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.
Tuesday 25 September 2012
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.
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