Hello all.
Just a short update.
What with the sports centre, rather unhelpfully refurbishing our dojo location, we have unfortunately had to cancel several December sessions and Wednesday sessions are now in the main hall.
It's not perfect but it's the best that could be arranged. If you don't already know, all cancelled sessions are listed on the Nokemono main website.
Due to the fact that the sessions on Wednesday are in the main hall, we have had to combine the juniors and adults classes in to one session on one mat. I know that several of the adults have been unimpressed by the fact that so many people are on one mat and that there isn't really the room for randori or groundwork.
Personally I prefer to think of it as a time for learning. Christmas is in the air and whilst there are so many children on the mat willing to learn, it's a great opportunity for the adults to demonstrate what they have learnt and pass on some knowledge to the youngsters. This also includes the new adult members which is nice to see attending.
I had a brief chat with one of the instructors during the class the other day about splitting lower grade members with high grade or Dan grade members for each session (a sort of mentoring scheme I suppose) and he was informing me that some Dan grades are not overly keen on training lower grades and that when they come to sessions they may wish to train themselves against other Dan grades.
That's all good, and I fully understand the reasons, but to those Dan grades out there who may be reading this, some one at some stage has taken the time to pass on their knowledge, skills, tricks and tips to you. You wouldn't be a Dan grade without that support from someone else, surely there can be no greater satisfaction and recognition of your grade, than being asked by lower grades for instruction and you being able to pass on that knowledge.
It's a very individual thing, teaching, but whilst the class is combined, we could all chip in and raise the standard of the whole club, rather than keeping our tips to ourselves so we don't get thrown in Randori sessions.
It is the season for giving, so lets all help out. To those of you who have turned out early in order to put the mats out, can I personally say on behalf of the committee, club and members, many thanks.
Finally, just in case I don't get round to posting again before Christmas, I wish you all well, and hope you have a great Christmas, enjoy yourselves and take care.
Friday 14 December 2012
Sunday 25 November 2012
TOCS course
Today I attended a TOCS course ran by the BJA but requested by Nokemono Judokwai for the Judoka.
What a great course. Easy to learn, and some very good simple instruction from the BJA representatives.
Terri and Steve (the BJA instructors) talked us through it and made it fun for the kids which attended. Generally it was meant to be for younger members between 10 and 24 but we had a mixed bag there, from 5 up to about 40, which just goes to show the commitment to learning the club has engendered in it's students.
The idea of the course was to get as many people qualified to time keep at competitions so we have a larger knowledge base at the club and we will find it easier to run our own competitions next year without hiring people in.
It all went very well and on behalf of Nokemono I would say thanks to Terri and Steve and also a big thanks to all of the Judoka and parents who were there in support of Nokemono.
The next step is to get more people at the club trained as referees and we will be well on the way to leading Dorset back on to the Judo map through competitions and the like.
What a great course. Easy to learn, and some very good simple instruction from the BJA representatives.
Terri and Steve (the BJA instructors) talked us through it and made it fun for the kids which attended. Generally it was meant to be for younger members between 10 and 24 but we had a mixed bag there, from 5 up to about 40, which just goes to show the commitment to learning the club has engendered in it's students.
The idea of the course was to get as many people qualified to time keep at competitions so we have a larger knowledge base at the club and we will find it easier to run our own competitions next year without hiring people in.
It all went very well and on behalf of Nokemono I would say thanks to Terri and Steve and also a big thanks to all of the Judoka and parents who were there in support of Nokemono.
The next step is to get more people at the club trained as referees and we will be well on the way to leading Dorset back on to the Judo map through competitions and the like.
November
Hi all.
Sorry for the lack of recent posts. I haven't purposefully ignored the blog, it's just that I have been absolutely snowed under at work meaning long days and working weekends, which in turn means I haven't been able to make the Judo classes.
Don't worry, I will be back to it soon. Hopefully just another week of madness.
In the mean time I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to all of those people that supported Nokemono Judokwai with the Kicksport competition.
For those of you that followed it, we received a massive 600 plus votes which I thought was excellent. Obviously it would be nice if all 600 people would turn up for a randori session as it would make a cracking night.
