Joe Johnson leaves his Buxton home every morning and makes his way to the Brooks Students Center on the Gorham Campus. He takes pride in his work as a custodian at the USM Dining Hall, working extra hard until he clocks out at 1:30 p.m., when the real fun begins.
Three years ago Joe wasn’t in a great place. He was stressed because of pressure from work and at home, and his blood pressure was through the roof at a mind blowing 198 over 100. His wife told him something needed to be done. That’s when Joe discovered the world of Jukado.
Jukado is a form of martial arts that combines Karate, Kung Fu, Akiado and Judo, and involves open hand and weapon skill. It focuses on discipline, respect, and mentality, and has really taught Joe a lot.
“When I started three years ago my health was really getting bad, but after a few months of Jukado my blood pressure and overall health returned to normal. It’s a sense of family and community that really makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Joe. “I’m going to be 46 and I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Fun is another thing that Joe mentioned was a catalyst in getting his health back up to par. He feels the great experiences he’s had at the Dojo (Dojo is the place where he practices Jukado, which is located in Westbrook) are some of the best he’s had in his life.
What started out as something that Joe did for the sake of his health and to have a little fun, led to something competitive that he’s very skilled at.
The IPON (Independent Practitioners & Promoters of New England in Jukado) puts on a series Jukado tournaments that run from January to November. Joe competed in eight tournaments in 2009, including this year’s finale in Fitchburg, MA, where he dominated the field.
Tournaments feature divisions that include Novis, Intermediate, Advanced, and Black Belt, and are divided up by age groups that range from 6-8 years old, 12-14, 18-34, and 35 and above. Sometimes up to 400 athletes participate in tournaments.
Competitions are based on a point system stating that a contestant gets one point for each hit, with twelve points earning first place, ten points for second, eight points for third, and six points for fourth. Fighters are critiqued by their weapon technique, which include bowstaffs (up to 6 ft. long), nunchucks, and Escraima, which are Philippino fighting sticks. They are also analyzed by their open hand forms, and their fighting.
Joe, who has fought in the Intermediate division for most of the last year, moved up the ranks to compete in the Advanced division for the Fitchburg tournament in his respective 35 and above age group. He didn’t disappoint as he earned 1st place accolades in weapon technique, open hand form, and fighting.
Despite all of his success, Joe hasn’t let it get to his head. He takes pride in his discipline just as much as he takes pride in his work on the Gorham campus, and he’s doesn’t like to flaunt himself.
“There is always going to be someone a little better, always someone with a little more experience,” he says. “I just try to do my best every time and respect those I compete against. Respect is the #1 thing we focus on in Jukado.”
Growing up in West Virginia, Joe came from a rough childhood that didn’t offer a lot of reinforcement to motivate and inspire. Motivation and inspiration are things that Jukado provides Joe with, which in turn mean a lot to him. All of his success doesn’t rise above the love and support he has received from his family and his Jukado family at the Dojo.
“Trophies are just trophies to me. The most important thing is to look up and see that my family is in the bleachers, cheering me on after I have competed. That’s my first place. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Three to four nights a week Joe drives to the Dojo and he couldn’t be happier. It keeps him busy, maintains his health, and helps him practice important things that make him such a great person, like respect towards others and self discipline. It has brought his family together in a supportive atmosphere and taught him that he can do anything he sets his mind to. He has seen himself improve in tournaments, and has found a lifestyle that he enjoys. Jukado has changed Joe Johnson’s life.