San Jose Buddhist Judo Club Tournament: in memory of Fukuda Sensei one year after her passing
The San Jose Buddhist Judo Club tournament took place on February 9, 2014. We wanted to be sure to highlight this momentous occasion dedicated to Sensei's memory as it was on the one year anniversary of her death.
Here are some kind reflections from Pam Mery, 3rd Dan, Senior Instructor at the Soko Joshi Judo Club, a student of Sensei's:
I met Sensei in 1993, so I only knew her during her 80s and 90s, but it was easy to forget about her "advanced" age. Her spirit was still young and vital. Sensei lived life fully and adventurously -- from going on trips, to trying a new restaurant, to relishing ice cream like a kid. And she enjoyed being generous and had a particular connection to each of us. Sometimes that meant taking you to a special birthday dinner. Other times that meant stern judo discipline as she drew out your best on the mat with "mo ichido kudasai" -- one more time.
Much about what I miss is hard to convey in words. It's what I see and hear in my memory. Her sudden and infectious laughter when one of us accidentally did something ridiculous on the mat. The particular face she would make when a judo form fell short of her expectations -- an expression that made you want to try again. The look of approval on those precious occasions when you surprised her with exceptional technique. In all of these moments it was always clear that she wanted the best from us, as well as the best for us. I am tremendously grateful for her love and for her example.
 
pictured: Fran Christie, Wilina Monar, pictured: Marti Malloy
Pam Mery,Anastasia Jernigan Olympic Bronze Medalist in Judo
Thank you Pam! Your words are touching and a great ode to her memory. Thank you Arik-Quang V. Dao for the beautiful photographs and Thank you to everyone at the San Jose Buddhist Judo Club for keeping Sensei Fukuda's spirit alive.
Past Screenings:
Festival Cine Deporte in Oaxaca Mexico
March 4, 2014
pictured: Javier Carrera García and Alexanderson Bolano, festival director at Cine Deporte
In December of 2013, I went to Milan for the International Sports Film Festival where I met Alexanderson Bolano, director of Festival Cine Deporte in Oaxaca Mexico. In February, MRS JUDO had it's Mexican premiere! And Javier Carrera Garcia, a Tai Chi instructor and former student of Fukuda Sensei turned up for the screening. It may be a small world but Fukuda Sensei's influence was undeniably big. Thanks to everyone at the Oaxaca Film Festival!
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