They left their marks, brother

Hardknocks 02-12-08


They left their marks, brother

Nelson Millar, the veteran and indefatigable blind judoka fighting machine is dead, relenting to the onslaught of a mysterious and malignant ailment.

In his mid 30’s when death overtook him, Millar leaves a record by helping in the uphill propagation of judo for the blind in the Philippines, as one of the 1st batch of judokas in 1991; he was one of the four judokas who competed in Tokyo in ’91,World Judo Invitational for blind athletes. The records bear out their sacrifices and efforts all through these years, where he last competed in PARA Games, Manila in 2005, where he won the silver medal.

I was their coach, father image, friend, consultant rolled into one for all these years, till my both knee implant operation compelled me to photography and advisory role.

Nelson could have been a son to me. I remember him as an excellent judoka, who, despite his handicaps sustained an enduring love for judo.

He stubbornly fought for his ideas often at the expense of antagonizing colleagues and Phil. Sports Commission officials who fail to reach out to the physically-challenged athletes’ basic needs. He had the guts to express his resentment and relentlessly pursued his career in judo as enthusiastically as he plotted the career path in government service, rising to supervisory level at National Blind Rehabilitation Center (NBRC), a government institution.

Inside the tatami, Nelson enjoyed utilizing his favorite throws, the Tsurikomi Goshi and the Osotogari combinations, a hip and leg throwing techniques against bigger or smaller opponents; in his prime, he can hold his own even against sighted judo players in the dojo.

I could still make out his laughter, his polite gesture, his warm smiles which could turn into somber mood when he spots uncalled for behavior from colleagues.

Despite his flaws, he was a gentleman, friend, a true judoka, a kind, helpful and caring man, who together with Fred Dulay, Ruben Estoque, Aris Carbonel and others who carved an unforgettable legacy in the history of judo for the blind in the country – they are the exponents of a hardy sport which only enormous amount of love for judo can contain.

I am not sure how to handle this remorse of failing to visit him in his last moments.

I salute your spirit as you do the last rounds of dojo visits before your final trip beyond!


DAS