#bluming

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Springtime Andalucia

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Menachem Mendel Bluming Muses: Converts to Judaism

Many people from all different walks of life have reported feeling an affinity to Jews and Judaism. Some leave it at that. Others take it further. For them, it is more than just a curiosity with Jewish things or a taste for Jewish cooking. It is in their soul.

The first Jewish couple, Abraham and Sarah, were married for decades before they were blessed with a child. But the Kabbalists in Shelah HaKadosh, Sha’ar HaOsios, Kedushas Hazivug 402 say that although no physical children had been born to them, they had given birth to many spiritual children.

Every time husband and wife are together, a soul is born. Sometimes that soul comes down into a body, and is born as their child. Other times, the soul remains in the heavens. Abraham and Sarah for all those years were in fact giving birth to souls without bodies. Those souls were then distributed among the nations of the world and spread over history.

These are the souls of converts to Judaism throughout the ages.

When a non-Jew feels within them a pull towards the Jewish faith and the Jewish people, it may be a latent Jewish soul wanting to return to its community, a long lost child of Abraham and Sarah reuniting with its family.

This is why when a convert to Judaism chooses a Hebrew name, they are called the son or daughter of Abraham and Sarah. This is describing a true fact, their Jewish soul came directly from the first Jewish couple. While a born Jew is a distant descendant of Abraham and Sarah, a convert is their actual child.

Now there are plenty of non-Jews who have Jewish taste. Just because you like Jewish humor and enjoy bagels and lox, doesn't mean that you have a hidden Jewish soul.

But someone who studies Judaism and is enthralled by it, explores the laws of Torah and just wants to do more, feels a deep calling to join the Jewish people and embarks on the long and hard journey to do just that with no ulterior motive  - it must be Abraham and Sarah calling them home.

Mendel (Menachem) Bluming and R”M

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Daisy | 9.6.2019

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Very interesting flowers 🧐😀 #isabellaplantation #exploringnature #hamamelis #tree #flowers #botanic #kwiaty #bluming #blumingtree #january #london #londonparks #drzewko #nature #richmondpark #spring #funnyflowers (w: Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsnHaaFF7fi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tkpl75gvz27m

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Spring fling | 25.3.2019

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#tenerife #bush #tree #flowers #bluming #winter #winterontenerife #buddha #meditation #peace #dzamlinggar #flower #kwiat #redflowers #undertree #underblumingtree #canaryislands #egzoticflowers (w: Dzamling Gar Dzogchen Community) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsIN6M-lrC_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13zr30f838qol

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From Amsterdam’s Streets to Tokyo’s Dojo: The Extraordinary Journey of Martial Arts Legend Bluming

In the world of martial arts, few stories resonate with the same intensity and resilience as that of Bluming—a name synonymous with dedication, prowess, and an unwavering spirit. Born in the heart of Amsterdam, Bluming’s life is a testament to overcoming adversity, relentless training, and leaving an indelible mark on the global martial arts community.

Early Life: Forged in Adversity

Bluming’s journey began in a Jewish neighborhood of Amsterdam during one of the most tumultuous periods in history—the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Growing up amidst such hardships, Bluming found solace and strength in boxing, starting his training at the tender age of 13. Boxing was more than a sport for him; it was a means to escape the clutches of poverty and the grim realities of war. His early dedication paid off when, at 16, he joined the Marines, seeking not just a better life but a purpose.

Military Service: A Crucible of Strength

July 1949 marked the beginning of Bluming’s rigorous training at the Marines bootcamp in Doorn. His commitment was soon tested when the Korean War erupted in 1950. As a member of the van Heutz regiment, Bluming distinguished himself on the battlefield, earning several decorations despite being wounded twice. His injuries necessitated a move to Tokyo for recovery—a twist of fate that would alter his destiny forever.

In Tokyo, during his recuperation, Bluming witnessed a Judo exhibition by the legendary Kyuzo Mifune at the Kodokan Institute in March 1953. This encounter ignited a passion for Judo that would shape his future. Embracing this new path, Bluming delved into Judo upon his return to Holland while simultaneously training in Hapkido in Korea, blending the best of both worlds.

Rise Through the Ranks: Mastery and Mentorship

Back in the Netherlands by November, Bluming honed his Judo skills under the tutelage of Eddy Roosterman and the esteemed G. F. M. Schutte at the Tung-Yang Club. His dedication bore fruit as he earned his black belt in just three years—a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless work ethic. By 1956, Bluming had ascended to the role of coach for the Dutch national team, leading them to victory at the European Championships in Bellevue.

The following year, Bluming’s prowess was unmistakable. He earned his 3rd Dan from Tokio Hirano by defeating an astonishing 75 Judokas in a mere 26 minutes, including another 3rd Dan, all while battling an injured toe. This remarkable feat secured him an invitation to teach at a police dojo in Berlin, where he continued to dominate tournaments before making a significant move to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1958. At Dalhousie University, Bluming shared his expertise, further cementing his reputation as a formidable martial artist.

