Judo class was really good last night.  We had three new students, which is always neat to see.  I wish we had mixed it up a bit more… maybe some Randori or something so I could have gotten more interaction wit the new people, but that will come with time.

I also noticed a pattern that has developed in my Randori: Sean kicks my ass.

I have to say though, that I don’t really feel too terribly bad on the standup.  It seems very tough for me to throw a bigger person, but then again, I am not getting thrown.  Sean uses a tactic I often use again smaller opponents as well: wait for them to try something, then overpower them.  I think if I can refine my standup a bit, or wait for him to do something I could do just fine… and again, as I I go through these items, this is more a list of my shortcomings and strengths then a  plan to specifically combat Sean

Ground control.  I was actually pleased wit my ability to fight fo a good position on the ground.  I think this is one of my strengths.

Submission.  I really learned a couple of key lessons from Sean here… As soon as the game hits the ground, his hands go for the neck.  He never stops to pause, or stall while he thinks what to do.  He goes right for the throat, and it works well.

The second thing I learned: A tough guy on the bottom is scary as hell.  Both times I got choked out last night I was on top of him!  Luckily, Sheldon showed me a move I think will help with this (Sheldon is a sneaky grappler… he always has some tidbit of nastiness he will whisper to you.)

I think I will fair better next time.  It was really great to go against someone bigger and stronger.  I think it is the diversity in Randori that really improves us.

There is also a new guy int he class I hear comes from an MMA background (Mixed Martial Arts.)  He was there wit his wife this week.  I look forward to a bit of Randori with him as well… all new ingredients to the soup of a good Randori game

Finally: Sean, please get a choking hazard emblem for your Gi.  I would hate for some poor person to be cause as unprepared as I was

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