International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)’s Post

Good Afternoon All… As you’re all aware; Judo has become a major part of my retirement activities: from taking part in club sessions and competitions (not always successfully🤣), to assisting with the running of the club from an administrative and organisational aspect. Being retired allows me more time to devote to the Judo Club and its charitable activities for the community in Saxmundham, on the Suffolk Heritage Coast; but also gets me to reflect on the times when ‘giving back’ took a back seat during my professional career. Choosing to donate virtually all of your time to work, work and even more work, at the time seems like you have got the priorities of life correct. How wrong you can be…and now that I have the chance to prioritise things like Judo and community charitable work etc. it just brings me to realise how wrong I got things during my career and what really put unnecessary pressure on my mental health at the expense of the really important things in life, like family, well being, leisure and relaxation: all of which it was easy to cloud by saying ‘I’m working hard for the sake of my family’ The one thing you can never ‘buy back’ is time and so I hope this small piece updating you all on where I’m at, helps you to stop and think again about your work life balance…and help you to balance your life and drive ultimate performance at work but as importantly, at home and in your leisure time. Hindsight is an amazing things: wishing you’d listened to advice, read more about the psychology aspect of life and talked to experts in this field. Listening to podcasts and reading books from the likes of Sarah Broadhead (Psychologist to top Olympic athletes…and with who I worked with during my career when restructuring a business)… books like ‘The Chimp Paradox’ by Prof. Steve Peters….and there are many others that bring true perspective on our lives…have all made me see the value of work life balance…not too late…but probably later than I’d have liked. So the new direction of my work life balance is more about Family v DIY v Judo v Coastal walks v Charitable activities v ambitions and bucket lists…but the same rules apply…well being and making that suitable blend of things that HAVE to be done versus the things that you love to do. More news on the Judo Club and its activities in later updates, but just to leave you with a really heart warming picture of a recent visit by Olympian Judo Player Ashley McKenzie and International Judo Player Ben Caldwell to our club…top of the sport passing on knowledge to the grass roots of our sport…what a message to us all…the pressure of Olympic Judo competition, but time for grass roots Judo players and the future of the sport Be well everyone🙏🙏🙏

Are you a youngster with a dream?.. or Anyone with a dream that's not yet been achieved? If so, perhaps this post may motivate or inspire you to make a decision, take aligned action and persist purposely with This morning from bedroom view, (In picture), I wote this little lived story from events that happened over 40 years ago and even over 40 years later tge pain I felt came into my mind Putting it simply The pain I felt in Childbirth ( both times) was relatively much less painful than what I experienced during the event I described At 15 years old I had this dream of -representing GB for judo, -becoming a 1st Dan black belt, fighting in Olympics -then becoming a judo coach and teaching judo After 3 years of dedicated persistence at age of 18 I was awarded my 1st Dan Black belt in Judo & I was midland area champion and reserve for national squad Then I decided to learn how to climb & as I increased in confidence I climbed higher up cliff faces I thought that I'd increase my strength and face a fear I had of heights A few months later just after my 19th birthday I was climbing a cliff face in Symonds Yat and as my right arm reached up and pulled me up I heard a wrench & screamed My whole shoulder & arm couldn't move & I had never felt so much pain before I was helped down by ny fellow mountaineers Turns out I'd ripped my whole shoulder rotator cuff & dislocated the joint needed a shoulder operation This I had a few years later , but my dream was smashed So I focused on creating a new dream related to rebuilding my life back through a range of MindPower techniques that I didn't know were MindPower techniques at the time. & Although I couldn't compete at international level I did became a judo coach in due course & Taught judo AND so I achieved 2 of my goals but failed at one 2 outta 3 was seen as failure by me for a very long time But If I'd not experienced what I did I wouldn't -have done in my life what I did -be doing now what I do and helping others as I do and have done -have gotten through childbirth with no pain relief at all So If you hold onto the dream & Decide to go for it & Act in alignment & persist purposefully You'll work towards something bigger than you AND When hit by challenges The dream may still inspire & motivate you AND With a philosophy of self believe, you'll still achieve, experience and feel more success than if you had not