I won't comment on the winners (it wasn't us), regardless of the number of votes. I will leave that all up to you to decide.
Once again, a massive thanks to all of you, and as you can see from the photo, we are all winners regardless.
Sorry for the lack of recent posts. I haven't purposefully ignored the blog, it's just that I have been absolutely snowed under at work meaning long days and working weekends, which in turn means I haven't been able to make the Judo classes.
Don't worry, I will be back to it soon. Hopefully just another week of madness.
In the mean time I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to all of those people that supported Nokemono Judokwai with the Kicksport competition.
For those of you that followed it, we received a massive 600 plus votes which I thought was excellent. Obviously it would be nice if all 600 people would turn up for a randori session as it would make a cracking night.
I won't comment on the winners (it wasn't us), regardless of the number of votes. I will leave that all up to you to decide.
Once again, a massive thanks to all of you, and as you can see from the photo, we are all winners regardless.
Friday 9 November 2012
Kicksport Competition Photo
Hello all.
I have copied in a link see below:
This link takes you to Kicksport Website, they are a company
which stock martial arts equipment and as part of a competition I have entered
a photo from my Judo club. If enough people vote for the photo then the
club will win £300 of martial arts equipment for kids.
In light of this can you all please vote if you have a
FACEBOOK ACCOUNT. You need a facebook account to press the like button on
the photo. Or alternatively, if you are on Twitter you can also Tweet about the photo.
Could you please paste this link on your own facebook
profiles and let everyone know, that you know, to vote for this picture.
The picture is for NOKEMONO JUDO just in case you
wondered which photo!!! Although you might be able to see me in it at the back, if you know me.
Thanks everyone.
Saturday 3rd November
A short class update.
Saturady 3rd Novembers class turned out to be a randori session. Excellent class again, no air conditioning though which made randori, that little bit harder.
It's always good to have randori sessions, just to try and get in to the swing of it.
More reports to come as hopefully I will be there this Saturday coming.
Saturady 3rd Novembers class turned out to be a randori session. Excellent class again, no air conditioning though which made randori, that little bit harder.
It's always good to have randori sessions, just to try and get in to the swing of it.
More reports to come as hopefully I will be there this Saturday coming.
Thursday 1 November 2012
Back again
Back again.
Sorry it's been so long since my last post but work has gone mental and unfortunately that means missing Judo classes. Still, I managed to atten last night, where Graham led us through a series of defence moves against guns and knives.
A good class all in all, and it's nice to see some practical applications, and a side of judo that isn't always taught due to the preference of 'competition' judo.
I put in an extra order for lessons on striking technique and some Kata. Hopefully that will come about and I will let you know more when we do them.
As a side issue, watch out when playing with rubber knives as they are heavier and sharper than you first think.
Sorry it's been so long since my last post but work has gone mental and unfortunately that means missing Judo classes. Still, I managed to atten last night, where Graham led us through a series of defence moves against guns and knives.
A good class all in all, and it's nice to see some practical applications, and a side of judo that isn't always taught due to the preference of 'competition' judo.
I put in an extra order for lessons on striking technique and some Kata. Hopefully that will come about and I will let you know more when we do them.
As a side issue, watch out when playing with rubber knives as they are heavier and sharper than you first think.
Thursday 18 October 2012
Turnouts
I attended last nights Wednesday class, and participated to the best of my ability, (still not right).
For those of you who are club members and didn't see the you tube link I have re-posted it here. For those who aren't club members at Nokemono, have a look anyway and see what we have been up to.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/mkFiXEeI_MI
This idea of a small video trailer seems to have gone done well, and gives the Students an idea of whats coming up in the week.
From my own personal point of view, the turnouts look a lot harder on video than they did in reality although some of them are definitely dependant on your personal level of flexibility. I even managed a stand up go a the turn out of O-soto gari, and it worked, sort of. Slightly to the side but near enough for my liking.
Hopefully going again tonight to the Broadstone class to have another practice at this one.
