The Essence of Judo
How a Photography Project Became a Journey into the Human Spirit
If truth be told, The Essence of Judo was never supposed to exist.
I've known Greg for more than twenty years. When he first invited me to a judo tournament, I wasn't looking for a book. I was simply looking for something different to photograph. Judo was full of movement, emotion, and intensity—everything a photographer hopes to capture through a lens. Greg arranged permission for me to attend one tournament. Then another. Then another.
I met many remarkable people along the way. By the third tournament, I noticed that not all the action was on the mats. There was a whole lot more. I turned the camera away from the mat and noticed that the judokas greeted each other very accommodatingly and friendly, even after a competition with a winner and a loser. Often, it was hard to tell who won the match. After that, as they left the mat, their coaches would be at the exit, speaking with them about the match. Whether it was a win or a loss, there was a lesson. Then the parents and colleagues. As I turned again, I saw the referees, judges, and organizers. This was a whole community.
At that time, my plan was completely different. I was working on a book called The Passion and Purpose of Ordinary People, a collection of stories about individuals whose lives demonstrated extraordinary commitment and purpose. The judo community was going to contribute just three stories.
Then something unexpected happened. In December, Greg and I attended a retirees' luncheon organized by Rick Hatashita. I was hoping to find the final two people I needed for that anthology. Rick graciously gave us a few minutes to speak and introduced us to the room. Within minutes, fifteen people volunteered to share their stories.
On the drive home, Greg looked at me and said, "Forget three stories. We should do a book about judo." It was one of those moments that changed everything. Greg believed the judo community would support the project. He was right. We approached the people at the meeting first, then Greg created a list of who’s who that he has known personally for over 25 years in the judo world.
Greg would follow up with calls, and we would follow up with the questionnaire. One by one, people agreed to participate. Before long, fifty-three judoka had entrusted us with their stories. Among them were more than half of the members of the Ontario Judo Hall of Fame, nearly two-thirds of Canada's Olympic judoka, distinguished coaches, referees, volunteers, administrators, parents, and lifelong students of the art.
The project had taken on a life of its own.
For six months, it became my life.
What I thought would be a photography project became something much deeper.
More Than a Book About Judo
As the interviews unfolded, I noticed something remarkable.
Our questions followed a format in which we would ask individuals about challenges they had overcome. We would ask what made them so passionate about judo and what they would tell their younger selves. Very few people talked about medals first. They didn't begin with championships.
They didn't measure success by podium finishes. Instead, they talked about perseverance. They spoke about failure, disappointment, injuries, fear, sacrifice, family, mentors, community, and finding the strength to continue when quitting would have been easier.
Again and again, I heard stories about people who had been knocked down by life—and who found the courage to stand back up.
There is an old Japanese proverb:
"Fall down seven times. Stand up eight."
Whether the words are spoken on a dojo floor or around a family dinner table, the lesson is timeless. That is the true essence of judo.
It is not simply a sport.
It is not merely a martial art.
It is a philosophy for living, or, as Greg would say, a way of life.
The fifty-three people featured in this book remind us that resilience is learned. Character is forged through adversity. Purpose grows from service, discipline, and respect for others.
The throws, techniques, and competitions are only part of the story. The real lessons begin after we leave the mat.
That is why this book is not only for judoka. It is for parents raising resilient children. For coaches shaping character. For teachers inspiring young people. For leaders who understand that humility and perseverance matter more than titles. For anyone facing obstacles and wondering whether they have the strength to continue.
These stories answer that question.
What's Next for Naguib?
People often ask me what comes next.
First up is promoting the Essence of Judo. There is a one time opportunity to get a huge break in price. It will retail for 44.95 plus tax. If you email me at nkerba@me.com or text 416-817-4842 before July 15th, the book is available at a pre-publication price of $35.00 and5 we pay the tax. That’s around a 30% savings.
The truth is that this project changed me.
The words "passion" and "purpose" now carry a much deeper meaning than they once did. Every interview left me inspired. Every conversation reminded me that extraordinary lives are often lived by ordinary people who simply refuse to give up. The people of the judo community have re-energized me in ways I never expected.
Their generosity, humility, and willingness to share both triumphs and struggles have shown me that the greatest stories are not always found in history books or on television. They are found in people who quietly live their values every day. Because of this journey, I now have several new book concepts waiting to be explored.
The Essence of Judo was never part of the original plan. Looking back, I'm grateful that the plan changed. Because this book isn't just about judo. It's about the best of what people can become.
And perhaps, through these fifty-three stories, readers will discover something about themselves as well."The Essence of Judo is a celebration of resilience, respect, perseverance, and community.
Fifty-three voices.
One philosophy.
Lessons that reach far beyond the dojo.
Whether you have practiced judo for fifty years or have never stepped onto a mat, these stories will remind you that life's greatest victories are measured not by how often we fall, but by our willingness to rise again."
