Luisella Jaques-Deraney

Judo is open equally to men and women. It involves movement and rhythm, using another's force as a method of deflection. Its basic philosophy doesn't rest on physical strength. In fact, the qualities that women are thought to express naturally are fundamental in judo — grace, flexibility, agility. In judo, the classic concept of force is overturned.

The basis for establishing true equality between men and women in any field can be found in the spiritual fact that we're all the children of the same Parent, God. And that God loves us infinitely, without exception. She/He creates and sees us as equals. I love the fact that the Lord's Prayer that Jesus gave us starts with the words “Our Father.” This little word “our” really unites all men and women.

In judo, there's an element of respect and politeness towards all the other participants, that helps establish a feeling of equality between women and men. For me, however, the politeness goes beyond the Japanese judo tradition that expects mutual greetings before starting any interaction. For instance, I realized soon after starting judo that winning at any cost is no victory. Respecting others, means to me that I don't have the intention of winning a fight, no matter what it takes. I practice judo for the fun of it. And that hasn't prevented me from passing from belt to belt, from progressing in the sport, and from becoming first dan (the first degree of black belt).

Initially I was encouraged to study judo so that I could defend myself if I were attacked in the street. But in fact, I never liked the idea of violence, and deep in my heart, I've never accepted that women need to be targets of attacks. I've always prayed never to have to use judo against someone in the street. And my prayer has been answered. Although I've found myself countless times alone in the street at night, in many different countries, I've never had to use judo to defend myself. In fact, I've never had to defend myself physically at all! I found that a better understanding, through prayer, of my spiritual identity, as well as the spiritual identity of others, is a more efficient defense than physical strength.

I like to think that men and women are not in opposition but walk side by side, expressing their divine qualities. Science and Health says, “Man and woman as coexistent and eternal with God forever reflect, in glorified quality, the infinite Father-Mother God” (p. 516 ).

I consider sports as a way to express God's qualities and to overcome limitations. I read, for example, in the magazine L'Express of September 22, 1999, that today, high-level women athletes do not need to stop competing, as in the past, because they have children. They rapidly find their way back to success after childbirth. L'Express mentions the case of Viviane Dorsile, three-time 800-meter French champion between 1992 and 1998, who continued to run up to her sixth month of pregnancy, and who, six weeks after delivery, started competing again — and a year later was able to match her previous record.

In athletics, women demonstrate the same passion and talent as men. You can't help noticing, for instance, the tenacity, courage, and persistence of both the women and men who compete in the Olympic Games. Certainly, though, sports are not the only activities in which women can prove that they have all they need to be successful. I know many women who have fully realized their potential without ever doing sports. But I would say sports are a wonderful way to demonstrate the fact that women have all the needed capabilities to be successful in life.