In November of 2004, the Lincoln Journal Star published an article about Sensei Paul, 90-Year-Old Man Still Teaching Kids Judo."I don't know what keeps me young," Owen said. Maybe it's the kids he teaches at John Roseberry's Sho-Rei-Shobu-Kan Martial Arts Center in Lincoln.
Owen, a fourth-degree black belt, easily keeps up with his exuberant students between ages 4 and 12. He instructs them on throws, holds, kicks and other basic movements.
Owen picked up the sport at age 40, taught for almost 40 years and then went on hiatus because he couldn't compete as he had in the past.
"I guess I thought I was too old," he said.
So for a decade, Owen stayed away from the downtown dojo where he taught hundreds of judo novices. He decided to resume teaching the sport he loved two years ago.
Two weeks ago, Owen received a plaque to commemorate his 50 years of judo. Lincoln police Capt. David Beggs, Owen's student 30 years ago, said Owen does a great job working with the young students.
Owen picked up judo after being invited to a class at the University of Nebraska in the 1950s. He became friends with John Roseberry who eventually started his own dojo.
"I was a student and a teacher," Owen said.
Roseberry said Owen has always had a knack for judo. He'd hold his own at the few tournaments he attended, even though he was in his 50s.
Outside the dojo, Owen exercises three times a week. He runs on a treadmill, rides a bike and lifts weights to keep his muscles toned. "The guy is phenomenal," Beggs said. "I hope I'm still alive at the age he is."
KHAS-TV in Hastings did a news piece on Sensei Paul a couple of years ago. The video works fine in IE, but not in Firefox for some reason.Friends, family remember judo black belt Owen (By CORY MATTESON / Lincoln Journal Star).
Paul's funeral is set for Wednesday in Lincoln. It is at 4:00 at First Plymouth Church.
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3 comments:
Like another legend that passed just last week (Helio), Sensei Paul commanded the respect of all who met him. I never actually knew him, but I appreciate all he did for our dojo and for martial arts in general. I was always inspired when I saw him train.
Sensei Paul will always be in my memory as the man you couldn't choke. As recently as last year, Sensei Paul would let me place him in a choke (any choke) and squeeze to my heart's content. Every single time, to my surprise, I couldn't get him to tap/pass out. The man was literally "unchokeable". Incredible, I always thought he could defy the laws of nature. Even at 93 yrs old, he would not even pass out. I still can't get over that amazing feat of physical conditioning and Judo skill. Sensei Paul was a Ne-waza expert before Ne-waza was very popular in the States. a great Judo player, teacher, and mentor. He will be remembered and missed.
I'm sure Sensei Paul and Helio Gracie are "rolling" in heaven right now. Throw Helio,Sensei!
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