For those of you who are club members and didn't see the you tube link I have re-posted it here. For those who aren't club members at Nokemono, have a look anyway and see what we have been up to.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/mkFiXEeI_MI
This idea of a small video trailer seems to have gone done well, and gives the Students an idea of whats coming up in the week.
From my own personal point of view, the turnouts look a lot harder on video than they did in reality although some of them are definitely dependant on your personal level of flexibility. I even managed a stand up go a the turn out of O-soto gari, and it worked, sort of. Slightly to the side but near enough for my liking.
Hopefully going again tonight to the Broadstone class to have another practice at this one.
Sunday 7 October 2012
Grading
Well I'm still not on the mat through injury and I do not know how long it will be until I make it back fully, but I had agreed earlier this year to have a go at my 2nd Kyu grading this month.
Judogi and cribsheet in hand, I went along to Wednesdays class as ready as I will ever be.
I always find it hard to remember the Japanese to English translations and it seems to me that I'm not the only one. After arriving at the dojo, I found two other likely candidates who were also grading, although for different grades.
We had a quick look through the grading sheets and, everbody seemed to know it all perfectly, so on to the grading itself....
I've got to say that I flew through mine with no apparent hiccups, and full credit to the club for letting me demonstrate the techniques to the point of throw, where I couldn't go further due to my injury. For example, Kata Guruma, or Yoko Kata Guruma Otoshi, are normally OK, but with a fractured collar bone, not so nice.
Then another candidate passed his, and then on to the last, who struggled with the translations even though we had just been through them 10 minutes previously and he was perfect. I think it's one of those things. We have several multi-national students in our class who find the translations easy, I assume it's because they have already learnt English as a second language, and therefore their brains cope with translation, unfortunately, I like many other English people are rather brain 'lazy' when it comes to learning a different language.
Eventually after passing, I had that misplaced sense of bravado in my new found grade and decided that some light groundwork was possible, two minutes in to it, and a press of knuckles in to the shoulder area and I soon found out that maybe it's still a bit early for my return.
A great class again (I had to watch rather than play) and it was good to see the Dojo still maintaining a good number of students in both the adults and the senior classes. Long may it continue.
Judogi and cribsheet in hand, I went along to Wednesdays class as ready as I will ever be.
I always find it hard to remember the Japanese to English translations and it seems to me that I'm not the only one. After arriving at the dojo, I found two other likely candidates who were also grading, although for different grades.
We had a quick look through the grading sheets and, everbody seemed to know it all perfectly, so on to the grading itself....
I've got to say that I flew through mine with no apparent hiccups, and full credit to the club for letting me demonstrate the techniques to the point of throw, where I couldn't go further due to my injury. For example, Kata Guruma, or Yoko Kata Guruma Otoshi, are normally OK, but with a fractured collar bone, not so nice.
Then another candidate passed his, and then on to the last, who struggled with the translations even though we had just been through them 10 minutes previously and he was perfect. I think it's one of those things. We have several multi-national students in our class who find the translations easy, I assume it's because they have already learnt English as a second language, and therefore their brains cope with translation, unfortunately, I like many other English people are rather brain 'lazy' when it comes to learning a different language.
Eventually after passing, I had that misplaced sense of bravado in my new found grade and decided that some light groundwork was possible, two minutes in to it, and a press of knuckles in to the shoulder area and I soon found out that maybe it's still a bit early for my return.
A great class again (I had to watch rather than play) and it was good to see the Dojo still maintaining a good number of students in both the adults and the senior classes. Long may it continue.
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Confidence
Confidence. Where do we get it?
I have never found a sport I have participated in to affect my confidence levels as much as Judo. It can either be really high, or really low. The problem is the lows seem to last long and the highs are short lived.
I'm probably not experienced to know the mechanics of this, or if all judoka feel the same. Recently I have lost complete confidence in my ability, due to what I see as bad performances, but I know that when I get back on the mat, one good ippon throw in Randori will make me feel a lot better. The trouble is, it is something that cannot be taught and you see varying levels displayed by all judoka at one time or another.
I decided to do some research at the last competition I attended (but not competed in). During my long wait, i had a chat with several competitors all waiting their turn. When you look around a competition hall they can seem intimidating, everyone looks like they know what they are doing and a fair few look absolutely brimming in confidence.
