Judo World Cup Jeju (Korea)

This past weekend was the judo World Cup in Jeju, South Korea.  Several countries hold World Cups where competitors from around the world can come and compete.  Coming off the tails of the Tokyo Grand Slam, this event attracted some great talent, though not quite top tier as would a Grand Slam event.

The day before the event, a competitor from Busan came by our school.  He was a young kid, maybe 15 or 16 years old, but already had knobbed up fingers.  Oh judo!  This wasn't the first time that a high level competitor stopped by our school.  On two other occasions that I remember, we had high level players come by for a workout before a big event.  I'm not quite sure why.  It is probably to get the blessing of our master instructor who has been the owner of our school for 30 years.  My school is the most historic in Busan, the second largest city in South Korea and the instructor is well regarded in the judo community.

In any event, it's great to see the next generation of potential world class talent come through every few months.  Korea fared well in the tournament but did not take the top spot as a team in the final results.  Coming in second to Japan, Korea still captured 4 gold medals, 10 silvers and 11 bronze medals.

Kim Jae Bum - on top of the judo world

As my instructor said in an interview I had with him, the future of Korean judo (유도) looks brights in the middle and lightweight divisions.  The way it seems to me after training here for a year an a half, he's probably right.  After Korea's performance at the Olympic Games (with the exception of Wang Ki Chun being injured by a juji gatame) I would have to agree.  It's really fun to be this close to one of the strongest judo programs in the world.

Strength of a 64 Year Old Korean Judo Master

Being involved in the sport of judo takes a lot of guts.  To obtain technical proficiency, physical strength and stamina, as well as intelligent strategy requires a long term, sustained effort.  It is a sport that requires sacrifice, focus, and just plain guts.  To remain in "judo shape" over long periods of time is a truly difficult and challenging thing.  The master instructor of the judo school at which I practice in Busan, South Korea is a real-life example of this sacrifice and dedication.

One day I had brought my camera to class and before anyone showed up (other than the head instructor seen in parts of the video below) I asked if he would demonstrate some of the strength building exercises for judo.  He obliged.  He walked onto the mat cold and did some things I simply can't imagine being able to do.  In addition to this, he is 64 years old!!  Unbelievable.

A true judo master.

See the follow up interview here.

Korean Judo Master Interview

I simply cannot believe the response to the video I posted of my judo instructor.  Off a whim I asked him to show some of his physical abilities through the exercises he uses in his own personal training regimen.  So he did and I filmed.  I left the videos on my camera for over a month before I got around to putting a video together.  I figured it would be just another judo workout video to most.  Let's just say I was wrong.

With the likes of WWE superstar/pro MMA fighter, Bobby Lashley, and fitness guru Ross Enamait tweeting the video, it just went crazy.  See it for yourself here.

Many were amazed at this 64 year old man's physique and strength.  Months ago I had drafted an interview for him, but never got around to sit and interview him.  Once this video took off, I decided to tweak it a bit and sit down with him.  This interview tells the story of one man's journey in the world of judo.  The devotion, passion, commitment, and love for a sport that has helped shape and define his life.  It was a pleasure to hear some of his answers.  I hope you enjoy it too.