MICK CUTAJAR

Kosen judo is alive

2008-12-30T15:52:00.004+11:00

HI Grapplers,

Over the past few month I have read some information on the web,..and would like to give you some information on Australian kosen matches "the" official Kosen under International Budo Federation IBF and kodokan Judo association KJAnsw and the illawarra kosen association,..which is now is accepted by the Australian martial arts championships,..whom have now accepted kosen as its official grappling matches.

In recent times i have tried the BJJ code,...and hate what it represents,..im a judo player of 34yrs and a 4th dan, with many international titles in judo, pangration jujutsu and mma, i wanted to bring back a sport that is not purely throws. which scares the shit out of most other codes,...but i wanted to make sure that the sport was pure and easy for all to adapt to,..unlike BJJ events which have some of the most political fights,..so

the middle of this year i started kosen contest,...i have copped some shit but,..kosen to me is the in between judo --bjj and its come at the right time,..well for me and others,...I have changed some rules to suit today's martial arts world and to develop some of the traditional ground fighting.

I found that if i left ippons for throws and 30second rule for osekomi,..i would not have other codes enter,.including bjj,.and on the flip side,..if i kept side control, full mount , pass guard points then other code would not attend including judo players,...so i kept it simple and fast,..all codes know how to submit,..so that's it,..win with only submissions ,..you can do all the throws ,..pass guards or holds you like but you will not score,...also i included the sumo rule to keep players in the middle of the mat,...now thanks to these minor adjustments all codes have taken a keen interest,....let me know what you think...

and i would love to have international players contest our 9 event to be held at the Anne Clarke basket ball center,

the basic are:

In the Kosen competition, there are not many restrictions on practicing "Newaza" (ground work). Kosen judo is what was first described as the strongest fighting art in the world from 1914 through to 1950’s it has made a strong come back due to the UFC MMA styles events. Kosen Judo is “not judo one sided” so that grappling & Jujutsu codes are able to compete without the restriction of knowledge or fear of been thrown for ippon (win), with an emphasis on Hikikomi - or pulling your opponent to the ground. Ne-waza is used by all grappling codes, of course safety is first, this is a fast method of grappling that I hope you embrace and try

The Tournament Director reserves the right to abandon, amalgamate or disqualify any person, weight division or category where sufficient members are not present, or acting in an unjust manner these guidelines are to ensure that the event is on time and with out delays. 2) Where high numbers are seen for a division the draw will be run as a knock out. 3) Once weigh in is closed there is no entry. 4) Where a player is competing on another mat area at the time they are called, (3 times) your bout will be put back once only, if you fail to show for the 2^nd time you will be disqualified. 5) All players are to sign wavier to compete in Kosen grappling events.

Scoring Victory:

Forced tap out by submission either by (choke, arm lock & straight leg-lock)

· Disqualification of opponents who leave the red area 3 times.

· Opponent taps out or yells out stop.

· No score obtained “a draw”

· Referee’s discretion to the safety of the players.

· Finals only advantage score win, given after golden score match by the center judge

Scoring

EXAMPLE: either standing or ground:To score 1, 2 or 3 points, if a player leaves the contests safety area (red) 3 times they disqualified under sumo rule. To score 10 points, a player wins by submission either by (choke, arm locks & straight leg-lock).

If a player leaves the mat under SUMO rule by “force / avoidance or attempting to throw or roll out of hold” at any time during the match the player is warned of his mistakes and is penalized 1 point for each time. 3 warnings is disqualification from match.

NOTE: All Throws, sweeps, take downs, pass guard, rear mounts & controls will NOT score, only submissions will be awarded full points.

The referee controls the match, (like in Judo) but (dose not) yell out points scored (like jujutsu), unless player leave the mat. He is assisted by 1 time keeper and 1 table operator that writes the points on the draw sheet at the end of the match. At the end of the match the points decide the winner. Golden score applies where 2 players are on equal pts or where the center judge makes the final decision as a result of golden score match is un-scored, winner awarded by continues advancements only.

As you can see its simple and fast,..and its created a new sound for ground work,...let me know if you want more news,..but please pass this around,..and hopefully we can all use the NEW safer for all codes,.system,..and unite for a first world cup here in Australia

if you or your club is keen please send us an email: wollongongjudo@hotmail.com

Another milestone

2008-08-06T10:53:00.005+10:00

As you all know Mick was selected as a reserve for the 2008 Olympic judo team and Mat Cillottie taken the honors, we wish mat all the best for the Olympics a well deserved position.

After a long, long road to overcome many obstacles over the past 10yrs, Mick has completed another milestone in his endeavor to better is knowledge and hands on training by Graduating from the CENGAGE EDUCATION College with a Diploma of Counselling & Communication allowing Mick to expand his teaching abilities in the field of Sports for individuals wanting the leading edge in motivation, gold setting, personal development.

