Over the weekend I took my son to see the Tohkon Classic judo tournament that was held at the Henry Crown Field House at the University of Chicago. I figured that it would be a good experience to have him see what is involved before I sign him up to compete. One of the lessons that I have tried to teach my son is that there is a big difference between not winning and being a loser. I have told him that if you go out and give your best performance and don’t win, than all that means is that you didn’t prevail this time. On the other hand if you go out and don’t give your best performance and just give up, that is what defines a loser.

It was refreshing to see the competitors (both those that won, and those that came up short) exhibit tremendous sportsmanship both in victory and defeat – and I am talking about both the children and the adults. It was also great to see that while everyone was acknowledged for participating in the event, only those who qualified for a medal were awarded one.

This is in stark contrast to my son’s T-ball and soccer experiences where no one kept score and everyone got a trophy at the end of the season because “they were all winners”. Now I have heard the argument that by giving all of the participants a trophy it encourages them to want to stay with the sport and continue to learn. If they want to learn the sport, then they should take a workshop or class. I know these are little kids, but I really hate that we teach them that all they have to do is show up and they will get a reward. Also, I think this is where kids start to learn that whether or not they give 100%, they are still going to be rewarded the same as someone who has given 100% – sounds like Socialism to me.

Everyone wants to win the gold medal, be on the championship team, or be the one to take home the 1st place trophy, but for that to happen someone else needs to come in 2nd place. The sooner kids learn that they won’t always be 1st, the sooner they will learn that life is full of disappointments, and that they are not entitled to everything just because they are “special.”

The Mandarin

The Mandarin, whose real name is 吏恆, joined the order in 1309, and introduced the Gormogons into England during the 18th Century.

The Mandarin enjoys spending time with his pet manticore, Βάρἰκος, or Barry (who can be found in the Bestiary). When not in the Castle…well, frankly, nobody is quite sure where he goes.

The Mandarin popularized the fine art of “gut booting,” by which he delivers a powerful kick to the stomach of anyone that annoys him. Although nearly universal today, the act of gut booting or threatening someone or something with a gut boot is solely due to him.