Well, for starters, it looks like I will be missing class this tuesday, as I will be on the road.  But I will be there thursday, and will be sure and let you all know what we learned.

In the meantime however, I wanted to throw up some things I have been thinking on: Judo in a real-world setting.  By real-world, I mean how applicable the style is in my daily life and situation I might face.  I think it is important to note here, that I mean MY life.  If I worked in drug enforcement, or somewhere that people regularly tried to knife me I would definitely lean differently (Krav Maga is probably the best style for such a situation in my opinion.)

I think Judo is a great fit for me several reasons.  The first is that I feel that fighting and posturing (which is more common that fighting and involves trash talking and perhaps a bit of shoving around) is really a mental game as much as anything.  Although at 20 years old I might have wanted to beat the hell out of someone, and 37 my real goal is more along the lines of undermining their confidence such that they no longe want to proceed with this track of action.  I think Judo is awesome for that.  The problem with punching is that no matter how well you punch me, if I am still standing I will try to punch you back.  Throws are different.  If I can slam someone decisively onto the pavement, then step back and glare at them while they get up, then there is a greater chance they may just throw a couple of insults, but decide to walk away.  I think this is also nice, as it is functional against multiple people.  Throw one down with your Judo throw, then turn to glare at his friend.  Jiu Jitsu can be more dangerous in this respect, as goign to the ground with more than one person can be bad.

If however, you have to go to the ground, Judo has a great arsenal of fight-stoppers.  Break and arm, choke, or what have you.

I think the real trap with Judo is that you can forget that a person will be punching you.  You need to keep aware of this, and know you will have to take one or two in the process of your throw.  Don’t let it unnerve you.

The other thing  like about Judo is that is is good for holding someone.  Most of the few fights I have had since highschool have involved a need to detain someone, a shoplifter or similar.  Judo can be really nice for this.

Anyway… gotta go catch my flight.  Oh wait… accidental pun… Judo… flight… very nice.

Posted in: Uncategorized