Verbal Judo In my 35 years of martial arts experience, both as a student and as an instructor, I've heard countless stories of students who survived violent and/or near violent encounters. Hollywood would have us believe that each one of these victories centers around great acts of athleticism, exquisite timing or physical mastery of sophisticated techniques. In reality, some of the greatest stories told to me were victories created by what is known as verbal judo. Verbal judo is defined as the gentile art of persuasion that redirects others behavior with words. In self defense terms, it is simply the ability to momentarily neutralize a potential attacker using your wits rather than brawn. The concept of disrupting an attacker's mindset (often described as putting your assailant into the OODA loop) is typically taught through any number of strikes or kicks during a physical engagement. What is often overlooked in training is the ability to put your attacker into that disrupted state through tactical language; words that are not situationally anticipated and therefore create a confused mindset for a moment or two. The following are two true stories which showcase how verbal skills preempted intended violent actions: I have a student who has trained with me for several years. He works as a doctor in a hospital and, one day, as he was walking down the hall of one of the pavilions, he encountered an emotionally altered patient who was physically threatening a nurse. As soon as the attacker saw my student approach, he yelled "stand back, I'm trained to use lethal force!”. Without hesitation, my student replied, “That's funny! I'm trained in that too!”. He said this with a big smile on his face. Not knowing what to do with this, the attacker broke into a smile, extended his hand in friendship, and replied, “what a coincidence, we should be friends!”. This immediately broke the mood and resolved the situation peacefully. My second story involves a personal friend of mine who has never trained self-defense, but is a trained actor in Los Angeles. While returning from a business trip late one evening, he found himself being followed by 3 menacing figures. He could feel they were closing in, so he realized he had to act fast. My untrained thespian immediately turned around and said in as calm yet confident voice as he could muster, “The three of you are in great danger if you don't step back right now!”. Confused by this unexpected warning, they stopped in their tracks, looked at each other and froze. Finally, my buddy just stared expressionless at them and simply said, “Run. Now.”. They all took off in different directions. Understand, there's a certain amount of luck that goes into surviving any potentially violent encounter, and the effectiveness of any de-escalation is directly related to the type of threat being observed. Verbal judo, ultimately, is about assessing the situation and introducing an unanticipated response to an attacker's threat.

In December I got my black belt in Judo. Here are 5 of the biggest wins I have found along the way. 1. Being Humble, taking a Learning Mindset Over the ~10 years of development, I have received many beatings. No matter how good I get, there is always someone ready to show me my journey is far from complete. That's something beautiful about the sport - there is incredible depth of mastery possible. I have found that, leading a company, it is very useful to be constantly reminded that there are other people in the world that are more skilled, knowledgeable, and physically strong than I am. This is true even in areas I have a lot of practice, and where I am generally considered skilled. It is a big asset to be optimistic as a founder - practicing combat sports provides a nice balance where you have a more realistic view of your own capabilities. I know you can get this lesson from other sports and activities - but the lesson hits harder when it includes a physical beating. 😂 Will Nitze in relation to your recent post - I think overconfidence on the part of the founder - thinking they are the smartest, most knowledgeable person on every subject - is one of the biggest reasons that 75% of businesses fail. 2. Goal and Data Orientation, Discipline I love to compete in tournaments. Prepping for successful performance at a competition involves strategic thinking, goal setting, data orientation, and discipline. I have a lot of thoughts on this - considering a series of posts documenting my preparation for my next tournament. 3. I Can Do it with my Kids My kids do judo too, and I get to coach them. They get to also see me practice. I think there is massive value in involving our kids in our own sport - having them see that being physically active is the right way to live life. Mark A. Samuel you talk about this a lot in the context of your morning workouts and I think its so important. 4. Focus for Physical Strength and Conditioning I am a very competitive person, as I think a lot of founders and leaders are. Orienting around that competitive trait can be very useful! Because I want to be able to WIN at Judo, especially at competitions, I am motivated to go to the gym and lift weights, run, stay lean with healthy eating, get good sleep… Sure in an ideal world I would be motivated sufficiently by fitness itself. But hey - know what motivates you and use it! I’m 41 years old and I feel like I could run through a wall. 5. The Journey Never Ends What i have earned is my “Shodan” - first degree black belt. There is a lot more to learn! I also love competing. This will be a lifelong passion. Matt Whiteside and Matthew Kubick - I know you have both posted about the benefits of martial arts training - do you see other benefits I haven’t mentioned? Honestly I could have kept going. If any of you do Judo or Jiu Jitsu, hmu next time you're in Toronto and lets roll! All - chime in below with what your sport is and how it helps you!

