STRENGTHS

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength.

Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.

The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move.

"Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied.

Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match.

Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.

"No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him.

The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion!!!

On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was 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."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

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Comment by Jim Kristoff on July 31, 2011 at 6:56pm: Thanks Vincent!

Comment by Vincent T Dellatore on July 31, 2011 at 6:27pm: Great story Jim,, keep em coming !

Comment by Jim Kristoff on July 29, 2011 at 11:40am: Thanks Marsh!

Comment by Marsh Buice on July 29, 2011 at 11:35am: I love, LOVE LOVE this>>>

Comment by Jim Kristoff on July 28, 2011 at 11:40am: I only have brute strength....

(looks for any sign of intelligence in me)................lol....

Comment by Jim Kristoff on July 28, 2011 at 11:21am: Thanks Bobby!!

I read the story of Helio Gracie.....he IS a real deal legend!!

Comment by Jim Kristoff on July 28, 2011 at 11:21am: Thanks Stephanie!

We should all be grateful for our shortcomings....for when we recognize them and work at them.....they become our biggest strengths!!

Comment by Stephanie Young on July 28, 2011 at 11:16am: Great post....so much so, I had to feed it to our Twitter account. I find it amusing in my life how the areas in which I was weak when I was younger are now known to be a talent I have as an adult. Why? I had amazing teachers and mentors who taught me to overcome and achieve. Thanks for sharing this post.

Comment by Jim Kristoff on July 28, 2011 at 8:59am: Thanks Leonard!

As always......stories help sell your point!

Comment by Leonard Buchholz on July 28, 2011 at 8:32am: You masterstoryteller you! Nice one.