In the past Mick has delivered many lectures on Motivation & gold setting at the University of Wollongong as a guest lecturer for 1st and 2nd year Psychology students and has designed his own set of methods to use in this position to aid students. Recently Mick was a guest speaker for a seminar on the drug ICE in Syd were over 300 people attended the seminar, also in attendance were several other sporting identity's.

Mick is Currently self-employed as a Senior training coordinator for Government approved course, such as, sports coaching, fitness, self defence. Also hosts seminars personal development and risk prevention also seminars for special interest groups. Recently Mick was successful in securing a contract with the W.E.A college to deliver the NEW Judo S.A.F.E program which he designed and will be starting this new course on the 19th of August. Mick now has all the paper work to go with the personal experience that money simply cannot buy, he is one of the most hands on qualified professional in the country, he now has completed over 10yrs of study gaining qualifications for:

Degree BSC Psychology major
Diploma in Sports Coaching
Diploma in Counselling & communication.
Advanced business management
Assessment & work place training certificate 4

If you would like to take part in one of Micks programs or like to hire Mick for a special seminar please contact him on 0412729938

OLYMPIC Quest alive

2008-03-24T10:19:00.002+11:00

The 2008 OJU Olympic selection for the Australian Judo team was finalised on the 21^stMach in NZ Christchurch.

Olympic hopeful and Illawarra martial arts champion Mick Cutajar contested the under 100kg division against the Oceania best athletes also trying to qualify. The division was a cutthroat on the points for both Mick and fellow Australian Matt Celotti from Victoria with the inclusion of the current world cup champion Andrew Pragnell & Jason coster both from NZ standing in there way.

Cutajar placed 2nd at the OJU championships & is now in 2nd place for the Olympic team and will be placed as a reserve in the event that the nominated player is unable to fulfill the commitments. The OJU Judo officials and selectors have now taken notice of his abilities and what he is capable of.

The draw consisted of 8 players and draws were handed out the day before with Cutajar securing a good place in the first round against Eric Jose from Guma throwing him with ippon in 1min 30 sec to move into the 2^nd round to face off against the current world cup champion.

Cutajar had hoped that both Celotti and Pragnell would suffer losses in there first round to keep them out of reach for Olympic points, however both playerswon there round 1 contest moving to the 2^ndround where Cutajar caused the biggest upset of the contest by beating current NZ national champion and current world cup champion in what was one of the most physical bouts of the day with both players exchanging hard attacks including head clashes, the NZ papers in Christchurch reinstated this loss as well. Cutajar said “ Pragnell is in the top 15 in the EJU world ranking and is a strong physical

player,.. he causes players to panic, and stumble and then he moves in,.. at one stage he attacked me so hard we both flew off the mat and into the big TV screen that is used as a score board causing it to smash, after this it was time to lift it up a notch and with this I was able to block out several of his attacks and counter him with a leg reap to throw him heavily to the ground,...cutajar said after landing on Pragnell he seemed dazed and unsure of what had happen,....and the placed a hold on him to win the fight and move to the final and play off for the gold medal and Olympic selection.

With celotti wining his 2^ndround now moving to the final to also contest the gold. Cutajar said that for the 4hr break from his last fight he had plenty of time to weigh up all the training and all the possibilities that lay ahead. He said“ without a doubt so much was running through my head, this was it,... this was the final of all finals, I can go to the Olympics”,..there wasn't a single minute that my what would be future didn't flash before me, its was difficult to not contemplate the what if.

FINALS ,...The first few seconds was a test of strengths with Cutajar securing a yuko (6pts) first, causing Celotti to pick it up a level, they exchanged attacks and counter attacks for almost 1min 30 sec, with Celotti securing a 5pointer against Cutajar who stepped out side the mat area, but still leading, then both attacked a gain with Celotti getting an inside leg to throw Cutajar who turned in mid air to counter, but was to late having 8pts scored against him, now Cutajar was forced to play catch up for the last 1minute as several strong attacks were blocked and Cutajar losing the gold medal to place 2^nd in the Oceania and a very close 2^nd for the Olympic selection.

Cutajar said after the fight, "Mat is a great young player, he forced me to conseed the penalty, I did my best against the best that were in the running for the Olympic team, I Played my best judo I have ever played and at the same time gained the respect of the judo world, these guys are aged between 20 & 28 years of age. I have sealed a reserve position if anything happens to Mat and he is unable to compete I will be included in the Olympic team. I though being my birthday it would happen but the better player won, it was the most technical, physical judo I have ever played."

For the future, Cutajar also said that after placing 2^ndat Olympic selection he had created history (coming from prison to make the final qualifying event for the Olympic games) and having spoken to several senior members on his future as being a very strong chance for representation, had only reinforced his decision to take a small break from the major international level events so he can set out to retrial from mid 2010,....adding this would only be possible if financial backing was made available and would consider any offer that would be placed before him, adding,... its not out of my reach to make the Olympics, my past contest stats have improved over the past 5 years with rankings in the top 50 in the world,...

