The Essence of Billy Jim Carmen

Welcome to the first teaser story on the Essence of Judo.

When I photograph a judo tournament, I focus on a small number of athletes; with 300 to 600 competitors, it’s simply impossible to cover everyone.

I didn’t know Billy Jim Carmen at the time, but I was fortunate to follow him through the Tora club competition, which ended with a podium finish. After the medals were awarded, I approached him to ask whether he might be interested in being featured in the Passion and Purpose project. That was the start of something that has grown beyond anything I could imagine.

Little did I know that, thanks to Greg Butrey and the wonderful collective of judokas at the Mandarin luncheon in December, the response would be so overwhelming that it led to a spinoff book devoted entirely to judo: The Essence of Judo.

This is our first draft of the cover of “The Essence of Judo.” It incorporates the famous quote from Judo founder Sensi Kano: “Seiryoku Zenyo,” meaning Maximum Efficiency and Minimal Effort.

It also incorporates a Daruma Doll, which symbolizes the sport’s perseverance, good luck and self-discipline. The Japanese proverb is fall down seven times, get up eight.

The challenge for you is to figure out who is wearing the judogi (gi) on the cover. The first person to email me with the correct answer will receive a signed copy of the book’s first edition.

We are also taking advance orders - no money just yet. Please let us know how many books you would like, as we will have only one opportunity to get the maximum discount on the initial order. We are estimating the retail price will be approximately be $40.00 (Presales may be between $30.00 to $35.00)

Thank you to Billy Jim Carmen for being such a cooperative first person. Thank you to the judo world for embracing this project. YOU INDEED HAVE LIVED UP TO THE TERM - JITA KYOEI. Mutual welfare and benefit.

Most of all, thank you, Greg Butrey, for introducing me to this world.

At Tora Tournament 2025

After I approached Billy Jim, our give and take with what I was looking for took a while. This format is slightly different because it requires describing the journey. Here are his words about life in Judo.

The Billy Jim Carmen Judo Journey

I am 50 years old, and I currently hold the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo. It took me roughly eight years to earn that rank—not because the journey was unusually difficult, but because I was never in a hurry to get there. I’ve always believed that judo is a long game, best played with patience, consistency, and, as the years go by, the occasional ice pack.

My reintroduction to judo came through my children. What started as watching them train slowly pulled me back into a world I had always loved—competition, challenge, and the quiet satisfaction of improving at something that never truly allows you to master it. Before long, I found myself on the mat again, testing not only my body, but my mindset.

One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced in judo has been learning how to compete while injured. Over the years, shoulder, chest, and knee injuries have become familiar companions. Recovery is no longer a straight line, and I’ve learned how thin the line can be between healing and competing. Still, judo has taught me how to adapt—how to rely less on speed and power and more on timing, balance, and decision-making.

In 2025, I proved that lesson to myself in a way I will never forget. Despite carrying injuries, I was proud to win the Canadian National Championship in the Veterans division. That victory wasn’t about being the strongest or fastest on the mat—it was about experience, determination, and knowing exactly when to commit to a grip or a movement. It reaffirmed my belief that smart judo, applied at the right moment, can still overcome a body that doesn’t recover like it once did.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to compete at high-level events across Canada and internationally. I’ve stood on the podium at tournaments like the Ontario Open and the Quebec Open, and I’ve tested myself on the world stage at the World Veteran Championships in Morocco & Paris. Some days the body cooperated, and some days it didn’t— but every match offered a lesson worth learning.

What keeps me coming back is the constant challenge judo provides. It tests me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It forces me to confront my limits, especially when I’m standing across from opponents who seem to heal faster, move quicker, and bounce back easier. Judo reminds me that progress doesn’t stop just because things get harder—it simply requires more intention.

Outside of judo, I am happily married to my beautiful wife, Alysha, and we have three wonderful children who keep life busy and rewarding. I also own and operate a couple of businesses in my hometown in Northern Ontario, where I balance work, family, and training—often in that exact order.

Judo has never been just about belts or medals for me. It’s about longevity. It’s about showing up when it’s uncomfortable, committing to the process, and trusting that steady effort will eventually lead somewhere worthwhile. At this stage of my life, I’m not chasing perfection—I’m chasing presence, growth, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing I’m still willing to step on the mat and test myself.

That, to me, is what it means to play the long game.

What “Gem” would you share with a younger version of yourself?

or

What would you tell someone just starting in judo?

I would tell myself to start early, Don't quit no matter the struggle and never stop seeking the knowledge required to excel your passions...