A 10-year-old boy decides to study judo despite the fact that he has lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.
The boy begins lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy is doing well, so he can’t understand why, after three months of training the master has taught him only one move.
The boy finally asks: “Sensei, shouldn’t I be learning more moves?”
The sensei replies: “This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know.”
Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy keeps training.
Several months later, the sensei takes the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily wins his first two matches. The third match proves to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent becomes impatient and charges. The boy deftly uses his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy is now in the finals.
This time, his opponent is bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appears to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee calls a time- out. He is about to stop the match when the sensei intervenes and convinces the referee to let him continue.
Soon after the match resumes, his opponent makes a critical mistake: he drops his guard. Instantly, the boy uses his move to pin him. The boy has won the match and the tournament. He is the champion!
On the way home, the boy summons the courage to ask what is really on his mind.
“Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?”
“You won for two reasons,” the sensei answered. “First, you’ve almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.”
Action Summary:
- Turn your weaknesses into strength.
