(A) A 10yearold boy decided to learn judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so (a) he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move.
(B) On the way home, after reviewing all the matches he had, he summoned the courage to ask what was on his mind. “Master, how did I become the champion with only one move?” “You won for two reasons,” the master answered. “First, you’ve mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.” The boy’s biggest weakness had become (b) his biggest strength.
(C) Not quite understanding but believing in his master, the boy kept training. Several months later, the master took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy skillfully used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, (c) he was now in the finals.
(D) This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. Concerned that (d) he might get hurt, the referee called a timeout to stop the match. Then the master intervened. “No,” the master insisted, “let him continue.” Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: (e) he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.