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ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

May 21, 2008

IN MEMORIUM

BRETT WOOD-TAYLOR

1951 - 2008

So when your eulogy is being read

With your life’s action to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

Linda Ellis

The DASH by Linda Ellis was written in 1996.  This poem has been a comfort to many folks over the years and I would like to give my interpretation of what this means to me.  The dash or hyphen is used to connect words or syllables together.  But in life, the dash represents the alpha and omega of one’s life, the beginning and end, the mark on a tombstone signifying birth and death.  So what does this DASH mean?  What does it mean in the continuum of one’s life – the time spent on this earth?  What meaning, what importance, what value can we give this dash? 

At birth, there is but innocence. A new hope for a full and useful life. A mother’s hope for a healthy, happy child, a father’s hope for a successful career, a grandparent’s hope for a new generation.

As we grow, our dash turns to education, careers, spouses, our own children.  We are a measure of our accumulations of houses and cars, of activities and stuff.  It is a measure of our so-called wealth or could be a measure of one’s self-indulgence. 

As we pass the twilight of our years, we think less and less of those material things and think of our own mortality.  We know we will not live forever and that our dash will soon be a dying flame in some distant memory. 

But at the end of the day, we have to know that the dash is not a history book of material wealth because you can not take it with you.  We hope that our dash has meaning and is meaningful to those we have touched, to those we have loved, to those who love us.

In that, Brett Wood-Taylor’s dash has been long and fruitful. A dash that has stretched the continent from California to New York, from Florida to Washington, finally ending up in Fond du Lac Wisconsin.  He has touched hundreds and perhaps thousands of people, especially in his Judo career, as a competitor, as a coach, as a referee and most importantly as the Head Instructor of Welcome Mat Judo Club in Fond du Lac.  The legacy he leaves, one can only hope to achieve a tenth of that accomplishment.  In that, Brett has been wildly successful. 

His unselfishness, his dedication to Judo and to his family, his generosity to those in greater need than himself is legend.  His incomparable Santa’s laugh, driving all night to get ladder boards to Southern Illinois, his focus to attend meetings in Houston to make Judo better in the United States in spite of his illness, belies his fierce dedication and loyalty to the sport that taught him to be a man.  In this regard, he was more than a little crazy.  Crazy in a nice way, but crazy nonetheless.

Brett’s life cannot be summed up simply that he was a good man.  Brett’s life was complicated.  You could consider him a philosopher for the wisdom he imparted to his many students.  He was a teacher of the physical person as well as a teacher of the spirit and mind.  He was a wonderful companion to his wife, Margaret and a loving father to 5 kids, Terra, Genne, Chelsea, Brittany, and Brandon.  He was a friend you could count on.  His word was golden and if he promised something, consider it done.  Generous to a fault, much of his income was spent on Judo, his club and students and on gifts to friends.  It is just fortunate that Margaret was working all that time.  Otherwise, I think they would have been in the poor house. 

Brett’s life has been cut short much too soon.  He was only 57, not even three score.  But his legacy will follow him in the type of judoka’s we all become because we knew him, because of his wisdom, his loyalty and his friendship.  If he taught us anything, it is that loyalty is a virtue that cannot be entrusted to just anyone.  It must be earned and it must be sought.  It must be embedded in your core and you must wear it always.  It cannot be bought or sold.  It cannot be abused or ill-treated.  For in the end, loyalty defines your character, your honesty, your soul.  Brett Wood-Taylor has shown his loyalty to all who have been privileged know him. 

So at the end of his DASH, I say GOODBYE.  Goodbye seems so final, and perhaps it is.  And while it is a traditional parting phrase, it means “GOD BE WITH YE”.  So, Brett, God be with ye, my friend.  Goodbye and safe travel.

In friendship and love, your friend always,

Kei Narimatsu

The DASH – by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke of the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own,

The cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what’s true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile,

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last awhile.