The character 講 (lecture, club, association) is a compound ideogram consisting of semantic and phonetic components. 冓 (kō) is a pictogram representing a construction of wooden blocks arranged similarly at both top and bottom, symbolizing two sides adopting the same posture. This pictogram inspired 構 (kumiki, interlocking wooden elements). 講 combines 言 (speak) with the phonetic component 冓, signifying a conversation that leads to mutual understanding between two parties. 道 (path, road, district, journey, course, morality, doctrine) is another compound ideogram, formed from the components 辵 (action of the legs) and the phonetic component 首 (atama, head), indicating a path advanced upon by turning the head. When related to 迪 (michi, path), it represents a path extending from a single point. 館 (building, mansion, large building, palace) is also a compound ideogram. 官, part of 館, is a composite of 宀 (roof, house) and 𠂤 (company, group, stack), depicting the house of a 公用人 (kōyōnin, public servant) with a troop force. As 官's meaning shifted to government official, the addition of 食 (eat) later represented a place where government officials could dine. 館 combines 食 (eat) with the phonetic component 官. Together, these characters form 講道館, literally "the building for teaching the way". This refers to the Kodokan Judo Institute, a global judo landmark founded in 1882 by Kano Jigoro. It serves as a hub for judo expansion, overseeing rankings, competitions, trainings, and publications. Judo, blending Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū and Kitō-ryū jujutsu, advocates flexibility and natural postures, focusing on techniques for throwing and subduing opponents, incorporating defensive and offensive moves, and sword and spear techniques. The institute also delves into strategies for handling larger opponents and integrating martial arts into physical education. Jigoro Kano, a respected educator and martial artist, established various educational institutions and chaired the Japan Sports Association. Celebrated as the "Father of Japanese Physical Education", he outlined three primary objectives for judo in an 1889 lecture. Kano emphasized gradual learning, promoting judo as a lifestyle rather than a competitive sport, advocating it as a tool for physical education and instilling moral qualities like cleanliness and life preservation. He supported respect, etiquette, and the principle of gentleness: strengthening oneself using the opponent's force. Hence, judo literally means "the gentle way". Kano highlighted efficient energy use as a judo fundamental, extending this ideology to the application of physical and mental strength. And there you have it - another dip into the profound ocean of the Japanese language! If you've enjoyed this journey and appreciated our expertise, remember: when it comes to localizing your games, leave it to the specialists. We don't just translate, we understand. #gamedev #indiedev #gameloc #translation #localization #translate #localize #l10n

Judo helps improve stamina. Judo is a martial art and sport that can indeed help improve stamina, but its impact on stamina depends on how it is practiced and the individual's training goals. Here's how Judo can contribute to improved stamina: Cardiovascular Endurance: Judo involves intense physical activity and bouts of high-intensity effort. This can include grappling, throwing, and ground work, which require strength, agility, and endurance. Engaging in prolonged training and sparring sessions can help increase cardiovascular endurance over time. Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditioning: Judo training typically combines both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. The aerobic component involves continuous movement and engagement throughout a match, while the anaerobic aspect includes bursts of high-intensity activity during throws and ground work. This dual conditioning can help improve overall stamina and fitness. Muscular Endurance: Judo requires the use of various muscle groups, particularly in the legs, arms, and core. Continuous practice of Judo techniques and drills can help improve muscular endurance, allowing practitioners to sustain physical effort for longer periods. Mental Stamina: Judo is not only a physically demanding sport but also a mentally challenging one. Practitioners need to stay focused, make quick decisions, and adapt to their opponents' actions. Developing mental stamina is an important aspect of Judo training. Interval Training: Judo often involves short, intense bursts of activity (like throws) followed by brief rest periods. This type of interval training can improve both aerobic and anaerobic stamina. It's important to note that to achieve these stamina improvements, consistent and dedicated training is required. Individuals who practice Judo regularly and participate in competitions or sparring sessions tend to experience the greatest stamina benefits. Additionally, a well-rounded fitness program, including aerobic conditioning, strength training, and flexibility exercises, can complement Judo training and enhance overall stamina. While Judo can help improve stamina, it is just one of many activities that can do so. The best exercise regimen for enhancing stamina may vary depending on individual preferences and fitness goals. It's always a good idea to consult with a coach or fitness expert to create a training plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. #Aerobic #Stamina #Judo #Exercises #AlphaFitness #Fitness #Health #AlphaFitness.Health

Boy's Weakness A 10-year-old boy decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei,"(Teacher in Japanese) 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 sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei 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 deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue." Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical 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 sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?" "You won for two reasons," the sensei 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 grab your left arm." The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength. Moral: Sometimes we feel that we have certain weaknesses and we blame God, the circumstances or ourselves for it but we never know that our weaknesses can become our strengths one day. Each of us is special and important, so never think you have any weakness, never think of pride or pain, just live your life to its fullest and extract the best out of it!".