It would appear that this isn't actually the case. From the judoka that I spoke to, it seemed that all of them felt as nervous, and lacking in confidence as I do. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, but the over confident are few and far between.
That appears to be the trick, to put on a 'brave' face of confidence, in the knowledge that your competitor may well see this and feel even more concerned, than they did originally in themselves.
It's certainly something I will have to work on in the future, but it's worth pointing out, that next time you walk on to the tatami and see your opponent, grinning, with a look of complete confidence, don't take it to heart, instead mirror the look, and let them worry about you.
I have never found a sport I have participated in to affect my confidence levels as much as Judo. It can either be really high, or really low. The problem is the lows seem to last long and the highs are short lived.
I'm probably not experienced to know the mechanics of this, or if all judoka feel the same. Recently I have lost complete confidence in my ability, due to what I see as bad performances, but I know that when I get back on the mat, one good ippon throw in Randori will make me feel a lot better. The trouble is, it is something that cannot be taught and you see varying levels displayed by all judoka at one time or another.
I decided to do some research at the last competition I attended (but not competed in). During my long wait, i had a chat with several competitors all waiting their turn. When you look around a competition hall they can seem intimidating, everyone looks like they know what they are doing and a fair few look absolutely brimming in confidence.
It would appear that this isn't actually the case. From the judoka that I spoke to, it seemed that all of them felt as nervous, and lacking in confidence as I do. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, but the over confident are few and far between.
That appears to be the trick, to put on a 'brave' face of confidence, in the knowledge that your competitor may well see this and feel even more concerned, than they did originally in themselves.
It's certainly something I will have to work on in the future, but it's worth pointing out, that next time you walk on to the tatami and see your opponent, grinning, with a look of complete confidence, don't take it to heart, instead mirror the look, and let them worry about you.
Judogi's
Recently, when I was lined up for a competition on two consecutive weekends, I took the decision (which seemed easy at the time) to buy a competition Gi.
I already own a Blitz Gold and a Blitz Olympian, but after losing 15kg in the past year or so, they feel a bit big on me now.
So to the purchase. Where do you start? For me, it has to be price point and that is probably the case for most people out there. You don't want a cheap Gi that falls apart, but by the same token, spending £300 on a Kosukura Gi isn't going to greatly improve my judo ability.
So after trawling the Internet, I find a bargain, great news Kicksport has a sale on. Credit card in hand I phone up to check the size with the salesman, we arrive at the correct size, I check the stock on line and they have my size, order next day delivery so it arrives in time for the competition.
Excellent. Easy. No....
5 hours later I get a phone call from the same salesman telling me they haven't got my size. Unfortunately it's a computer glitch, but luckily I can order a full price suit for a sizeable amount extra which they do have in my size. I politely decline this fantastic offer, as the next price suit is an Adidas, and I haven't come across anyone yet with anything good to say about the Adidas Gi's.
So back to the internet. After several hours looking at Gis and trying to size them, I basically gave up. Lets face it, they aren't cheap for a decent double weave, and every site you look at gives you a different size chart, telling you that you need a different size Gi to the one you thought. Add in delivery costs, the problems in trying to send them back, and the myriad of Gi's available and by the end of it you feel totally lost and confused.
I might go back to it when I start competing again, but in the mean time if you have any thoughts on Gi choice, your opinions would be appreciated.
I already own a Blitz Gold and a Blitz Olympian, but after losing 15kg in the past year or so, they feel a bit big on me now.
So to the purchase. Where do you start? For me, it has to be price point and that is probably the case for most people out there. You don't want a cheap Gi that falls apart, but by the same token, spending £300 on a Kosukura Gi isn't going to greatly improve my judo ability.
So after trawling the Internet, I find a bargain, great news Kicksport has a sale on. Credit card in hand I phone up to check the size with the salesman, we arrive at the correct size, I check the stock on line and they have my size, order next day delivery so it arrives in time for the competition.
Excellent. Easy. No....
