GLEESON ON KANO
I would like to think my career as a Judoka has been relatively successful, due to my own efforts and the support and teaching of my Mother & Father Margret Clarke 4th Dan (a grade she passed in 1974) John (Nobby) Clarke 6th Dan Deceased, W,S Wood (Bill) 7th Dan and Geof Gleeson 9th Dan.
The first three were very practical Judoka. Geof was different not always practical but a Philosopher of not only the Art of Judo but also the Art of Coaching. As you reach higher levels in the Martial Arts you want more then just "How do you do a certain technique" you want to know " Why do you want to know a certain technique or Why do you do the Martial Arts". It was Geof who made me think and ponder, it was Geof who made me have an interest in Philosophy, the Arts etc. My own Philosophy of the Martial Arts is that "through the vehicle of Martial Arts we produce better human beings not just better Martial Artists"
To preserve some of Geof's thoughts I reproduced two Lectures given by him:
1) Are Kata and Shiai the same thing lecture given to the BJA 1987
2) Kano-Radical or Traditionalist lecture given to the IBF in the late eighties.
If you want a copy of this it is £5 including p&p in the UK.
Credit Cards are welcome email: Martin@Combatsombo.co.uk
Martin Clarke 8th Dan