Sunday, November 30, 2008

A True Judo Expert

By now, I'm sure you are aware of how I feel about the term "martial arts expert" being handed to everyone and everything earning a black belt. If not, do feel free to use the word 'nonsense' (or some similar, perhaps even stronger, words).

A 12-year-old taekwondo or karate "expert" with a few years of training? Yeah, right... So, just in case you wonder, this is what I consider an expert.

78-year-old Pat Toner from New Zealand has recently been awarded the very high grade of seventh dan in judo after 60 years of learning the art.

Mr Toner -- a former British Royal Marine -- began training when he was 18 and he still works out every day, either at the gym or the Wellington Judo Academy. The enduring competitor says the secret to his success and longevity was his discipline.

Congratulations, Mr Toner; well deserved!

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