5 hours later I get a phone call from the same salesman telling me they haven't got my size. Unfortunately it's a computer glitch, but luckily I can order a full price suit for a sizeable amount extra which they do have in my size. I politely decline this fantastic offer, as the next price suit is an Adidas, and I haven't come across anyone yet with anything good to say about the Adidas Gi's.
So back to the internet. After several hours looking at Gis and trying to size them, I basically gave up. Lets face it, they aren't cheap for a decent double weave, and every site you look at gives you a different size chart, telling you that you need a different size Gi to the one you thought. Add in delivery costs, the problems in trying to send them back, and the myriad of Gi's available and by the end of it you feel totally lost and confused.
I might go back to it when I start competing again, but in the mean time if you have any thoughts on Gi choice, your opinions would be appreciated.
Devon Kyu Grade competition
I had booked myself in to the Devon Kyu Grade competition a couple of months ago. Unfortunately being injured the weekend before meant that I had to withdraw from competing at this event.
Frankly I was gutted as it was the first competition in ages, which was split grade and meant that I could compete against judoka from other clubs who were my grade and weight. Not age unfortunately.
As it happens, I was due to give two other judoka a lift to the competition, and seeing as they had no other transport, I took them down to Devon, on a rather wet and windy Sunday.
Joining us at the competition were two other Judoka who train at Nokemono from time to time, and also at Wessex Judo club.
Leaving at about 7.30 for an 11.30 weigh in the day started early. It became slightly more frustrating when the first fight for any of us, was nearly 4.00pm. There was no dedicated warm up area, and the hall where the competition was held was packed. We witnessed some pretty severe injuries throughout the adult competition, and you have to wonder whether that was down to a lack of warm up.
Getting there for 11.30 and then waiting until 4 meant that the adrenaline had gone, nerves had set in and the muscles were cold. Could the injuries we saw have been prevented?
After watching several fights with some dubious refereeing decisions, the four competitors I was with took to the mat. Two of them lost two fights and won one, one of them lost both of his bouts and finally Big Fred (I hope he doesn't mind me using his name) won all of his fights in the +100kg category to take the gold spot. A big congratulations to Fred.
Frankly I was gutted as it was the first competition in ages, which was split grade and meant that I could compete against judoka from other clubs who were my grade and weight. Not age unfortunately.
As it happens, I was due to give two other judoka a lift to the competition, and seeing as they had no other transport, I took them down to Devon, on a rather wet and windy Sunday.
Joining us at the competition were two other Judoka who train at Nokemono from time to time, and also at Wessex Judo club.
Leaving at about 7.30 for an 11.30 weigh in the day started early. It became slightly more frustrating when the first fight for any of us, was nearly 4.00pm. There was no dedicated warm up area, and the hall where the competition was held was packed. We witnessed some pretty severe injuries throughout the adult competition, and you have to wonder whether that was down to a lack of warm up.
Getting there for 11.30 and then waiting until 4 meant that the adrenaline had gone, nerves had set in and the muscles were cold. Could the injuries we saw have been prevented?
After watching several fights with some dubious refereeing decisions, the four competitors I was with took to the mat. Two of them lost two fights and won one, one of them lost both of his bouts and finally Big Fred (I hope he doesn't mind me using his name) won all of his fights in the +100kg category to take the gold spot. A big congratulations to Fred.
 |
| Th hall where the action took place. |
Afterwards followed a long drive home in even worse conditions than the drive down there.. even the end of the M5 was closed due to an accident in the fog and driving rain. Everyone seemed to have had a good day however, if not left feeling a little bruised.
Injuries (again)!
Just a short one, to say that I recently joined my work colleague as mentioned elsewhere, in the long list of injured judoka's.
I sustained my injury whilst playing in the Nokemono Rumble, and as per usual the doctors haven't been to specific, but I do know that it will be several weeks if not months until I head back on to the mat.
I know injuries happen, but it does leave you with a sense of frustration!
Because of the injury keeping me off the mat, my reviews of lessons may well be scuppered, but I will try and bring reviews when I attend to watch.
I sustained my injury whilst playing in the Nokemono Rumble, and as per usual the doctors haven't been to specific, but I do know that it will be several weeks if not months until I head back on to the mat.