I just need people to believe in me and help me reach the events that help qualify for the Olympic teams, I feel great with my outcome ,...I think its a matter of a good backer to aid this quest. I will be speaking to my manager and media personal to see just how to approach this and make the step easy. What my current sponsors have given already had got me to where we are now. It would be 100% better to live and breath as an athlete instead of trying to obtain employments to help out for all the other living duties that sports is not paying for.

OLYMPIC SELECTION'S are near

2008-03-15T14:04:00.000+11:00

In a press release speaking from a dinner function held at Dapto show ground, for the Soccer season opener, attending as a special guest (along with other sporting identity's) and wearing his beloved Rabbits shirt, Mick Cutajar was speaking on the eve of the week he leaves for the Oceania Judo championship, which is held in New Zealand Christchurch march 20th – 23rd, this is a very important event, as this is the final selection to qualify for the 2008 Australian Olympic Judo team, less then 5days away

The past few weeks have been a mixed series of events firstly missing both the Act international & Syd open in February due to illness, training was to continue if he was to make any chances for selection. With a win in last Sundays march 3^rd NSW selection event for the Australian Judo Nationals 2008, this was a much needed event to relax and release some tension.

The training is now complete and we will be hoping that a good result will follow, I have been lucky enough to have good people working with me, pushing me and backing me. The professional financial assistance alone has made this final leg worth the hard work, Local companies such as K&R FABRICATION, COASTLINE BRICK LAYING, CBC CONSTRUCTION, ALLMEN INDUSTRIAL & DOWN UNDER SAFETY have opened up the door to what is normally unobtainable, with out them I would not have created history. remember there was a great deal of people who would not even look at me, (now they should be ashamed of them selves) but for the very few and I do mean very few,...a very BIG thank you

The Australian Team has been the strongest its been in years with the inclusion of some very talented athletes, when asked if he knew his opponents ?,

Mick said,."I do know my opponents, VIC Matt Cellotti (current JFA national champion), QLD John Brendecke, NZ, Andrew Pragnell, (current OJU world cup champion & who leads the points for selection), Jason Koster, & Scott Bade, then there will be players from FIJ, Guna, Tonga. It all comes down to winning a medal and hoping that the players from NZ don’t place. All of these guys are professional athletes you just don't take for granted who or what they are, they are here to do the same thing as me,...and thats to qualify. Mick is the current (3 x time Kodokan National champion)

What do I expect?,... The contest level will be very hard and powerful, there will be upsets and triumphs its all apart of the road to the Olympics, each player will have their own story of this road. The past few weeks have been filled with mixed moods, change in sleep patterns, in meals, in my personal life alone I have had to not be the social butterfly I normally am, its been very trying for my family who have had to try to adjust to what its like at this point in time for me, so much has been put on the line.

People are not aware so much can happen for my personal life if I am lucky to succeed and move forward to the next level of my life. Either way I have achieved so much and with this, a lot of support towards getting me to this point.

I have already created Australian history (due to my past) by qualifying for the last major selection in such an event, an event that brings the world as one its an amazing feeing right now, my main job is to qualify the rest will happen I am happy with what i have already completed.

My division will be played on Good Friday, a day after my birthday (25 again) so I hope that its my time

When asked the question of what if,..NO selection!. Well i think we will wait until next Friday, however I will sit down and weigh up what it would be, as far as financial availability for me to contest the 2012, its not out of my reach,... its money thats out of my reach, and look what happen last time i borrowed money when the bank was closed,.what a lesson!...lets face it I'm 39 now, have a look what Ive achieved with limitations, and walls and do gooders trying to stop me.... NOW imagine what i could achieve with full backing for that 2yr period from 2010-2012, I hope that with all that I have achieved that someone or several backers will provide that chance, my past is marketable & with this I can create a future,... but we will wait and see.

Olympic Dreams

2007-12-02T20:07:00.000+11:00

We all have them, mine has just taken much longer then normal to obtain, and the road I used would kill the average person, motivation and drive, I'm still trying I guess thats what makes it all the worth while. Just recently the Telegraph had placed some information on the roads that i had taken , that led me to where I am today, Nick (reporter) did a great job. For those who did not see the news I have placed it below and the link to the tele.

MICK Cutajar has nothing to show me when quizzed about his greatest fight. Standing in the downstairs sanctuary of his Wollongong home, sunlight blasts from rows of judo trophies and jujitsu cups, medallions, plaques and swords .evena laptop runs YouTube video from his Extreme Fighting days.

But it's his other prizes we've come to discuss. Those "Cutta" will later spend a good 90 minutes explaining from a black leather lounge.

