Roy Exum
My eyes had gone past it twice, some story about a 10-year-old winning a judo competition. So often in my Morning Readings I will miss great stories or nuggets of fun I want to pass along, and while I strive to be more attentive, every day I am like some kid in a candy store. In today’s world it seems to me we all want the fast fix, the easy targets in our quest for oohs and aahs, the biggest chunks that make the day easy. More and more I yearn for the discipline to seek the small diamonds because they are all the more special.
So, let me first offer this. I know neither the author nor the origin of the story you are about to read, but I am confident if you will pass it along to a girl or boy under the age of 16, they will not have to get banged up on a judo mat in order to embrace one of the greatest illustrations of what life is really all about that I can remember coming my way in a long time.
THE 10-YEAR-OLD HAD ONLY ONE ARM …
… having lost the left so long before in some quirk of an accident. Honestly, he couldn’t remember what it was like to have both. Who knows why his parents sought the sport of judo, for self-esteem or personal achievement? It makes no difference. His teacher was old beyond his years, and the Master’s patience was almost legendary.
The boy loved it from the very start, these minutes with someone so wise, but he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move.
“Master,” the boy finally said, “Shouldn't I be learning more moves?”
“This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know.” – The Master replied.
The boy was not able to understand the logic behind it, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.
Several months later, the Master took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy skillfully used his one move to win the match. Still astonished by his success, the boy was now in the finals of the championship.
This time, his rival was bigger, stronger, and more veteran. For a while, the boy appeared to be over matched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the Master intervened.
“No,” the Master insisted, “Let him continue.”
Soon after the match resumed, his rival made a vital mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.
On the way home, the boy and the Master reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.
“Master, how did I win the tournament with only one move?”
“Dear son, you won for two reasons,” the Master answered. “First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grip your left arm.”
Sometimes we have some weakness and we think it’s an end of the road. But true Master (God) knows what we can do with that. The only thing we should trust our Master and follow his instructions.
The boy’s biggest weakness had become his biggest strength. Sometimes our biggest weakness can become our biggest strength.
And, therein, is the great lesson.
royexum@aol.com