Tokyo: The Heart of Mastery

Despite his successes in Europe and Canada, Bluming sought greater challenges, prompting his relocation to Tokyo in 1959. Accepted into the prestigious Kodokan Institute, he trained under masters such as Toshiro Daigo, Yoshimi Osawa, and Kazuo Ito. Bluming’s tenure in Japan was nothing short of legendary—undefeated in all his matches and achieving a points record matched only by French 5th Dan Maurice Quell.

Bluming’s quest for mastery didn’t stop at Judo. Under Yaichihyōe Kanemitsu, he perfected his groundwork and expanded his repertoire to include Karate, Aikido, Iaijutsu, Bojutsu, and Kendo, training under renowned masters like Takaji Shimizu and Ichitaro Kuroda. Initially a Shotokan Karate practitioner, Bluming soon found his true calling in Kyokushin Karate, a style that resonated more deeply with his fighting spirit.

Living with martial arts luminaries Donn F. Draeger and Robert W. Smith, Bluming was immersed in an elite circle, training alongside the best in Tokyo’s top 25 Judo practitioners. His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him his 4th Dan after defeating Akio Kaminaga by choke and Isao Inokuma by uchi mata makikomi. Bluming’s adaptability shone as he transitioned to a heavier weight class, soaring from 176 to 224 pounds. This strategic move led to unprecedented success, including a jaw-dropping four-second victory in a gonin gake challenge against five 3rd Dan opponents.

Return to Europe: Conflict and Controversy

Bluming’s triumphant return to Europe was met with high expectations. A letter from G. F. M. Schutte invited him back to teach at the old dojo and the Amateurs Association on a one-year contract. Intent on participating in the 1961 World Judo Championships in Paris, Bluming faced unforeseen obstacles when the Dutch Jujitsu and Judo Association (NJJB) barred his entry.

The friction between Bluming and the NJJB escalated as he clashed with fellow Dutch star Anton Geesink, a rising competitor and potential rival. Bluming accused Geesink of colluding with NJJB chief Jan Van Der Horst to exclude him from the competition. Undeterred, Bluming publicly challenged Geesink, only to have his challenge vetoed by the NJJB once more.

In a bold move, Bluming organized a public match against multiple challengers—80 Judokas ranging from 1st to 4th Dan. Demonstrating his unmatched skill, he swiftly defeated all opponents within approximately four seconds, a spectacle witnessed by the press. Despite this display of dominance, Geesink remained unchallenged, leading to Bluming’s frustration and eventual retirement from competitive Judo. He pivoted his focus to Karate and teaching, leaving a complex legacy intertwined with both triumph and controversy.

Legacy in Karate: Breaking Barriers

Bluming’s impact extended beyond Judo into the realm of Karate. In 1965, he shattered cultural barriers by becoming the first non-Japanese to be awarded the 6th Dan in Karate by Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. This unprecedented honor stirred controversy among Asian Karatekas, prompting Oyama to issue a challenge: any challenger could face Bluming in a boxing ring, with Oyama willing to forfeit his own black belt if Bluming lost.

The challenge was met by Korean champion Kwan Mo Gun, who was swiftly defeated by Bluming via shotei. Despite maintaining a close working relationship with Oyama, Bluming eventually parted ways due to policy disagreements, founding his own school, Kyokushin Budokai. His contributions were further recognized when he was awarded the 9th Dan in 1989, solidifying his status as a martial arts titan.

Final Years and Enduring Influence

Bluming’s expertise and leadership were sought after by Akira Maeda of Fighting Network Rings, a pioneering professional wrestling and mixed martial arts promotion. Through Maeda, Masutatsu Oyama invited Bluming to return as a trainer and mediator, a role he accepted with conditions that ensured his principles remained intact. In 1994, following Oyama’s death, Bluming was honored with the 10th Dan by Kenji Kurosaki, a fitting culmination to a storied career.

Bluming’s legacy is not merely in the titles and ranks he amassed but in the lives he touched and the martial arts disciplines he elevated. From the war-torn streets of Amsterdam to the disciplined halls of Tokyo’s dojos, Bluming exemplifies the spirit of a true martial artist—resilient, adaptable, and ever-committed to the pursuit of excellence.

Conclusion: A True Martial Arts Icon

Bluming’s journey is a powerful narrative of transformation, conflict, and triumph. His ability to navigate and excel in diverse martial arts landscapes—be it Judo, Karate, or beyond—demonstrates a versatility that is both rare and inspiring. As martial arts continue to evolve, Bluming’s story remains a beacon for aspiring athletes, embodying the relentless pursuit of mastery and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Bluming’s life reminds us that true greatness is forged through adversity, sustained by passion, and immortalized through unwavering dedication. His contributions have not only enriched the martial arts community but have also left an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.