Like his worrying bouts of claustrophobia, for example. And wariness in the dark. A 100kg enforcer who still jumps sharply whenever doors slam.

"Those Long Bay prison fights, mate, they still haunt me," Cutajar concedes. "Like the one in the shower block, first year inside.

"At the time, there'd been a lot of s . . . going down between me and another fella. A paedophile Im told.
"And this particular afternoon there were six of us there. Then there were two. So you fight or die in the shower."

And so Cutajar fought; a chaotic couple of seconds that left his rival lying unconscious on the tiles. Smashed face, broken leg and three distinct chest wounds from a shiv hidden inside his towel.

"What became of the bloke? Dunno," Cutajar deadpans. "Hospitalised, obviously. Then moved.

"But I wasn't concerned about his welfare, his wife and kids. My only thought was 'f . . ., OK, I'm still alive'."

Michael "Cutta" Cutajar is the Australian judo champion who has spent his entire life fighting.

A Year 9 high school dropout - "I was sick of getting bullied and chased home" - who is now just 265 days from becoming THE story of our 2008 Beijing Olympic team.

Two tournaments are yet to be contested before March. A handful of Aussies still in contention.

But already this Wollongong Warrior is daring to dream. Of sponsorship deals and coaching gigs, movie roles and book deals. He even wants to publish a secret prison diary he kept buried in some Long Bay garden bed.

Only last week Mick's parents told him to contact 60 Minutes. Because an Aussie prisoner at the Olympics would be interesting, they said. Maybe mention you shared a cell with Ivan Milat too.

ndeed, Liz Hayes would love to read this eclectic resume of a convicted armed robber, Kings Cross bouncer, Guns N' Roses bodyguard and diamond courier - once moving $5.2 million interstate around his wrist.

Mad Mick has fought coppers, drunks, prisoners, world champions, even some junkie brandishing a bloody syringe.

"So for someone like me to finally make the Olympic qualifying, it's special," the 39-year-old understates. "And to own that Olympian tag, mate, it would change my life forever.

"Like, I've fought for everything I have. It's been almost 15 years since I left jail and still no one wants to employ me full time.

"At judo competitions people I've never even met approach me saying 'Oh, you're the armed robber'. Mate, yes, but I have done a few positive things with my life since then."

The best place to start Cutajar's incredible story is November 1995, when he received three years for a bungled robbery attempt.

The yarn itself is a convoluted web of lies, deception and betrayal. But, for the sake of brevity, Mick walked into a security company wearing a balaclava, overcoat and contact lenses.

He KO'ed the security guards. Bound them with a third staffer. Removed their guns - "in the process going from common thief to armed robber" - and made off with a cool $39,000.

below is the link:
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22771286-5001023,00.html

The Grapple tackle

2007-08-20T19:00:00.000+10:00

The Grapple Tackle

We have all heard about it, and know of its dangers it presents not only to the sport of rugby league in general but the significant injury that a player can obtain from the incorrect method of tackling or grappling a player to the ground can be irreversible and career ending. But sadly the world of Rugby League has given a professional art a bad name due to its incorrect methods for educating players who want to learn the art of grappling for a style of defensive play in a modern game. As a professional athlete and sports coach this up sets me, and we need to get the grappling story right.

Times have changed we all can accept this challenge into the new level of defensive play, however if this incorrect method is not corrected by professionals we will see more and more young players retiring from graded footy at the ripe old age of 25-27. Gone are the days of the classic tackle.

There needs to be changes and it needs to start at the local footy club, in the schools where players are most likely selected for rep games, with this intervention then comes development and a safer game, however, its time to look beyond the footy field and adopt a new safe easy to learn method for bringing a player to the ground that has been used long before Rugby League started. If clubs and schools want to enhance the method of tackling a player (now known as grappling) and reduce the likely hood of seriously sustaining any injury, they should look to a professional grappler who has specifically been training in the art of brining a player to the ground safely and is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

As a professional athlete and Sports coach (recognised by the ASC) I have not only played Rugby League since I was 6 as most of us have (this included Illawarra and state level as a amateur and also included a run with the South Sydney Rabbits juniors) but I have in the past been employed to re-educate and retrain players and teams the more safer method of defensive play that was safe an acceptable to the playing standards of today’s demands on young footballers.

I have had 33 years experience at grappling or taking players down to the ground, I have represented Australia & Malta at National & International level and I’m currently trailing for the 2008 Judo Olympic team, to take it further I have been selected in the Elite training Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport from 23-30^th of August to again fine tune my methods of grappling and taking players down.

My Business partners and I have a simple system of defensive training that is available to all players, and will demonstrate a concern for attacking points that can be used in all levels of game plan (not just to the big teams), not to mention the cut back on leave from player associated with injury which may have been caused from an incident, thus keeping players on the field longer. New improved scientific techniques for a safer defence play.

