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Balance, Strength, and Purpose: The Martial Legacy of Dr Yusof Mutahar

Updated on: 12 August, 2025 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai

Bespoke Stories Studio | bespokestories@mid-day.com

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Dr Yusof at the Australian National Titles

Dr Yusof Mutahar is a name known for excellence in multiple fields - as an Australian medical doctor, published author, theologian, and elite-level athlete. While his contributions to medicine and academia are widely recognized, his martial arts career is a story of equal passion, discipline, and achievement.

Dr Mutahar’s journey in martial arts began at the age of seven, training in Taekwondo and boxing. These early foundations laid the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of combat sports. After achieving notable success, he turned his focus to grappling arts, most notably Judo, which would become his primary competitive discipline.

His dedication took him far beyond local dojos. He trained in Japan - the birthplace of Judo - at the famed Kodokan Institute, where he practiced alongside Olympic teams and world champions. His global pursuit of excellence continued in Turkey, where he trained with the national youth team, further refining his technique and competitive edge.

Representing Australia in the under-81kg category, Dr Mutahar has competed on both national and international stages, claiming numerous state and national titles. In addition to Judo, he has excelled in Jujitsu, freestyle wrestling, and Greco-Roman wrestling - securing multiple gold medals across disciplines. His explosive athleticism, refined technique, and strategic mindset have distinguished him as a formidable presence on the mat.

His favorite technique, the Uchi Mata, became his trademark - executed with such mastery that he could perform it ambidextrously, both left- and right-handed. This level of control and versatility is rare and speaks to the years of focused repetition and internalization of the art. In his own words, “Judo is not just about strength - it’s timing, balance, and above all, mental clarity.”

Expanding his martial repertoire, Dr Mutahar has also pursued Kung Fu training, including partial specialization in traditional Bo staff techniques. This unique discipline added another dimension to his martial arts perspective, enhancing his coordination, range awareness, and flow. His time training with the Bo staff reflects his broader philosophy: to never stop learning and to seek mastery across forms, cultures, and traditions.

Beyond combat sports, Dr Mutahar also trained in épée fencing, a discipline he credits with sharpening his reflexes and footwork. He further diversified his physical training through equestrianism, believing horse riding enhanced his balance, core control, and connection to movement - all elements that complement martial performance.

What sets Dr Yusof Mutahar apart is not only his physical prowess, but the mindset behind it. His explosive power is matched by a strong, focused mentality - a trait he has carried into every arena of life, from clinical practice to high-level competition.

In 2025, Dr Mutahar combined his deep knowledge of martial arts and education by publishing a definitive guide on Judo techniques, contributing to the discipline’s literature and helping practitioners around the world refine their skills.

Though widely respected for his contributions to medicine, theology, and humanitarian work, Dr Yusof Mutahar remains, at his core, a martial artist - a student of discipline, balance, and inner mastery. His journey continues to inspire across disciplines, proving that true excellence knows no boundaries.