I went into practice tonight feeling real good. This week as started off excellent. I was paid a couple of compliments from others online. It felt really good to receive those compliments and it simply urged me to do better, and train harder. Then to top that off about 45 minutes before leaving to go to judo, I received a call from my judo instructor back in Winter Haven. He reads the blog and he had some real encouraging things to say. All of which I took to heart. Inspiration is great, it feeds the flame.
During our conversation Sensei Tucker said he really liked the fact that I wasnt bragging on my successes but rather working to over come the challenges that a 40 something year old faces when stepping into a competitve arena. Of course he was right this blog is nt about how good I may or may not be, but it is about addressing my shortcomings. Not only on the judo mat but in life. My current struggle on the judo mat is indicative of my life it seems. Constantly working to become not only a better judoka but a human being as well. Addressing not only the frailties in a particular judo technique but personal flaws too.
I walked into judo tonight needless to say on a high note and really evaluating my game and what is needed to improve and make a game plan to do so. Certain aspects in my training need to be addressed as well as the every day things such as family, work and things to do around the home.
As we did uchikomi drills my mind was filled with all the stuff that needs to be worked on and the things in my life that need to be put into perspective. My uchikomi drills are divided, half are throwing techniques to the right side, the other half, on those same techniques but to the left side. I drilled Seoi nage to both the left and right side and with different grips, some throws off the sleeve, some off the lapel. Working both sides gives me the option to ataack on either side and not just relegated to just going to one side or a favorite side. It gives me a better over all game plan. Left and right are equal neither side is favored over the other. Balanced as life should be.
My seoi nage is okay but I have noticed that I am having trouble getting really low on executing seoi nage and so I will have to work on that. It is one of those aspects I need to work on. I am at the age where i must utilize all aspects of training. Diet, conditioning and of course judo skill development all have to come into play I cannot do only one part and leave the others out. All the elements have to be utilized together for the best results.
Toshihiko Koga Olympic champion and a seoi nage specialist