Learn (take-downs as a new form of safe tackling, take-downs that slow the play down, wrap around take-downs that save tries and finally reduce the risk of injury by safely break falling, shoulder rolling, backward rolling. Now you do not get this level of grappling knowledge from your every day rugby league coach or trainers, you do not obtain this level of knowledge from people who are not professional who are not in the art of judo or grappling and more importantly the knowledge is not obtained from one session, its an art and it needs to be professionally delivered.

If your school or club would like more information and be prepared for the next season you can contact us on 0412729938, we will assist you and your players.

SPONSORS REQUIRED

2007-06-17T19:10:00.000+10:00

A great opportunity is on offer to any business or company big or small from any part of the globe to take advantage of this special offer and receive HUGE advertisement publicity on a scale not seen before for your business or company.

What I require:

I am looking for assistances in the form of financial, this will be used to pay for the publishing and licensing fee charged to print and publish a book on AMAZON, one of the world's leading book distributor.The Book size will be 8.25inch wide by 10.75 inch height, I will be offering spaces to business or company to have there logo on the back of the book from size of a whole page to 2 inch square. Now consider the target there are over 8million judo players alone world wide not even considering the other martial arts code and persons of general interest that will purchase this training manual, that is a huge target that will see your logo.

The Book
The sponsorship of my textbook called “My Judo [counters & combinations]” will be the latest training manual of its kind to hit the martial arts world as one of the most comprehensive detailed training manual ever written with over 350pages, with over 2700 black and white photos that will guide and teach any person from beginner to elite on counters and combinations. I have made it possible for you to know counters and combinations for every throw in the Judo Gokyo No-Waza, with some extra technique's not normally used and even placing 4 and 5 counters & combinations for some throws. We have placed photos in a step by step format with text under each photo that is easy and simple to follow. You will never fail a grading again due to lack of counters or combinations knowledge once you have obtained this book. My Judo has taken 11 years to put together, this has included many hours of testing many hours of trial and error in contests and many hours to put the photos in place for you to follow.

I have been lucky enough to work with a team of professionals who have taken the time out from their families and work to make sure that this book had all the right finishing touches to take to the highest level that is simple to follow.

You the sponsor would receive worldwide advertisement for life, as the book can be ordered via the internet through Amazon internet ordering system. I have been speaking to a representative of Amazon who are the world leaders in distribution of books world wide, again considering that there are over 8million judo players world wide that is a huge target that will see your logo.

SEE WHAT JUDO EXPERTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK
Sensei Mr Henry LewistonGo Dan. Founder & head Coach of the Berkeley judo Club.
I am positive that what you are about to read will be of the utmost importance to your future career in Judo. Not only from a competitor's point of view but also from an instructor's aspect. The book itself follows religiously to the teachings of the great architect of Judo, 'Jigaro Kano'. The Master always tried to expand a Judoka's education and encouraged his students to apply their own minds to inventing new moves and counter moves. I take pride in the fact that I was and still am Michael Cutajar's mentor. A Judoka of the highest caliber and the wonderful record of contest victories in all the Martial arts that he has achieved. I believe he has become an extremely accomplished teacher always adhering to the Master's moral principles and thus turning out students of the highest standard. It only remains for me to congratulate Michael on a job well done with regards to his first book. I am sure there will be more to follow.
Sensei Mr. Bruce Fagon. Go Dan. Founder & Head coach of the Bushido judo club,the 1992Olympic Games Judo Coach. 1990 Commonwealth Games Judo

I have known Michael for many years, and have seen his commitment to judo and other martial arts in which he gives one hundred percent, this would possibly relate more to the sport of Judo where Michael first started this form of martial arts. Michael has achieved great heights in Judo. He is one of the most motivated persons in Judo that I have ever met in my traveling the world on the international judo scene for 35 years. Michael has had problems in the political arena, unfortunately this reflects on those that are at odds with him about the sport that he has committed himself to and they have not.Michael’s new venture is to write this book about Judo. It is interesting reading if you compete or teach in the sport of judo. Michael is very conscious of his physical being so he can still compete. This is only done with a lot of commitment and a desire to achieve, and that is the nature of the man.

Sensei Mr. Terry Riches. Rank rokudan (6th). Founded the Australian Traditional Judo Renmei 1990, president of the NSW Kodokan Judo Association 2002,Vice President of the Australian Kodokan Judo Association.Senior grading examiner the NSWKJA, competed for AKJA in Osaka International open gaining a bronze medal..

I have known Mick for a number of years now, and know him to be one of the most passionate Judoka I have ever known. He has kept that passion for Judo burning despite many obstacles being put in his way from the political Judoka. Mick has a great Judo brain always thinking and experimenting and trying new ideas and concepts. For an under 100kg player Mick is also one of the fittest Judoka I have known and trains all the time. I have had many a great conversation with him on Judo, and can chat about Judo all day long. This book is the accumulation of Mick’s Judo experience and I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who are serious about their Judo.

