Jock Hopson

When were you born and where are you from?
I was born in Northampton, a small city in the Midlands of England in May 1944.

Where and when did you start practising jodo?
I started learning the basic Jodo kihon with Dr Loi Lee at her Dojo (Jugokan) in London in 1980. I took my ikkyu in Japan in November 1981 under Hiroi Tsunetsugu Sensei.

How did you begin teaching Jodo in Poland?
I was invited by Lukasz Machura, together with Chris Buxton to visit Krakow in 2007.

What are the main differences and similarities between jodokas in Poland and your home country?
I feel that the Jodoka in Poland have a far deeper knowledge of the Jodo Koryu forms in general than most in the UK as Polish Jodoka train harder, in my view, than in the UK.

What are your favourite and the most challenging aspects of Jodo?

At my age I find remembering the many forms of a Koryu most challenging, that and trying to perform to the best of my ability with so many physical injuries formed over the years. My favourite aspect of Jodo is the fact that it’s the most democratic of weapon systems in that all that is required is a simple oak stick 1.28 cm long which even the poorest beginner can buy, no need for an expensive sword, bow or kendogu. I personally enjoy teaching beginners and in particular helping them grasp the basic Kihon movements and the Riai and Ma-ai of Jodo forms so that they can continue to grow and improve as Jodoka and as individuals. 

What are your memories and experiences from your visits to Poland? Do you have any anecdotes that you like to share?

So many great memories of Poland, the friendliness, the warmth and hospitality I have been shown as well as some wonderful meals  - all have helped me enrich my life enormously. My first visit to Poland really disappeared into a haze of vodka fumes, every round of drinks seemed to include a couple of glasses too many, and of course these were given to the guests to “keep things tidy”.   

What still motivates you in Jodo?

I’m now too unfit and too damaged physically to participate in training in any meaningful way but I really do still enjoy starting beginners along the never ending path of Jodo.