The Power of "One Move"
- Charlie Brown
- Aug 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Lil' Tommy, a very determined 10-year-old boy, set out to learn judo despite having lost his left arm in a tragic car accident.
He began his lessons with an elderly Japanese judo master. Despite his progress, the boy was puzzled as to why, after three months, the master had taught him only one move.
The boy finally asked, “Shouldn’t I be learning more moves?”
The Judo Master replied: “This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know".
Although he didn’t fully understand, Tommy trusted his teacher and continued to train diligently.
After several months, the Judo Master took Tommy to his first tournament. To his surprise, the boy won his first two matches with ease. However, the third match proved to be a challenge. His opponent grew impatient and charged at him, allowing the boy to skillfully execute his one move and win. Amazed by his success, he advanced to the finals.
This time, he faced a larger, stronger, and more experienced opponent. Initially, the boy seemed outmatched. Concerned for his safety, the referee called a time-out, ready to stop the match, but the boy's Judo Master intervened. “No, let him continue.”
When the match resumed, the opponent made a crucial mistake by dropping his guard. The boy took the opportunity, using his one move to pin him down. He had won the match and the tournament, becoming the champion.
On their way home, the boy and his Judo Master reviewed every move from each match. Finally, Lil' Tommy found the courage to ask what had been on his mind:
“Master, how did I win the tournament with only one move?”
“You won for two reasons,” he explained. “First, you’ve nearly mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense against that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.”
Look beyond your limitations and focus on what you have and can control.
Often in our lives, what may seem like a significant weakness can actually become your greatest strength.
