What can I say… I really love Randori.  Know what, I even love Randori more now that I am in two classes.  Lots of people with different body type, backgrounds and skill sets.  Last night I worked out on our drills with Sam.  Sam’s new to our class, but really has potential.  Definitely very eager and athletic.

Then we made our way to Randori.  I feel terrible to say (I am AWFUL with names), but I can’t recall the name of the guy I sparred with (even though I asked him three times!)  I was good though.  He was good sized, just a bit smaller than me, with a year into Judo, and some fairly good Wa Do Ki and Aikido experience.

So on to the main thing I learned last night: First, dragon ball Z does not work in Judo (inside joke for a few folks there :)  But more importantly, Randy really worked with me on conserving my energies and keeping my head.  On the ground I tend to count on my strength and explosiveness to pull me through.  While that tends to work for me sometimes, it keeps me from learning the skills I need for when I can’t power through something.  Randy really worked wit us on keeping our (my) cool.  Thinking through a situation… conserving energy.

So my Judo tip for the day:  Just because something works doesn’t mean it’s right.  Just because you can nail a double leg takedown doesn’t mean you should… counting on that too much is keeping you from the reason you came to class: to learn Judo.  Judo because you can overpower someone, doesn’t mean it’s right.  It is keeping you from learning the skills you will need when the other guy is stronger.  Learn finesse.  Then combine that with strength, and crush them really beautifully

Posted in: Uncategorized