Tributes & Honor

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Tributes

In Memory of my Sensei, my Professor, and my Dear Friend: Dr. Rob Brady

Dr. Brady (kneeling far left) and the Stetson University Judo Club Dr. Brady & Doug Clark

Dr. Rob Brady was a Professor of Philosophy at Stetson University, and the Director of the Judo Program there, which he started in the early 1970s. It was one of the largest Judo programs at any College in Florida. Dr. Brady began Judo as a college student at the University of California at Berkeley under Uchida Sensei. Though only 127 lbs at the time, he quickly proved himself to be a skilled and determined competitor, often defeating opponents up to 100 lbs heavier than himself. Sensei Uchida suggested to Dr. Brady that he could be a top US Judo competitor, and advised him to pursue a Judo career. But Dr. Brady chose an academic career and proceeded to Harvard University, and eventually to Claremont College to receive his Ph.D in Philosophy. Upon receiving his teaching appointment at Stetson University, Brady immediately started a Judo Club and began teaching Judo. Though only holding the rank of Ikkyu, Dr. Brady began teaching and competing in Florida, quickly making a name for himself and his students. After defeating 3 Sandans at one tournament, Brady was told that he either accept promotion to Shodan or stop competing. During his time at Stetson, Rob Brady took several State Championship titles in both Seniors and Masters categories. In 1984 Dr. Brady took a Silver Medal at the US Nationals in the Masters Division, winning every match up to the finals by ippon. He also competed and practiced Kata, taking gold medals in several state competitions. In addition to being a Judo Competitor & Instructor, Dr. Brady also actively participated in the State Judo organization. After a period of misuse of State funds by an officer(s) in the State Judo Organization, Dr. Brady took over the position as State Treasurer and again restored integrity and sound accounting practices to the State Judo Organization. He kept this position until 1988 when he vacated the office after receiving a Fullbright Scholarship to teach in Germany for 1 year. Aside from teaching the most popular P.E. Class at Stetson University, Dr. Brady also coached the Stetson Judo Team. His Students often took medals in State Championships as well as dominating many local tournaments. In the true spirit of Professor Kano, Dr. Brady inspired his students to excel in academics, in Judo, and in life. He had a profound impact on many students, and on one student in particular (the author of this article). Dr. Brady was known for his intellect and his strong opinions, but he was also known for his integrity, his sense of humor, and his humanity. He loved life, and lived it to the full. In addition to being a Philosopher, he was also a pioneer in computer assisted education. He developed Logic Works in the mid 1980s, which was an innovative piece of software that helped revolutionize the teaching of Logic at the university level. He was also an expert Sailor, having sailed up and down the US East Coast with his beloved wife Betty, as well as serving as a crew member aboard a racing yacht during one of the Trans Bermuda races. He took up hang gliding, played music, and was an accomplished carpenter. And if that was not enough, he was also a loving father who helped raise two exceptional daughters (Susan and Jenny), and he devoted husband to his wife Betty. To me Rob Brady was a Mentor, a Sensei, and a dear Friend. He died in March 1st of 2004 as a result of a complication during a routine surgical procedure. Florida Judo lost a powerful advocate and friend that day. My Judo Club, Metro Orlando Judo Kai, is dedicated to his memory.

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   In Memory of a Great Sensei & Man: Dr. Sachio Ashida Kodokan 9th Dan (1924-2009)

"The emblem of our dojo has great significance. The center of the emblem is the Ashida family crest, awarded to the family, with their name, by Minamoto No Yorinobu in approximately 1028 AD. The Minamoto clan was descended from the Emperor Seiwa (858-876), included descendants of emperors from the Emperor Saga to the Emperor Koko, and is considered representative of the rise of the warrior class. The remains of the foundation of the castle in which that first Ashida family ancestor lived and served as regional battalion leader for Minanoto No Yorinobu can be found at the foot of Mount Atago in the town of Hikami in the prefecture of Hyogo. The crest, musubi-karigane represents a goose whose wings are bound, a symbol of peace. The Japanese characters around the crest are translated in the lower half of the circle...The Dojo's name reflects the visionary philosophies of its founder, Sachio Ashida, Phd., Kodokan Kudan. The word Ren means to knead or temper. Shin is the mind, heart, and thought processes. Kan is a club or society. Therefore, the name Renshinkan means a club where one tempers the mind and spirit, making them stronger, yet more flexible. Judo is the path of duty, justice, and truth through gentleness. The philosophies which guide the tempering process are reflected in the principles of seiryoku zenyo, jita kyoei, and in fudo-shin." (taken from the Renshinkan Dojo website)

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I was not fortunate enough, nor had the honor, to be one of Dr. Ashida's students. But even so, my
brief association with him over the years had an enormously positive impact on my life and my
understanding of Judo. I was nobody to him, just another Judoka in the crowd, but he was so much
to me. From the first time I saw him in 1988 to the last time I saw him in 2005, Dr. Ashida
exemplified to me the greatest virtues of Judo: honesty, spirit, and service. Dr. Ashida was as
he appeared... he never hid his brilliance or talent, nor did he hide his flaws. He was a work in
progress, always thinking, always perfecting. But he was also a man who could enjoy the simplest
thing, without always trying to attach a meaning or an explanation. Any success I might have in
Judo, either as a competitor or as an Instructor, is due in large part to Dr. Ashida's instruction and to
the example he gave me by the way he lived his life. I am truly in his debt, and will remember him
always. It is my sincere hope that in my capacity as an instructor that I will honor his memory.
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Below is one of the touching tributes on display at the Celebration of Dr. Ashida's life on August 2, 2009 in Brockport, New York. The event was hosted by Dr. Ashida's loving daughters Margaret and Janet Ashida-Johnson and her family.


Doug Clark & Tom Morimoto visit Dr. Ashida at his Dojo (Renshinkan) in Brockport, New York

IJF Class A International Referee Dr. Sachio Ashida

Dr. Ashida demonstrating a throw

Dr. Ashida at his Michigan Dojo in the mid 1960s.

Kodokan 9th Dan Dr. Sachio Ashida gives instruction to Janet Ashida-Johnson (Godan)and Don Johnson.

Dr. Ashida throwing a student at his Michigan Dojo during the mid 1960s.

Doug Clark & Mateo Gonzalez receiving instruction in Goshin Jutsu by Dr. Ashida

Dr. Ashida with Y. Kano ( Jigoro Kano's grandson) at a Kodokan celebration.

Dr. Ashida (Kudan) with T. Daigo (Judan) at the Kodokan

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