Envy & Judo
Over the years I have become aware of many human frailties especially in the Martial Arts. The one thing that seems to make people envious is the BLACK BELT I do not mean the belt it self but becoming a Dan grade. There is a natural rivalry between students of different associations each claiming theirs is the best, rightly so no one in their right mind joins an organisation which they feel is inferior. For many years I have told various people who want to listen that a Dan grade is set at the standard of the organisation you are in, it not necessarily inferior but different, for example some Judo organisations concentrate on the competitive element others on the Kata, I like to think the IBF has created the right balance but even I am criticised because I do not stick to Japanese etiquette. My point is live and let live.
The problem is not all agree with the philosphy of Live & Let Live. A prime example is what happened in a Pub recently in Nottingham where I am told a slanging match occurred where Paul Keeton an ex IBF members insulted two recently promoted IBF 1st Dan's, he by all account caused an argument which was heard by the general public, that these two where unworthy of the their Dan grades (I believe other expletives where used) but why?
The two, who were in their late thirties and early forties, had to endure a week long course at St Mary's Bay Summer Camp getting up to train at 7.30 am every morning to be awarded their 1st Dan, the same as Paul had to do some 13 years ago and he was only in his very early 20's they were graded by the same examiners who graded Paul, he also was not present at the grading and does not train with the two involved so why this vindictiveness? Could it be that he is jealous that other people are still achieving and he never reached his full potential, could it be that he is envious of the club and instructor who trained them, could it be that he is insecure and doesn't want people taking his lime light who knows? what I do know is that he caused a rift in the Judo in Nottingham already clubs are refusing to compete in his competitions. Judo to most people is a past time it not a life and death issue, do some people have such shallow lives that they have to build up hatred for people of different organisations. The philosophy of Judo is it is a vehicle for producing better human beings, so hopefully Paul will apologise and every Judoka in Nottingham can work in harmony with a common goal.
Martin Clarke