Sensei Mr. Ivan Zavetchanos. 8^th Dan Founded Shudokan Judo Academy 1948. (Oldest continuous Club in Australia. Founded Australian Kodokan Judo Association 1981. Co-Founder of Judo federation of Australia 1951. Obtained membership of Australian Olympic Committee 1952. J.F.A. One of 17 founding members of I.J.F. 1952. Founded Oceania Judo Union 1954, accepted by 1956 Paris Congress of I.J.F. as regional body for I.J.F. President J.F.A. 1958-1969. President O.J.U. 1958- 1979. Vice-President I.J.F. 1958-1979. Australian Olympic team manager/coach Tokyo, 1964.

The author, Michael Cutajar has been practicing and competing in Judo for over 30 years and has written this excellent hand book on throws, counters and combinations from his practical experience during those years of very hard practice and competition.Writing a Judo text book is no easy matter, one must be fully versed in the subject and be able to explain the techniques very clearly with no ambiguity for the book to be of value to both beginners and experienced Judoka. While there are a great many Judo books available a lot have only limited value through the authors focusing on a small part of Judo and not doing it very thoroughly. In this book I believe Mr. Cutajar has tried to cover as much as possible in one volume, and I take this opportunity to wish him every success with the venture.

CONTACTS

Please if your interested in joining me to present this book to the world contact me on wolloongongjudo@hotmail.com or employeesafetytraining@hotmail.com or call the bat phone asap on 0412729938.

PLEASE pass this on to everyone you know that you think would be interested in this great opportunity.

Australian Judo Nationals.

2007-06-12T08:15:00.000+10:00

This was a strange contest most of the top ranked players were knocked out of the Gold medal chances early making the points ladder very interesting for future selection events now. Meaning it’s a cut throat on events to win.

This now means due to different players winning places at the Nationals other then the top placed players, the next 5 events will be a cut throat do or die contest as we will all be trying to place at the coming SYD & VIC internationals and the Oceania world cup (WA) will be the main one to win. I am happy with the over all result and placing of other players I did train very hard for this event only to be out done by the better player on the day. I will have to work even harder to retain my position again.

Ok the Australian Judo Nationals which were run from Saturday to Monday were successful, Players in my division were (Athens Olympian and current national champion) Martian Kelly nsw, Craig Gresham qld, Jamahi Kelly tas, Thomas Howe nsw, Cahai Burne vic, Brett Allan qld, Charles Kobelke WA, Matt cellotti vic, John Brendecke qld, and me NSW.

All the weights were between 97kgs & 99.900 kgs all very close with 10 players in the u/100kgs division. The first fight was M. Kelly NSW, he gained a buy for his first match. Then moved to 2^nd round, 2^nd match was qld C. Gresham & J. Kelly tas, Kelly won using leg grabs and moved to the 2^nd round. 3^rd match was B. Allan qld and C. kobelke WA Kobelke won in a few seconds to move into the 2^nd round. M. Cellotti gained a bye and moved into 2^nd round to face Kobelke and beating him, forcing Kobelke to drop to the bottom of the ladder

My first fight was a bye and moved to 2^nd round to face J. Brendecke (who recently won against me at the Arafura games) so this win was vital the match went the full 5minutes with me sweeping Johns foot to score a yuko 7pts ahead forcing John to obtain a penalty to give me another 5pts and wining the match to move into the semi finals to face M. Cellotti.

The first semi was against M. Kelly whom won easy to move to the finals. The 2^nd semi was a must win for me against M.Cellotti ( previous champion also) we had not competed against each other since 2001. Our initial grip fighting was hard at the start when I was watching to counter his top grip when Matt dropped down to take out my left leg to throw me with the throw that would place me in the bronze match. The bad thing was I seen it coming and didn’t react in time. Mat was now facing Martian in the finals.

J. Kelly had moved up to the repo charge winning against Tom Howe, now to fight against me in the finals to for the bronze medal. Our match was the first time we had ever competed against each other, Jamahi was a very strong unorthodox player and caught me early in the match forcing me to play catch up, which led to a mistake giving him the final throw to win against me to finish with the Bronze. The other Bronze match saw J. Brendeke cause an upset to clean up the top of the ladder leader C.Kobelke with a counter throw in the dying seconds to move on to fight against C. Byrne beat him easy to claim equal 3^rd.

The Gold medal match against current national champion Martian Kelly and Mat Cellotti, Cellotti went straight into drive mode to score two fast points against Martian, and the wearing him down to reduces his chances of coming back with a score to win and take the title from Martian.

