Rillo’s Judo Legacy

Hardknocks 03-02-08

Rillo’s Judo Legacy



If there is a judo athlete who’s winning SEA Games streak of gold extends to nine consecutive run, it is John Baylon. If there is an instructor whose judo career exemplifies 51 years of dedication, it is 81 year old Sensei Joe Rillo.

He is the oldest judo instructor in the Philippines today and the head of University of the East Varsity Judo Team.

In his 51 years in the practice and teaching of Judo,Rillo had seen the tide of changes in the leadership of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association. He feels that the Philippine Sports Commission, with its shoe string budget is doing a disservice to judo.

“Walang kapalit na maasahan ang mga 1st stringers na judoka.” He says that the Golden Era of the sports o judo was during the stewardship of Co. Jose Lukban as PAJA prexy. He could impose discipline and eliminate petty squabbles to nil.

During my time there were only three weight categories - Light, Middle and Heavy Weight. Point system of Wasari(half point) and Ipon(full point) decides the outcome of the match, Joe Rillo recounts. “Kung mas malaki ang katapat mo, bahala ka ng gumawa ng paraan matalo siya.” Joe said emphatically.

His favored pupils were the Nicha brothers of RMC Judo Club, which he was a co-founder. He recalls Edu Manzano whose strength from playing soccer gave competitors a tough time. Raymond Velayo from De La Salle Judo Club as Edu was also an excellent judo athlete.

Sensei Rillo is proud to have trained scores of judo athletes, many of whom had become champions. He is thankful and grateful for his long life, and judo teaching career.


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