While sitting here doing nothing in particular, I began to think of the last time I had a chance to work with O-sensei Philip Porter of the late USJA and now of the USMAA. Sensei Porter is the Father of American Judo for those of you who do not know him. BUT.... he is also one of the more controversial men in martial arts in the 20th and 21st century. Why? Because he is all about the money. Everything about rank and teaching has a price tag attached to it. But you know what? Having that knowledge of him doesn't bother me so much because I know that going into a seminar with him. I know for those 4+ hrs he's going to give me everything he has. He holds nothing back and gets on the mats with us, even at the ripe young age of 80 years old.
Money aside, having the priviledge to work with this man is something I will never forget. Unlike many of the "living legends" that are still with us, he still gets in there and works with his students. Here is a man who can tell a story about the "good old days" and then show it to you. How rare is it today to get that? A venerable old veteran who is no hypocrite and lives and respects the principles of others. He doesn't care what affiliation you belong to, what religion you practice, what part of the country you come from, or what your educational level is. He is the real thing.
SO.... next time you are talking to those who have "done it all" in their martial arts career and are living on their reputation alone, and seem to make the rules as they go along, think of people like Philip Porter sensei who doesn't give a sh** and still goes out and proves himself day after day. This guy will probably die out on the mat. Hate to see him go, but where else would you want to be!
mike