The passing of a great Judo Sensei

[budobug]

I have just been informed that Rene Duchesne has passed away this weekend. Rene was the father of Sarasota Judo and has been teaching Judo in Sarasota for as long as I can remember. I will miss him dearly. It really says something about a Sensei that inspires several students to continue the study of Judo beyond Black belt and open their own schools, (including my school) My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

[Jeff C.]

I was deeply saddened to get this call from Earl today.

I trained under Rene starting in 1980 for a couple of years. I would see him periodically over the years, and he was just as warm and supportive in those encounters as if I had remained a student with him every day, with no break. After a break of a couple of years, I had a chance encounter with him. I was embarrassed not to be training in judo. He winked, grabbed my arm and said "Jeff, I know that judo is a part of you, and you WILL be back on the mat. No worries."

About 10 years after that, I was back on Rene's mat. One of the first things he said to me was, "See, I told you so." And I was so worried he wouldn't even remember who I was, let alone a conversation we had in passing 10 years earlier!

Rene was a remarkable man, very humble with a great sense of humor. He was only about five feet tall; whenever I had the pleasure of seeing him, I would comment on how he had "grown." On the mat during randori, he would laugh gleefully and constantly from his enjoyment of "free play." He took my jokes as they were intended - said out of good-natured respect. He would just hurl friendly insults back at me as he would repeatedly foot-sweep me onto my butt. Rene was the only human I have ever seen do fingertip pushups - with his arms FULLY extended above his head.

During a tournament one year, I received a third place medal - out of three competitors in my division. I was soundly beaten by both. I felt bad for taking a medal. Rene said that as far as he was concerned, everybody who gets out on a judo mat to engage in "mutual death" deserved a medal. His words did make me feel a little better, and certainly inspired within me a lot of thought.

After another long absence away from Rene's mat (I was running my own karate, jujitsu, and iaido dojo at the time) I decided to host Phil Porter for a judo seminar. Not having a place large enough to do it, I approached Rene, who opened up his house, his dojo, to our seminar with full and enthusiastic support, asking nothing in return - again, in spite of me not staying in contact with him.

More recently, when I was trying desperately to find a new home for my dojo back in 2001, I went to my old friend Rene, who again I had not seen for a few years. And again, he welcomed me with open arms, got me a meeting with the athletic director of the Boys and Girls Club, and made the best deal possible for me to train in their space. This was after ANOTHER prolonged absence of being out of touch with Rene.

Rene always put me at ease, always made me feel loved and welcome, and never made me feel bad about my long absences. I feel bad now, but I have learned a final lesson from Rene: life is short. Show your appreciation and love to the people you care about.

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

[Abbax8]

Jeff, Thank You for your post. I did not know the man, however from your post I can see he embodied the Best of what judo is about. His family will be in my prayers.

Peace

Dennis

[TonyU]

I offer my condolences.

[David Craik]

Sounds like a truly inspiring man and teacher. My condolences.

[moogong]

Sorry to hear of this. Jeff, it seems this man really touched your life and martial arts career. Thanks for sharing your memories.