Fond memories, brighter days ahead

There is this distinctive smell of judo mats that somehow wakes me up like a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day.

It must be the memories of many matches in my younger days and the hours that we spent on the tatami trying to hone our skills in falling and throwing hoping to bring home a medal in the next tournament.

Last Sunday, the mats smelled just the same way that they used to. Well, this time my teammates and I were not competing, but just helped in the various chores that had to be done and watched the action in the 2006 Cebu City All-Whitebelt Judo Tournament with much gusto.

I'm sure they also missed those days when our waistlines were six, or for some, ten inches smaller and our bodyweights were 20 to 50 pounds lighter. I understand even more for some, but since they're my buddies I won't really press the matter.

This time, we did not sweat from having to play many matches or just by simply putting on our judogis made of double-woven Japanese cotton. It was a little humid, but we did not seem to mind. It was like a chance to look back at the good old days.

Gone are the years when we were the players and sometimes also the organizers alongside my brothers and sisters from the Tao Brotherhood and Sisterhood. This time, we've moved forward as organizers, referees, parents, official and unofficial coaches, and fans.

Lawyer Vicente Fernandez II, who introduced me to judo back in early 1987 during one Friday afternoon, is now our chapter president.

Then there is Tracy Tradio, who was hooked to the sport while still in high school and have been considered as our youngest brother in the group. He was one of the referees during the tournament.

Then there were Tirso 'Jinggoy' Roa and Stefan Sulay, who once lorded over in the lightest weight classes during our younger years. This time, you can't imagine how small they were then, but they sure know their judo despite some injuries that are keeping them from playing.

Even our coach, Leonardo 'Jojo' Roa, Jr., came along with his wife Daisy. Much of what I know about judo came from Jojo, who took time to sharpen my raw skills and gave me exercises to make my hips flexible so I could perform certain throws.

I can do some mean throws, but the exercises did not do anything to help my dancing skills, but that's just fine, I can still enjoy dancing by watching members of Team Cebu City Dancesport led by one of my sporting idols, Edward Hayco and his lovely wife Eleanor.

Back to judo.

Ninong Eddie Cimafranca, who was a member of the Green and Gold Kimonos (the old name of the University of San Carlos Judo Club in the 1950s and the 60s), told me some stories of those great years for judo in Cebu.

Last Sunday, he was one of five people who were honored for their contribution to the sport.

As one of the men, who I look up to for guidance, I'd hope to see him more often in the coming days to learn more about what they had done in the past that we may be able to use in the present time.

Others, who were given recognition, were Alexander Choachuy, Sr., Ciriaco 'Noy Cacoy' Cañete, Nestor 'Noy Boy' Ducante, and Perfecto de los Reyes.

Last Sunday, we were also honored by the presence of Sensei Phil Porter, the founder of the United States Martial Arts Association, where Vic, Tracy and I are now lifetime members.

There's much that can be done for judo if we get our acts together. Last Sunday, it was proven with help from the Cebu City Sports Commission, Yoshi Mizutani and my good friend Charles Lim, who hooked us up with Universal Robina Corporation for some giveaways.

Let's keep this flame burning.