset and this morning received an email newsletter from Zen Judo.

Thanks for the invitation and I look forward to dropping by one Sunday soon.

All the best
Jon

Newbie Joined: Jan 08, 2007 Posts: 2

How far are you prepared to travel?
Kyushindo judo in Devon.