The placing are Matt Cellotti (VIC)1^st place, Martian Kelly (NSW) 2^nd Place, Jamahi Kelly (TAS) 3^rd place, John Brendeke (QLD) equal 3^rd place. Mick Cutajar (NSW) 4^th place, Cahal Byrne (VIC) 5^th place, Tom Howe (NSW) 6^th place and Charles Kobelke (WA) 7^th place.

ARAFURA GAMES

2007-05-17T09:07:00.000+10:00

The Arafura Games at the NT, what a crowd there was thousands of athletes from all walks of sports including the Oceania (disabled) athletes, the heat was just as hot as the atmosphere it self.

After a long trip up there finally getting to bed at 1.50am only to wake up at 6am to make the weigh inst from 6.30am, I made the weight Goran was in the o/100kgs, we were back for a very quick bite to eat before heading to the Marrara Indoor stadium.

My first fight was against John Brendecke (Georges brother), our dual was the one to watch, we have both competed against each other in several past events such as the National 06 and the Oceania worlds 05 where john had lost against me on our last 5 meetings. This time john forced me to concede a penalty putting me behind 5pts, then I come back with a counter throw and holding him down for 8pts placing me in the lead, john managed to escape and catch me with a counter throw to win the contest. (first time he has ever won) I am lucky it was this event and not the nationals, (which are to be held in 3wks in SA)

My second match was again Dieter Lorraine of NT, he had given John a hard time for a short period so I did not take this fight lightly as we exchanged attacks and I finally come up with the counter and lead on to the ground to win by hold down. Placing me in second place.

Team mate Goran had 4 players in his division with one withdrawing leaving 3. he faced off against William Hussy of NT for the first international fight which saw Goran lose by Wazari (7pts). Then faced off against George Brendecke of QLD (current Australian HW champion) the fight was a good strong battel George out weighing Goran by 35kgs and kept his attacks up on Goran to catch him out with ippon to take the gold.

The OPEN event started off with 17 players, which dropped down to 9, they placed Goran at one end of the draw and me at the other end, we won all our lead up matches only to end up facing off against each other in the finals. Goran new my style of fighting and tried to keep me at bay but I countered using kata guruma to score 5pts to put me in the lead, as he stood back up to attack I through him with a shoulder throw to claim the gold and Arafura champion.

Mick Cutajar & Souths Juniors

2007-04-02T19:13:00.000+10:00

Just recently I had been blessed with a chance meeting with a special group of sports folk who continually go out of their way to help those in time of difficulty, one person in particular is the
current President of the South Sydney Juniors Mr Keith McCraw which was arranged by manager Mr Greg Tingle from media man.

The history in short, in 1996 the South juniors put together a challenge football match in the name of the Great Jack Gibson in which players were selected from a number of team that were playing in the South Juniors comp, a very very tough comp. I was in a position where i had the chance to show what i could do on the field and then make the rep side, which would make life a lot move livable. The problem was i was in long bay Hilton serving 3yrs for borrowing money when the bank was closed (armed robbery).

Whilst the souths management made sure that all inmates from the Malabar sharks had the same opportunity as those who were in the normal team not in prison, (to this day I don't know how they convinced the long bay regional commander Mr Ron Woodam to agree but I am very great full. I was the only inmate from the team who made selections to represent in the inaugural match against the sharks and I'm certain the first in the history for Souths and the prison system.

For the record I played bloody well and did the Bunnies proud and we won the match. After all the security escorts to training in the pool, the footy training at night, to the shops and to the night game it was bloody worth going to jail, if I wasn't in prison this chance would have never happened.

Our recent meeting was overwhelming ( we have had another since this one) and I was glade that Keith took the time out to speak to me and I got to know about the man who took time out to make sure I was given every chance possible, Keith was a major motivational tool that led to me deciding what i wanted to do once released from prison in April 98. Keith gave me loan of the Jack Gibson trophy (I didn't know my name was on it) so I could have a copy made.

This is what movies are made of, and thanks to Kieth and souths Ive never looked back. stay tuned for more of this meeting.

GOLD SETTING

2007-03-19T20:38:00.000+11:00

How many times have we got out of bed and just sat there thinking, and thinking, yet our minds are set like a clock and for some reason we have sustained a blank spot, a blur in time that has now been lost.

How do you know what to do each morning and without thinking such as going for a pee in the dark walking down the hallway, or cleaning your teeth??Its simple each and every one of us have a memory that slips through the filing cabinet for that split second and it just happens,....or something like that.
I have had the benefit of lecturing at the University of Wollongong to second year students from the Psychology department about motivation and gold setting in general, as a 2nd year student myself I was asked to give a guest lecture and now it is a ongoing event.

i will give some information that might help you as it did me even though I applied it to my profession in sports this can be used in every day interaction.

MOTIVATION

This is an example of a hand out to help give you an idea of what you may want to achieve. Try to find a starting point with your own aims and put them in set goals. You may extend the now tasks if there is not enough room. There are a few questions to look at before attempt the Goal setting map.