So when your eulogy is being read

With your life’s action to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

© 1996 Linda Ellis

May 21, 2008

IN A NUTSHELL: 

Brett Wood-Taylor was born Jan 27, 1951 in Australia.  His Dad moved back to Vancouver, BC, the ancestral home of his tribe, the Nootka, when he was very young. Brett spent summers with his Grandparents who were part of the tribe.  He joined a Judo Club at the age of 5 (52 years in Judo).

Brett’s family moved to LA at the age of 13. As a typical Southern CA boy he learned to body surf and played water polo, but his first love was always Judo. He trained under Hayward Nishioka. At the age of 16, began to pay back Judo by becoming the head instructor at the Santa Monica Boys Club.

Brett traveled to Japan to train at the Kodokan. Attended UCLA. Joined the army and served in Viet Nam(served under fire but is something he never talks about). Moved to WI in 1980, was named alternate to the 1980 Olympic Team(the Olympics that the US Boycotted).  Brett has two children from his first marriage (Terra and Genne) and three children from his second marriage to Margaret, Brendan,Chelsea, and Brittany .

Changed his participation in Judo from competing to Refereeing (PJU C), Coaching (A-level), and Administrator (president of WI Judo). Promoted to 7th degree February 2008. Also holds 6th degree in Jujitsu.

Mark Frankel

Welcome Mat Judo Club

The following comments were written in February 2007 on the occasion of a tribute to Brett Wood-Taylor and originally published in the USJA Judo News

THE SPIRIT OF JUDO

By Mark Frankel, Welcome Mat Judo

A few months ago, I met a businessman who had recently moved into the Green  Bay area.

During our conversation, it came up that he had been a Judo competitor ‘back in the days’ and held the rank of Nidan. I invited him to come visit our Dojo if he ever had the interest to become active again.

He smiled and teasingly replied that he wasn’t aware that Wisconsin was such a Judo powerhouse. “Good tai sabaki” I thought to myself, as he deftly evaded my invitation. As I returned his smile, I let him know that we certainly do our best. The meeting ended and we went our separate ways. The conversation has continued to replay several times in my head.

Perhaps Wisconsin is not considered one of the strongest states for Judo by the usual measures.  We do not have the biggest clubs or the most elite players on the national rosters. However, the spirit of Judo is alive and well here in our state.

So where would you expect to find this spirit? In places like Madison and Milwaukee certainly, but also in places with names you have never heard of, like Neenah, Racine, Steven’s Point, Slinger, Sheboygan, Kenosha, Muskego, Grafton, and…Fond du Lac. In this quiet town of approximately 42,000 people, where, in an unassuming room on the second floor of the old Riverside Gym, we find the home of the Welcome Mat Dojo and Sensei Brett Wood-Taylor.

It is difficult to clearly explain Brett’s accomplishments in Judo. No one seems to know the full extent of what he has done except for him, and he is not talking. Here is a little history of what is known about the beginning of Brett's Judo career. Brett has always wanted to do Judo. One day, as a little boy living in Vancouver, BC, he passed a Dojo. He wanted to join but was told he had to wait  until he turned five years old. The day after his fifth birthday, he was there working out and has never left the sport that he loves. As of January 28, 2007, he has been a practitioner of Judo for 51 years.

Brett’s family later moved to Los Angeles, CA and again he sought out Judo. At the age of 13, he traveled ten miles by bicycle to find a man named Hayward Nishioka, already a national champion, to ask if he could train under him. Hayward took Brett under his tutelage and helped develop him into a National and International player.

When Brett was 16, he had already developed his sense of duty and Judo mainstay of "paying back". Brett took over coaching duties for the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club Judo Team. It was at this same time that he also started his refereeing career. Over the next couple of years, Brett also went to Japan to train on a several occasions. He competed at the World College Games as well as at a number of International tournaments, including the World Games. However, try as we may, it is very difficult to coax Brett into telling you how he did. He is always happy to talk about Judo, just not himself.