I know injuries happen, but it does leave you with a sense of frustration!
Because of the injury keeping me off the mat, my reviews of lessons may well be scuppered, but I will try and bring reviews when I attend to watch.
Monday 17 September 2012
Nokemono Rumble
The Background:.....
As with all Dojos there are a mixture of students. The reason for them doing Judo is varied. Amongst these differences are those that wish to compete and those that don't for what ever reason. In order to give everyone in the club the opportunity to 'compete' in a familiar non-scary environment and learn the processes and mat etiquette, it was decided to hold an internal 'contest'.
And what a day it was.
The level of participation was very good, with 36 judoka playing in 10 groups. Most of them never having competed before, which simply demonstrates the value of this exercise in giving the opportunity to those that wouldn't compete otherwise. The groups split in to approximately age and ability.
From the off you knew it was going to be a good day, given the atmosphere and some of the gripping fights. It didn't disappoint with many of the judoka putting in excellent performances and a great show of respect for each other.
When I can get hold of some of the photos, I will post them for your viewing, as well as some fight reports if anyone recorded it.
What also made it a great day was the amount of visitors, parents, and other relatives that came along to support their players and in turn support the club. I've never seen the place so busy, but it did give it a great 'family' feeling.
Add in the cake stall, with teas and coffees, being well managed by committee members and it made the whole day, one I won't forget in a hurry, and one that I think everyone there enjoyed for one reason or another.
In short the day proved to be a real feather in the Nokemono cap and a credit to all.
As with all Dojos there are a mixture of students. The reason for them doing Judo is varied. Amongst these differences are those that wish to compete and those that don't for what ever reason. In order to give everyone in the club the opportunity to 'compete' in a familiar non-scary environment and learn the processes and mat etiquette, it was decided to hold an internal 'contest'.
And what a day it was.
The level of participation was very good, with 36 judoka playing in 10 groups. Most of them never having competed before, which simply demonstrates the value of this exercise in giving the opportunity to those that wouldn't compete otherwise. The groups split in to approximately age and ability.
From the off you knew it was going to be a good day, given the atmosphere and some of the gripping fights. It didn't disappoint with many of the judoka putting in excellent performances and a great show of respect for each other.
When I can get hold of some of the photos, I will post them for your viewing, as well as some fight reports if anyone recorded it.
What also made it a great day was the amount of visitors, parents, and other relatives that came along to support their players and in turn support the club. I've never seen the place so busy, but it did give it a great 'family' feeling.
Add in the cake stall, with teas and coffees, being well managed by committee members and it made the whole day, one I won't forget in a hurry, and one that I think everyone there enjoyed for one reason or another.
In short the day proved to be a real feather in the Nokemono cap and a credit to all.
It's been a while
Sorry for not posting again for a while, but recently work has gone bananas, so it's meant rather long days. The place to start again is probably recent lessons.
Well to summarise they have seemed pretty good to me. A mixed balance of randori and technical has been another great learning opportunity, and another reminder of the amount there is to learn.
Well to summarise they have seemed pretty good to me. A mixed balance of randori and technical has been another great learning opportunity, and another reminder of the amount there is to learn.
Monday 3 September 2012
Injuries
As it turns out one of my staff members also trains in Judo. Whilst away on holiday, I had a message that he had recently injured himself during training and was now signed off work for a minimum of 3 weeks.
Apparently, he had been fighting during randori against a newcomer, who had managed to throw him, during the throw he somehow landed badly on his shoulder, with the other player landing on top of him, causing a dislocated shoulder and broken collar bone.
Firstly, I would like to say that this didn't happen at Nokemono, although as with any contact sports, injuries can occur and often do.
There is no specific point behind this post other than to raise the topic of injuries. Obviously as previously stated,in a full contact sport, injuries are bound to occur, but how do you minimise them?
Whenever I enter in to randori, I do not avoid it because of the risk of injury, but somehow at the back of my mind, i'm always aware that it can occur and this leads on to other things. What happens if I can't work, what happens if it stops my training etc. During my first few months 'back' on the mat after a very long sebatical I spent at least one week off in every four with an injury of some format or another.
