“Victory of Defeat: It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how strong men stumbled or the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by sweat and dust and blood; whose errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasts. The great devotion and spends himself in worthy causes. Who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never with those cold and timid souls who know whether victory or defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt
O’Sensei Major Phillip S. Porter passed away on August 7, 2011. His Judo accomplishments are legendary not only as a competitor, judge, but also the promoter of American Judo. Along with Professor Walter Todd he freed American Civilian and Military Judo students and instructors from the oppressive political yoke of Japanese dominated Judo policies. Virtually controlled for years by Japan, American Judo’s progress was consistently impeded. It is difficult for new Judo students to understand the politics of Judo in the early years. O’Sensei Porter and Professor Todd with support from General Curtis Lemay of the U.S. Air Force opened doors for U.S. Judo that were previously thought not to be possible.
Mrs. Porter recently released the revised version of his book Judo from the Beginning. Originally published in 1974, it was the first book written by a non-Japanese that was approved by the Kodokan. The book’s value lies primarily in its historic significance. Having had the opportunity to train with many of those mentioned in the book adds nostalgic significance for me. These were the pioneers of American Judo. It is important for the current students who are serious about Judo to study American Judo history in order to appreciate these pioneers.
Chapter Two, The Soul of Judo, is especially profound. The concept of O’Sensei has been convoluted by the self-promoted. This chapter deals with the meaning of Sensei a title which, in the past, was bestowed on those who had dedicated their lives to teaching and sacrifice. Now, titles are bandied about with little regard, knowledge or understanding of their real meaning.
There is a sad and disappointing note to his story. When O’Sensei Porter first wrote this book he was continuing toward the pinnacle of his teaching prowess as well as USJA’s unlimited potential. He had been a successful competitor, promoter of Judo, referee and founder of two Judo organizations. He was the supportive and powerful voice for students and small schools. These schools had been ostracized by the politically orientated Japanese controlled organization. It is unclear what happened with his administrative board’s support. I’ve heard both sides of the story, at the very least he was undermined and blindsided by those he had faith in and trusted.
I know how hurtful it is to be betrayed by a student that you tried to help. It takes years to get over, if you ever do get over it. The outgrowth of USMAA was the result of the change in leadership at USJA.
Most students have no interest in associations. They trust the organizational decisions to their instructors. It is the head instructor’s responsibility to select the organization that best supports their programs. Students should study all areas of history including American history, the U.S. constitution and state histories. To truly understand martial arts, students should also have a historical understanding of their organization as well as its founder. The value of this book is not in the politically revised aspect which focuses on USMAA. This may be of interest to some, but should not be considered the focal point of the book.
“Too many Judo organizations, most of which do not have the athlete’s best interest at heart, coach. The existing Judo organizations are not concerned with the future of American Judo, but only with their own personal gain…in all the time that Judo has appeared in the Olympic Games, since 1964, the United States has never won an Olympic Gold Medal. Taekwondo has won more medals in two Olympic Games than Judo has in six.” Sensei Willy Cahill, Olympic & Pam American Judo Coach
During all of the years that I knew him, his goal was to improve Judo for everyone. He envisioned a better organization and training opportunity for the elite international competitor as well as the local competitors and their dedicated instructors.
“Martial art begins and ends with respect.” Lowry
There are those who were never supportive of the Armed Forces Judo Association or the United States Judo Association. They have been a continuously noisy voice. O’Sensei Porter was responsible for the emancipation of Judo from negatively controlling factions. The fact that he was successful in this endeavor, beyond everyone’s expectations, may have been what caused the betrayal of his vision for USJA and American Judo. Whether or not he would have been able to have such success with USMAA we will never know.
For his life’s work and dedication to martial arts and students from white belt to advanced black belt we will be eternally grateful.
Pacific Rim Martial Arts Academy 