Brett moved to Wisconsin around 1980, and has given his time and energy to making Judo in Wisconsin and the Midwest the best it can be. He organized and trained most of the current National referees in the Wisconsin as well as surrounding states. He has conducted clinics in both competitive Judo and Kata. When the Kodokan Kata Tour was in the United States, along with major US cities such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, etc., where else did they stop? Why the little town of Fond du Lac of course!

In the early 1980’s, Brett sustained a back injury at work that ended his competitive career.  However, he immediately turned his drive and love of Judo into refereeing and coaching. As a referee, Brett has officially moved up to an IJF "C" level. His skill has allowed him to referee in the final medal matches of several international tournaments where there are supposed be only "A" level individuals presiding. He currently holds the rank of Rokudan in Judo and in Jujitsu as well as being certified in at least four Kata. This past January he was re-elected as President of Wisconsin Judo, Inc.

Brett’s Welcome Mat Judo Dojo runs more tournaments then any other club in the Midwest. At times, these tournaments involve hundreds of competitors. The children eagerly anticipate his Christmas tournament, the Santa’s Shiai, every year. And yes, Santa shows up every year to hand out presents as well, in his red judogi (and black belt).

This is just a sampling of the things he has done in his Judo career. How then can we explain the thousands of small things; helping us learn new skills, overcome frustration, become better people, lending a hand wherever it is needed, giving of himself and his time whether you are a nationally ranked competitor or a child learning ukemi? All of this forged by Brett’s deep feeling that he can never do enough to repay Judo for all that it has given to him.

Two years ago, Brett was diagnosed with liver and colon cancer. The typical person would despair at the news. However, Brett is not the typical person. He continues to beat the odds against this, his most challenging opponent. Despite multiple surgeries and the fatiguing side effects of medication and chemotherapy, he continues to spend his time and efforts to serve others and help them progress and grow in Judo.

So you see, the spirit of Judo is indeed alive and well here in Wisconsin and the Mid-West, and we continue to be blessed by such leaders who understand the meaning of “Mutual Benefit and Welfare”. Sensei Wood-Taylor’s enthusiasm and character are an inspiration to all those he comes in contact with. His accomplishments and dedication can easily speak for themselves; however there are many other voices of those whose lives he has touched, through his years of service, that we will never be aware of. Here are just a few whose thoughts and reflections on Brett I would like to share:

“It is rare to find amongst the ranks of judo a combination of dedication and intelligence, wrapped up in a sort of package of innocence with a never ending supply of good will towards ones fellow men whether they deserve it or not. That's Brett Wood-Taylor. If you've been around him you'll understand what I'm talking about. For the many set backs that he has faced he still has an abiding faith in the almighty and never asks in desperation "Why me?" What is considered courageous to some is merely an issue of duty to Brett. While some men boast and covet empty ranks and titles, I think I would trade them in for the good that this man has developed in his family, friends, students and community. In the sport of judo we hope to develop good character, and we do with many. With Brett I think it was there long before he came to judo. So I think just maybe, judo has some things to learn from Brett. I have.” - Hayward Nishioka

“Sensei Brett Wood - Taylor remains the foundation of Wisconsin Judo. No one can remove this man from the roots he has in Wisconsin Judo history.” - Tom Gustin, University of Wisconsin – Steven’s Point Judo Club

“Steadfast in his support and love of judo and passion for quality refereeing, he has doled out many gentle criticisms and accolades while sitting mat-side behind the scoring table. What I remember most is his warmth and the good feeling of inclusion and engagement and how he made us all better, watching and commenting on the competition. I see him leaning forward in his folding chair watching the action and then turning to me in his excitement, looking full in my face and ... I guess I'll never forget him.” - Richard Finley, Iowa State Judo

“At one of the first tournaments my daughter attended, even though there was no one in her division to play against, Sensei Wood-Taylor and his wife found her an opponent by going through several of their contacts at the tournament so she could participate. Brett was already very busy that day, but he went out of his way to help a new Judo player maintain her excitement about the sport.” - Lee Behrens, University of Wisconsin – Stevenson Point Judo Club

“Without Brett Wood-Taylor, it is doubtful that the Gurnee Judo Club would have grown and become so successful. Brett has been a mentor to me. He has coached me on starting a judo program, helped to provide resources, and served as a general subject-matter-expert for me on judo in America.  In particular, Brett has stood by me, side-by-side, in running five Gurnee Veteran Day's Tournaments.

