This was what inspired me to write this post:
In reading up and researching for my film paper, I'd chanced across many interesting reviews and facts about the movies I'm writing about - Rashomon (Akira Kurosawa, 1950) and Sin City (Frank Miller, 2005) - and that's when I saw this! - "Kurosawa began his career in 1943 with a movie called Sugata Sanshiro, about a boy learning the meaning of life through Judo."
Haha.. that totally increased my respect and love for Kurosawa. Cos really, Rashomon's one of the most significant films in the history of cinema to date, an eloquent masterpiece which twisted and diverged from the usual narrative structure. It was also the single movie which, upon shooting to international stardom, revolutionized film language and turned the world's attention to Japanese (Asian) films, increasing their respect and appreciation for the East and their filmmakers.
Uh-oh, strayed a lil' too much. Supposed to write about Judo and its impact on me! Haha. Actually I just wanted to say that Judo'd been a most meaningful part of my life for the past 10 years from Sec 1 till now. It's not just about the people I've met, really, but whom I've become as a result of taking up the martial art. I've matured alot these years, knowingly and unknowingly. Being there for my juniors; helping and taking care of others - those were what'd shaped my personality, character and satisfaction in life - to be, or want to be a mentor and provide guidance to others. And of course, the dojo had been the single place where I've met some of my most cherished friends:
My teammates, having gone through thick and thin for many years we stood at the frontline together (literally, haha). My countless batches of juniors, whom I still cherish and hold dear after many years of graduation. And of course, and perhaps most importantly, Vicki, who was and is still more than a junior and friend to me. It all started when I became her training partner (who used to be 2 sacks of rice heavier than her), HAHA.. bleah. :)
So really, I would say Judo'd been (albeit dreary and tough at times) where I've forged many meaningful friendships and learnt about myself; it'd indeed taught me valuable lessons on motivation, discipline, endurance, relationships and many more. And now I suddenly feel like revisiting the dojo with familiar faces again..