I'm a Sandan (3rd Degree) in Judo and a Shodan (1st Degree) in Japanese Jujitsu also, although I have not practiced in about 10 years. Started when I was 12 and trained until my mid - 30's, spent a lot of time around different clubs and stepped on the mat with many Olympians including Ronda Rousey and her mom Ann Marie DeMars. Judo is a great martial art / sport to learn but it takes time and it can be a tough journey especially if you compete. Congrats on the IJF program Charles, it looks like a great way to formalize a lot of learning that most of us pick up over time as we coach.
I am a huge fan of both Dr. AnnMaria De Mars and Ronda Rousey. I have been in the presence of both on multiple occasions. My coach, Maurice Allan, MBE wrote the forward to Dr. De Mars book, co-written with Jimmy Pedro, Sr. Dr. DeMars was kind enough to autograph my copy. On an education note - Dr. DeMars is the founder and President of 7 Generation Games. She produces very cool Native American-themed math and social study educational games. She may still be looking for investors.
Justin Trudeau boxes. Jagmeet Singh, leader of his semi-opposition, semi-governing-partner New Democratic Party, wrestles and does BJJ. Vice researched a fun little article predicting which party leader would win different types of physical fight against the other.
Yes, he does. And I remember his fight with Sen. Patrick Brazeau -which "Mr. T." won. That bout raised over $200,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation - making it a VERY good evening for both contenders. The sort of thing I like to see politicians accomplish. Great use of their power and visibility! An account of that famous battle here: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/the-fight-how-justin-trudeau-outclassed-patrick-brazeau-five-years-ago-in-a-boxing-match-for-the-ages Jagmeet Singh? Meh. I'd welcome the idea of a Sikh Prime Minister - just not Jagmeet. I have all sorts of political reservations about the man AND his party. But on a fashion front, he wears excellent suits and his color sense is top-notch, as can be seen in his great choice of turbans. I see him as a potentially VERY successful male model - but not as a Prime Minister.
And as a martial artist - I don't know how he fares at all. Not in a position to judge. Just being one likely gives cachet to both politicians and models, I'm sure.
I am unfamiliar with Canadian Politics as well as Sikh Culture. Here is a fun video from several years ago. Mr. Jagmeet Singh appears to be a very likeable gentleman. My critique of his technique: His throw Uki Goshi (Floating Hip Throw) was fair. His transition to Juji Gatame (Cross Armlock) was slow and unrealistic. He also should have closed his legs as he extended the arm. Jagmeet Sing
Much to my delight, Dr. DeMars is blogging again, now called 'Life on DeMars.' Sometimes it's about judo, often it's about much more. I particularly enjoyed this morning's - 'Forget that - Just happy to be here - shit.' http://www.lifeondemars.com/2022/09/12/forget-that-just-happy-to-be-here-shit/