He has helped organize those events and provided most of the operational equipment. Last summer, I became the President of Illinois Judo. Again, I turned to Brett for advice on best business practices, knowing that he is an expert. For instance, he has been instrumental in planning our first Illinois State Championships, February 18th, 2007...the first Illinois state championships in seven years.

But even more personal, despite fighting cancer, Brett has opted to spend his time supporting judo events that benefit others. Here is an example of just one day from last summer: He drove two girls down to our summer training camp (4 hour round trip); He negotiated a scholarship/no-fee arrangement for one of the girls, who is facing family issues; He went to the airport (2 hour round trip) to pick-up another participant in the camp, who he did not even know; and that night, after a full day, exhausted from the combination of travel and medication, he drove the girls back to their homes in Wisconsin. This is how he wants to spend the time that he has.” - Tim Schultheis, Gurnee Judo Club

“Through it all, his faith in Judo and his faith in friends has never wavered. Through it all, his attitude, more than anything, has kept us all thinking that he can fight off any kind of disease, that his love of his family and his friends will somehow protect us from the awful reality that he is sick.

His love of USA Judo brought him to the Senior Nationals in Houston so that he could take part and voice his opinion for the future of USA Judo even though this was against the advice of his doctors, his family and his friends. He has driven 10 hours to help at a local tournament in Southern Illinois or Michigan or Indiana, refereed all day and in the middle of it all, went to the car to sleep for a few hours because his body was low on fuel. He has done so much for all of us. He has uplifted us. He has been there for us. His ATTITUDE about Judo, about life, about friends has driven him to us.

Brett Wood-Taylor is blessed. That is the way you would hear it from Brett if you were to ask him. His own family has lived with an extended family for so many years that it is hard to believe that they even know themselves let alone all of the folks that consider Brett family across the Judo world.

Brett has been an inspiration to me and I am sure many in Wisconsin, in Illinois, in the Midwest and throughout the country for his wonderfully upbeat attitude in good times and bad; for his knowledge of basic as well as advanced Judo techniques and philosophy; for the way he treats all folks kindly, with grace and understanding; for his humor - especially the black humor about his own mortality; for his relationships with a wonderfully supportive Margaret and kids: Genne, Terra, Brendan, Chelsea and Brittany.

Judo for Brett Wood-Taylor has been the CORE that keeps him going. If it were not for Judo, Brett would just be another JOE, working, raising a family, struggling to make ends meet - just like the rest of us. But because of Judo, his life is rich beyond money, full beyond supportive friends; busy beyond the normal teaching, refereeing, coaching, and training he does for his club and for judo clubs in California and all over the Midwest. Judo runs in his blood, through every nerve fiber of his body, in his conscious and unconscious mind. Simply put, he is happiest when on the mat and doing Judo.

We should all be so blessed to be able to live the life that Brett has, doing what he really loves. Thank you, my friend, my colleague, and my brother. “ - Dr. Kei Narimatsu, IJF A Referee, Chicago Tenri Judo Dojo

“I have never met anyone from any field like Brett. He has such a pure spirit and dedication for the practice and promotion of his beloved sport of Judo. It has been Brett's drive and dedication to bring world-class people like Jimmy Pedro, Eiko Shepard and Sensei Abe with the Kodokan Kata clinicians to small club in Fond du Lac Wisconsin. There are very few people in this world that could have endured the physical set backs that Brett has over the past 15 years. It has been his strength, his indomitable spirit and love of Judo that has kept him going. It has been an honor and privilege to have studied under him for the past eleven years.” - Steven Mattheeusse, Welcome Mat Dojo