Invited to the Challenge Between Brazil and Japan, Master Massao Shinohara Is an Example of This Relationship
A great representative of the relationship between Brazil, Japan and judo is Massao Shinohara. Son of Japanese immigrants raised in Embu das Arte dedicated 74 of his nearly 90 years to the noble art which he almost taught himself. With much dedication, he became mentor of great names of the noble art in Brazil such as the Olympic champion Aurelio Miguel, the first Brazilian-born judoka to win an Olympic medal; Onmura Luis and Carlos Honorato, Olympic vice-champion in Sydney 2000. Sensei is one of the great names who were invited to watch the International Challenge between Brazil and Japan on Sunday, September 28th, starting at 10 am at Bradesco Theatre in São Paulo.
"I started practicing judo when I was 15 years, which is in 1940, but in the third class the teacher went to Japan to fight in the War. I gathered about 20 people who were enrolled in the class and I asked them who wanted to continue practicing judo. Everyone wanted. So I said, “let's train together, " Massao remembered. "Over time, we started to go to others to compete and we always lost. Everyone said, "I don’t want to go anymore." I asked: "Why? I'm also losing, but we have to continue. One day we will be winning."
And it was in this spirit that he continued practicing judo despite all the obstacles. During many years, he drove a delivery truck at night and at dawn and he taught judo during the day. The lack of money made him think stop. But somebody, "a student’s father" as he likes to recall, made him give up the idea.
"He told me: Shinohara, you can stop teaching only when you die. I said: “I got it. And he died before me, "he said excited.” His son Jorge Tatsumi saw that I needed to increase the gym and suggested that I buy a new land. But I had no money. So he suggested that I sell 60 shares and then return the money. He made the shares and sold them. But I had no money for the works, so I built the walls myself, "he said.
The gratitude has been so big that at the dojo of Vila Sonia Judo Association, opened in 88, Jigoro Kano’s picture stands next to Mr. Juntaro Tatsumi. Interestingly, the year of the inauguration of the academy was the same in which Aurélio Miguel, Shinohara’s student, won his first Olympic medal and even a gold one, in Seoul, South Korea. He recalls curious stories with the former half- heavy judoka.
"I was planting carrots and I got in front of him, plucked one and gave it to him: eat it and you will win a medal. He ate it. I plucked another one which was bigger. I said: eat it and you’ll win the gold medal. He believed me and ate the carrot. It was a joke, but he took the gold medal. By the time he was competing, I was together with Aurélio’s father while watching Aurélio on television. He was winning and reached the final against the German (Marc Meiling). I told his father: "he has to work his force" and I said "Now," showing the footprint on the collar and sleeve. He made the blow and he had a yuko in his advantage. Aurélio’s father asked: “did he hear you?, " said the sensei laughing. "He cannot listen me, but his spirit can."
The man who competed - and well - until he was 57 years, now regrets his lack of mobility (due to a fall he makes use of a wheelchair). But he does not put aside his students nor his characteristics as a teacher.
"I'm very demanding. The child has to be nice. If not, he/she cannot do judo. I ask them stand the right way and do the greetings, "the Master said. "With my son (Luiz Shinohara, coach of the men's team) he was much more demanding. He made him train twice than the other boys. He used sometimes to lock himself in the bathroom and cry. His mother said: "Are you abusing my son again?". But I was not abusing him, I just wanted him to become a great athlete. And it worked, didn’t it !? ", he boasts.
Even today, he wears his kimono every day and goes to the dojo. He enjoys working with children and calls them by their name. He directs all their activities, including their warm up. This is a proof that he kept the promise made to Mr. Tatsumi years ago.
"My spirit is strong. I worked in agriculture, I was driving a truck day and night, but I was still teaching judo. Sometimes I was sleeping in the truck. But it was worth it. While alive, I will not stop, " says the legend of Brazilian judo.
This is a life lesson.