Goal setting:

Learning to use goals in every day setting weather it be for employment tasks, sports or just in normal house duties, without you even knowing it your mind has, in place an outcome in which you have already processed and are about to complete. This is a very useful self program once you can easily identify how to use it. Goal setting is usually learned in 3 steps the main goals either seen as long-term or short-term pending on achievement levels, sub goals & the now task.

You will learn to use a goal setting map in this program with your coach / mentor / friend, the map will provide you with a visual representation of the goal-setting process which requires you to concentrate on each step that will lead to a positive change. You will be required to follow each step and work through each step to achieve the final outcome.

We will work together to identify a desired outcome, what you want to achieve in the end, we will call this, (main goal).
We will identify five changes that you think are necessary for the desired outcome to occur, what small steps will help you reach the main goals, we will call this, (sub goals).
Finally for the sub goals to happen you must work to identify the behaviours changes that you must do, we will call this (now task).

It is important to arrange your sub goals in order of hierarchy, from the easiest task to the hardest task. The same should be applied for the now tasks that are related to each of the sub goal. Each must be completed in order. You must complete one sub goal before you can move onto the next. When you complete each set task in the sub goals and the now tasks in a successful manner, you will be more motivated and energized to reinforce the positive and you will maintain that motivation. With the successful completion of the sub goals, this may reduces the past negative experiences and replace them with positive experiences that lead to achieving the main goal.

Example of Goal setting steps:

1____

2____ 1____

1____ 2____ 1____

2____ 3____ main goal

1____ sub goals

2____

Now Tasks

Write down what you want to change or achieve then do the now tasks that need to reach the sub goals that lead to main goals. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Question’s to consider.

· What are the physical and psychological factor relevant for people participating in your sport?

· What are the most important psychological factors for you personally? How do you address this?

· What is the most important motivation factor?

· How important is being competitive to you?

· How do you cope with loss?

· Which is most difficult for you and why? Physical training or mental training?

Kids safety first

2007-03-10T09:08:00.000+11:00

Martial arts professional Coordinator Mick Cutajar played host to teaching a kids judo program at the University of Wollongong.

A "'kids judo" program was designed to give kids the knowledge in stranger danger and self defence, whilst lowering obesity, increasing motivation and social interaction with others.

I was pleased with the out come kids aged from 5 to 15 numbering between 35 and 50 took part in the program which the UOW had set up over the holidays to give kids something to do that is very useful, sports judo was one of the 9 programs that took place over 21days.
My service is aiding in dealing with anti social behaviours, obesity and stranger danger. Kids that start school for the first time or had encountered trouble before could complete this program and give them confidence to handle any situation.

Kids judo has been apart of the school education system for almost 50yrs in countries such as England, china, Japan, and Korea.

Sports judo is not linked to one persons size, height, weight or sex, Its all about the individual trying to learn something new that is instructional learning.
The biggest problem for mums and dads is finding a sports that had the right formula to deliver a self-defence which had NO strikes of any kind, so this meant sports judo was school friendly.
Judo is an Olympic sport the very roots of judo are to allow one to demobilize any attack by using counters, with throws, sweeps and take downs, judo lowers obesity levels and increases fitness.

For more information please send us an email.
wollongongjudo@hotmail.com
www.mickcutajar.com

Prison on release

2007-03-09T21:48:00.000+11:00

After watching the ABC 4corners host a glimpse on the release of 3 males who were released to the real world, with a view that these guys would not return to prison brought back some sad moments in my life.

I was a first time offender, I owned my own company, employed staff, and was a successful athlete, (lucky it was martial arts). going to prison was bad enough, (3yrs) there was heaps of fights stabbing bad bushing's bad rapes, and several hangings, this was a wild wild world one could only adapt or become a victim, yes I did defend myself and others were badly injured, this included stabbing another person (his crime was sexual against another child to me he deserved it). In my three yrs I had lost common emotions, in away that the norm did not apply.

Now come time for release, I was not shown how to deal with the re-entry into the real world, an example: going to the shop and using a card to pay for food, this simple task had sent me over the hill, I went to prison with always having money in my hand, yet here I was 3yrs later & I had to ask my unity to help me pay for food at woollies, to most this is a joke, but people must understand the norm will not ever count in jail, and yes still to this day being in crowed places I start to feel like a knife is going to come through the crowd, and I am on edge all the time.

I will advise of other points but this story took me, in general a person released from prison will return if the "norm needs are not updated and safely Incorporated into general living.

for more information please view the following sites:
www.mediaman.com.au/profiles/eagle.html
www.mediaman.com.au/interviews/cutajar.html
www.mediaman.com.au/profiles/cutajar.html.
www.mickcutajar.com
www.youtube.com (then type in Cuttas and enjoy)