Professor Ed Maley – 60 Years On The Mat!

Over the years, one man for whom I’ve developed a very high level of respect is Professor Ed Maley of the Florida School of Judo.

What can I say? Professor Maley is a one of a kind. He’s one of the most benevolent and authentic martial arts masters I’ve ever known. His heart is truly in the right place. Plus, he’s always been rooting for me in the background and has regularly called me over the years to offer me pats on the back when deserved, as well as sound advice.

I really appreciate his wisdom and I’m proud that he’s my friend. When somebody’s got your back…you just know it. You can just feel it. The opposite is also true.

But the reason I’m writing this post about Professor Maley is because I want to congratulate him for a huge accomplishment. Professor Maley has just celebrated his 60th anniversary as a judo teacher. And he’s still teaching nearly every day. WOW! Think about that for a moment. 60 years on the mat!

Professor Maley began training at the Kodokan in 1949, as a young man in the air force. And he’s never stopped!

Among his many high caliber qualifications are the following: Class “A” teaching certificate; 7 years undefeated Florida overall state champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame; World Hall of Fame; GI Hall of Fame; National East Coast Air Force Champ; overall New England and East Coast champion; overall Eighth Air Force champion, remaining undefeated. He is a Hachidan (8th degree red and white belt) in judo. He is also a 4th degree black belt in Karate and an O-Sensei in Jiu-Jitsu as well as an experienced and licensed physical massage therapist.

Some of Professor’s top students are Dewey Mitchell and Tom Masterson, both Judo icons in their own right. His biggest program is at a YMCA, where he teaches for FREE. Heck, this Saturday he’ll have more than 80 students in his class, mostly kids. How about that?

Today in his eighties, Professor Maley has had a huge impact on the lives of his countless students, as well as his community; the Hillsborough County Commissioner has even declared an official Ed Maley Day.

Furthermore, just yesterday I received a surprise phone call from my good friend the legendary Gene “The Godfather of Grappling” LeBell. As I’m sure you know, Gene is also a judo man and one of the most respected grapplers the world has ever known. (Plus, Gene has done work in over a thousand movies and sitcoms from Raging Bull to an Elvis film.)

I mentioned Ed Maley’s name to Gene and right away he started rattling off Professor Maley’s victories, background and accomplishments. Then he said, “That guy is for real. He’s one of my heroes. He’s one of the good guys.” Coming from Gene LeBell….geez…that’s one helluva comment.

In conclusion, I want to say that if I’ve ever seen a martial arts success story, Professor Maley symbolizes it. Everyone loves him. His track record is proven. He’s happy, spry and sharp. He brings joy to the world and he’s a giver. I truly hope that I’m like Ed Maley when I reach my 80’s.

You don’t need me to say this, but keep up the great work Professor Maley!