Forty-seven, out of shape and overweight I walked into a martial arts school wanting to learn Gracie BJJ.  As luck would have it, I visited on a night when the judo team was training and was warmly welcomed by one of Joe’s students.  I was not prepared to stay for practice and was invited to come back on Saturday and try Judo out for a couple weeks before deciding.

Their coach (Joe) was away on assignment those first couple weeks, but the way class was run and the numerous mentions of his name throughout the practices you’d think he was there. Because he was, perhaps not in the flesh but he had instilled something in these Judoka, a significant reverence yet something more, something deeper.  They spoke of him in an intriguing manner I was unaccustomed to.  Those first two weeks created an aura of mystique regarding their coach.

At practice, I quickly learned that any semblance I had of being able to defend myself was completely ridiculous as Joe’s students, big, small and even smaller respectfully beat me with ease, all 260 pounds of me.  What was it that this mysterious Joe was teaching these tiny women that they could destroy me at will?  I needed to know more, I attended every practice trying to understand this Judo thing that all these other students knew and would discuss “Joe said..”, “Joe does it this way …”, “Joe said not to …”.

Then came the day, it was announced that Joe was returning from assignment and would be a practice the following Saturday.  A bit nervous, I didn’t know what to expect.  Would Joe just float in?  The way he was spoken of, it seemed a possibility.  Then it happened, a tall lean man with a gentle smile walked up to me, introduced himself as Joe and shook my hand.  He knew my name and that I had attended every practice.  He was very friendly and inquisitive in who I was.  Practice began and those who had taken the leadership role in Joe’s absence instantly changed from leader to student. Joe was clearly their respected teacher.

It didn’t take me long to realize why he earned such respect.  Strong, clear, kind instruction.  Patience, understanding and sternness where necessary.  The lessons were hard for me, very hard.  I became a forty-seven year old white belt overnight on a mat with five brown belts and three black belts, four including Joe.  I made a lot of mistakes, I ran out of breath running one tiny lap around the mats, I made the same mistakes again and again. Joe would correct, encourage and repeat.

Joe’s talent of being able to break tasks down to tiny details is key in his ability to effectively teach.  In Judo each throw has three parts:  Kuzushi (off balancing your opponent), Tsukuri (Getting in position to throw your opponent), Kake (Execution of the throw).  If it were only that easy.  Each part has many details and Joe is excellent in teaching each tiny part.

Joe’s method of coaching covers from the big picture of Judo to its intricate facets and everything in-between.  He is a wealth of knowledge and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have even gleaned a fraction of what he has to share about the art of Judo.

Practice on Joe’s mat is very effective if you buy into his methods.  If you’re looking to walk onto his mat just to get a bunch of sparring time, you’ll be disappointed unless you let go of any pre-conceived or learned habits and listen to and follow his instruction. By the way, none of Joe’s instruction is made up or “re-branded” as occurs with these techniques so many times in other arts. 

The founder of Judo was Jigoro Kano.  Joe once shared with me our Sensei (Coaching) line to Judo’s origin is very direct and short.  Joe’s students > Joe > Joe’s Sensei > His Sensei > Sensei Kano.  These deep roots in classical Judo make for a very consistent method of training.  My experience under Joe’s coaching can be generally summarized as a consistent and sound educational platform.

Over the last ten years although Joe has become my friend and brother, he will forever be my Sensei.  I highly recommend meeting with Joe to anyone looking for premium instruction in a safe school.  It will be time well spent and could change their life for the better.  It surely continues to benefit mine.

Les Thomas