Does this concern only happen with adults? With the additional responsibilities of bills to pay, families to support, businesses to run etc a severe injury could have quite a life changing effect. I know that the older I get the harder it seems to be to recover, whereas watching the youngsters class, they are much more resilient, and quicker to heal, not to metion flexible in the first place.
The BJA insurance that comes with your license is pitiful in the sums offered for various injuries, so should Judoka be required to enhance that insurance?
Should lower grades only be allowed to train with dan grades who know how to control the throw and make sure you land 'safely'?
It's a bit of a tricky subject all in all, and I know it is one that Judo suffers from as it is probably the largest cause of Judoka retiring. What to do about it is another matter.
Apparently, he had been fighting during randori against a newcomer, who had managed to throw him, during the throw he somehow landed badly on his shoulder, with the other player landing on top of him, causing a dislocated shoulder and broken collar bone.
Firstly, I would like to say that this didn't happen at Nokemono, although as with any contact sports, injuries can occur and often do.
There is no specific point behind this post other than to raise the topic of injuries. Obviously as previously stated,in a full contact sport, injuries are bound to occur, but how do you minimise them?
Whenever I enter in to randori, I do not avoid it because of the risk of injury, but somehow at the back of my mind, i'm always aware that it can occur and this leads on to other things. What happens if I can't work, what happens if it stops my training etc. During my first few months 'back' on the mat after a very long sebatical I spent at least one week off in every four with an injury of some format or another.
Does this concern only happen with adults? With the additional responsibilities of bills to pay, families to support, businesses to run etc a severe injury could have quite a life changing effect. I know that the older I get the harder it seems to be to recover, whereas watching the youngsters class, they are much more resilient, and quicker to heal, not to metion flexible in the first place.
The BJA insurance that comes with your license is pitiful in the sums offered for various injuries, so should Judoka be required to enhance that insurance?
Should lower grades only be allowed to train with dan grades who know how to control the throw and make sure you land 'safely'?
It's a bit of a tricky subject all in all, and I know it is one that Judo suffers from as it is probably the largest cause of Judoka retiring. What to do about it is another matter.
Saturday 1st September
Straightforward review this time!
Turned up for Judo class on Saturday, a little apprehensive as I had been on holiday for two weeks. It always feels difficult to get back in to it after a break, as if your one step behind.
As it turns out the class was excellent, with a series of uchi komi going through the first set from the dan grade theory. This seemed to be an excellent way of not only improving uchi komi technique, but also learning the dan grade theory.
All in all an excellent session, with more than a few tips in remembering various Japanese technique names and converting to English.
Turned up for Judo class on Saturday, a little apprehensive as I had been on holiday for two weeks. It always feels difficult to get back in to it after a break, as if your one step behind.
As it turns out the class was excellent, with a series of uchi komi going through the first set from the dan grade theory. This seemed to be an excellent way of not only improving uchi komi technique, but also learning the dan grade theory.
All in all an excellent session, with more than a few tips in remembering various Japanese technique names and converting to English.
Thursday 16 August 2012
Gradings
A bit of a rambling post this one.
I was sat in a room, the other night, listening to the ever present debate about grading formats. On one side there is the 'everyone should compete' camp and on the other side an 'everyone shouldn't be forced to compete' club.
So whats the answer?
As a slightly older bloke, when I first started doing Judo some time ago, I had to compete for grade advancement, and in all honesty I enjoyed it. There is nothing like the feeling of winning in a competitive environment, but on the other hand I gave up Judo when I competed at a grading and suffered a back injury.
And therein lies the problem. There was a massive drop off in the number of new players some years ago and the BJA decided that the competitive side (with possible injuries) wasn't helping the situation and in that respect they are right. The question is, has it gone to far?
My thoughts, for what their worth, is that maybe players who want to compete for grades, should be allowed to and those that don't, don't have to. Even if this wasn't a countrywide policy, couldn't clubs internally allow their Judoka to compete for grades.
Personally, I would compete, and the reason for this, is that it's nice to know on a personal level, whether i'm good enough to attain the next grade. It's one thing to be told, and another to feel it.