1. Clarisse Agbegnenou: Judo Mastery and Mental Strength Message: Mastery of mental resilience is as crucial as physical prowess in achieving top athletic performance. Clarisse Agbegnenou, a French judoka, has become a dominant figure in the world of judo, not only for her physical skills but also for her mental toughness. A five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, Agbegnenou's journey to the top was marked by overcoming significant defeats and learning from them. Her ability to stay focused under pressure and turn previous losses into learning opportunities exemplifies how mental resilience can lead to greatness. Agbegnenou inspires athletes to maintain mental fortitude in the face of challenges, highlighting that mental preparation is as essential as physical training. 2. Geraint Thomas: From Track to Tour de France Triumph Message: Versatility and the willingness to adapt can lead to success across different domains of a sport. Geraint Thomas, a Welsh professional cyclist, began his career on the track, winning Olympic gold medals before transitioning to road cycling. His adaptability paid off when he won the Tour de France in 2018, demonstrating that skills learned in one area can be effectively transferred to another. Thomas’s story teaches that embracing change and continuously evolving one's abilities can open new paths to success, even in highly competitive fields. 3. Courtney Dauwalter: Ultrarunning and the Power of Endurance Message: Exceptional endurance and a positive outlook can redefine the limits of human performance. Courtney Dauwalter specializes in ultra-distance running, competing in races that extend hundreds of miles, often in harsh conditions. Known for her extraordinary endurance and positive attitude, Dauwalter has won several prestigious ultramarathons, including the Moab 240 race by more than ten hours ahead of the second-place finisher. Her achievements challenge conventional boundaries of endurance and demonstrate that with a positive mindset and extraordinary resilience, one can achieve seemingly impossible feats. Dauwalter's approach encourages embracing extreme challenges and pushing beyond perceived limits. These stories of Clarisse Agbegnenou, Geraint Thomas, and Courtney Dauwalter illustrate the diverse ways in which athletes achieve greatness. Whether through mental resilience, adaptability, or sheer endurance, each story provides unique insights into overcoming obstacles and achieving success in highly demanding sports.

POLEMICAL JUDO Truth is so last century, isn't it? First it got deconstructed. Then it got replaced. Now you can't find it with both hands, it sometimes seems. Churchill once quipped, "A lie makes it halfway around the world before the truth has time to get its pants on." Truth ain't got no pants any longer. And the lie goes way further than halfway 'round. Just check out your Facebook or X feed. Alas. How do we get off this cliff edge? The well-named Constitution of Knowledge is 350 years old, but no longer going strong. Once it was understood, and agreed, that truth-seeking was a Process. Everything was subject to verification; and all could be fallible. Truth was impersonal. Now Truth is the most personal of things. And verification is so utterly out. Confirmation bias is the new truthiness. "It just Feels True." Adorable, right?   The tendency of fragile humans to manipulation has been thoroughly weaponized. And the brains of many, here and abroad, have been kidnapped. Turns out the best tool for kidnapping a brain is outrage. The mechanism entails dividing, disorienting and dominating. What we witness is Epistemic warfare. (Epistemology, as you know, is the study of knowing what and how we know.) By firehosing falsehoods -- what the great Steve Bannon memorably termed "flooding the zone with shit" -- we invite the privitization of truthiness. So how do we conduct what the author Neal Stephenson termed "polemical judo"? Turns out that talking about truth in the abstract is hard, to put it mildly. Alternative realities are addressed first by acknowledgement. The attack is underway. Agreed? Social media, we have seen, is hostile to truth. It is beyond awesome at brain-scrambling. How do you "save" your crazy Uncle Eddie from Fox-ification? Change the subject. Talk about something else. Use your personal connection to provide some non-conflict-triggering observations. "How about them Niners?" Stephenson suggests place some bets. Then the better has skin in the truth game. All we can do -- as citizens and media critics -- is slow down the spread of untruth. That's eminently do-able, and ever more necessary. And remember, unreality is a bad business model. Glimpsing how things are and therefore are likely to become is crucial, for survival, for profit and ultimately democracy. You can bet on that.