Expert: Peter Boyes - 4/13/2004

Question
Dear Master Boyes

As you are an expert in the martial arts, I would be grateful to receive some of your wisdom and knowledge.

Hence the following question:

What things have your life and art taught you which you deem most important?

I'm open to any advice or feedback.

Thanks in advance,

Brian

PS. If you could have me read and master the contents of one book or course, what would it be?


Answer
Brian,

as someone who does Judo I am not used to being called 'Master' - Pete is just fine.

The 'life skills' that Judo has taught me personally are based on the Maximum Efficiency/Mutual Benefit principles.

This can be experienced in many ways, but the simplest is in regard to Judo Randori, or free practice. If you help me and I help you, we both benefit, if I resist, or try to dominate you in Randori then neither of us benefits.

As regards mastering the contents of one book or course, the beauty of Judo is that there is no set way of doing something - it is up to you to experience as many differnet variations of a technique as you can and develop your own version from the knowledge you have gained.

I hope this helps in some way,
Pete.