My thoughts won't change the system, but it would be interesting to know what other players opinions are on it?????????
I was sat in a room, the other night, listening to the ever present debate about grading formats. On one side there is the 'everyone should compete' camp and on the other side an 'everyone shouldn't be forced to compete' club.
So whats the answer?
As a slightly older bloke, when I first started doing Judo some time ago, I had to compete for grade advancement, and in all honesty I enjoyed it. There is nothing like the feeling of winning in a competitive environment, but on the other hand I gave up Judo when I competed at a grading and suffered a back injury.
And therein lies the problem. There was a massive drop off in the number of new players some years ago and the BJA decided that the competitive side (with possible injuries) wasn't helping the situation and in that respect they are right. The question is, has it gone to far?
My thoughts, for what their worth, is that maybe players who want to compete for grades, should be allowed to and those that don't, don't have to. Even if this wasn't a countrywide policy, couldn't clubs internally allow their Judoka to compete for grades.
Personally, I would compete, and the reason for this, is that it's nice to know on a personal level, whether i'm good enough to attain the next grade. It's one thing to be told, and another to feel it.
My thoughts won't change the system, but it would be interesting to know what other players opinions are on it?????????
Winton Carnival
Ah, the great British traditional carnival. Not quite Rio De Janerio, but a very close 2nd came Winton Carnival.
In all fairness i've never seen Winton so busy.
So off we went armed with collecting buckets, our standard and a whole host of the youth players in order to promote the club far and wide, right down the high street.
It was fantastic to see so many of the youngsters with their parents all supporting the club, it would be encouraging to see more of the adult players take part in the promotional events.
Unusually the sun shone and blessed us all with warmth, most unusual for England.
The parade finished at Winton Recreation ground and several demonstrations were held for the viewing public. Great publicity, extremely cheap. Fantastic for the club. I wasn 't there for the demo's, due to the ever prsent responsibilityof my kids, but rumour has it they went well.
In all fairness i've never seen Winton so busy.
So off we went armed with collecting buckets, our standard and a whole host of the youth players in order to promote the club far and wide, right down the high street.
It was fantastic to see so many of the youngsters with their parents all supporting the club, it would be encouraging to see more of the adult players take part in the promotional events.
 |
| A good turn out for a great day. |
Unusually the sun shone and blessed us all with warmth, most unusual for England.
The parade finished at Winton Recreation ground and several demonstrations were held for the viewing public. Great publicity, extremely cheap. Fantastic for the club. I wasn 't there for the demo's, due to the ever prsent responsibilityof my kids, but rumour has it they went well.
Summer Party
I know that this has been and gone, but the spirit of Nokemono Judokwai is fairly well represented by the summer party!
With the promise of summer ever present, but still eluding us, the summer party went ahead, with only a few rain drops. As it turned out it didn't matter either way as the kids and adults got soaked on the bouncy assault course.
Not to mention the dreaded water slide!
It appeared to me, that those that were there all seemed to have a great day. A lot of effort went in to this by the club committee, including making the event free, by paying for it themselves. It's always good to see the club members and their families out on a social event as that is what makes the club different.
The more we foster the family environment in the club, the more everyone seems to get out of it. Long may it continue.
As a final thought, wouldn't it be nice to have a long hot summer again?
It appeared to me, that those that were there all seemed to have a great day. A lot of effort went in to this by the club committee, including making the event free, by paying for it themselves. It's always good to see the club members and their families out on a social event as that is what makes the club different.
The more we foster the family environment in the club, the more everyone seems to get out of it. Long may it continue.
As a final thought, wouldn't it be nice to have a long hot summer again?
The Start
The start.
About this blog.
This is a blog about Nokemono Judokwai, a Dorset based Judo club, and the musings of a 'senior' aged Judoka and his experiences of both learning Judo and being a committee member of a Judo club.
About this blog.
This is a blog about Nokemono Judokwai, a Dorset based Judo club, and the musings of a 'senior' aged Judoka and his experiences of both learning Judo and being a committee member of a Judo club.
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