Teaching Judo for 64 Years: Ed Maley of Brandon

Edwin "Ed" Maley has been teaching judo in the Greater Brandon area and beyond for 64 years.

"I took it  up in Strategic Air Command, I was in the service for 12 years," he said. "I had my own business for 40 years on MacDill Avenue, the Florida School of Judo."

Today, Maley is teaching in South Tampa and at the Campo Family YMCA and the Brandon Recreation Center, where his students come in all sizes and ages.

"I've taught more than 60,000 women, men and chidren and I've been in the Black Belt Hall of Fame five times," he said Aug. 5, at the 10th Annual Back-To-School Festival at the Campo Family Y, an event hosted by the FishHawk Area Networking Group (FANG).

Why such a strong, lifelong commitment to judo?

"It was in me," Maley said. "I guess this is my profession."

At the Y, Maley's students demonstrated the art of judo.

"He is amazing," one student said, "his support and just the way he teaches judo."

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About Judo Instructor Edwin "Ed" Maley

Excerpted from a YMCA handout about Maley's free judo lessons at the New Tampa Family YMCA, the Interbay-Glover Family YMCA, the Campo Family YMCA and the Brandon Recreation Center.

Professor Maley began his study of judo as a teenager in New York City. During his time in the Air Force during the Korean War he taught his martial arts to servicemen and participated in exhibitions and competitions. Professor Maley has put on hundreds of exhibitions all over the world. In 1963 he founded the Florida School of Judo in South Tampa. He now oversees the judo program at several Tampa YMCA locations, where his large number of dedicated volunteers make it possible for judo lessons to be offered for free to YMCA members.

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About Judo

Also from the YMCA handout:

• Judo, meaning, "the gentle way," is an unarmed style of martial arts that builds strength, endurance, confidence and moral character.

• The balance of judo improves coordination,, agility and stamina.

• Judo is an art that can be practiced throughout life, "making you a more well-rounded person and promoting a sense of well-being and confidence."

• Judo's throws, hold-down's and kicks "give you the ability to defend yourself, if the need arises."

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Where To Take Judo Lessons With Edwin "Ed" Maley

Classes are appropriate for ages 5 and up.

BRANDON RECREATION CENTER Youth Thursdays 6-7pm Teens/Adults Thursdays 7-8:30pm CAMPO FAMILY YMCA Everyone Wednesdays 7:45-8:45pm Kata Saturdays 7:45-9am Youth Saturdays 9-10am Adults Saturdays 10-11:30am INTERBAY-GLOVER FAMILY YMCA Youth Tuesdays 7:30-8:30pm Youth Saturdays 11:30am-1pm Adults Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12-1pm NEW TAMPA FAMILY YMCA Youth Saturdays 9-10am Adult Saturdays 10-11:30am