So I guess it's time to talk tokui waza. Not sure what it means to some people, not sure if it matters. Here is some observations I have made over the last two weeks with the term tokui waza. I think that tokui waza depends on the body type and style of person you are fighting. Of course if you are constantly competing against people your own size and height then you should have a tokui waza. What if there is variation? Sometimes I face judoka that are taller than me, faster than me, shorter than me, heavier than me, and all such in between. Along with this someone's tokui waza may be a modified throw. For instance I randori with a kid that is +100 KG. His tokui waza is Harai Goshi but, he sweeps his arm in front so more like Harai Goshi Makkikomi. Every one knows that is his money throw, so why don't they just practice a counter for this when they know they have to face him? The same can be said for my original tokui waza hikkikomi gaeshi. Don't get me wrong I can still throw it about 75% of the time but now, most people I randori with have worked on ways to avoid it. So what have I done? I modified the technique here and there, do my fit in for the throw at different angles and sometimes do different setups so they can not tell where it is coming from.
Now on to the point of this blog. I no longer believe in tokui waza. I think that you have to be able to use a multitude of different techniques and that it is dependent upon your opponents body position more than anything. The last couple of weeks when I randori I have been purposely lazy. I have been only trying to do a handful of throws just to show my theory on tokui waza. I think the whole idea of tokui waza is obscured. It keeps the competitor from training on all possible situations rather than going with the responses during a match. Lastly, once you have randoried or competed with someone over and over, or even watched video of them you know what their tokui waza is. You can easily come up with a counter, or a grip, or a position that makes them incapable of using this technique. It sounds pretty simple to me and of course I do it all the time (counter techniques) I just don't understand why it took so long to get it. My new focus over the next couple of weeks will be sharpening of all techniques, not just my tokui waza, and the handful I am safe with. Who knows I might even try to pull of the japanese favored seoi nage's (that'll be the day ha,ha)

Someone mentioned on the forum that I need to get my blogs going again. I took a look over my blogs and realized it's been over a year since I lasted blogged. A year? I doesn't seem that long. As my time winds down here in Japan I guess it is time to start blogging again. Since January of 2009 my life has seen so many fast moving events that I forget to take the time to remember things that are important to me. After all I think everyone at some point needs to do a check on themselves and find out if they are where they wanted to be. I can tell you I am far from it. I am taking this weekend to reflect on my goals and purposes. I read an interesting article on the Judo forum about the psychological aspect of Judo. It reminded me that this is what I wanted from my life. The same goals that Kano-Sensei wanted the perfection of body, spirit, and mind. My body has been ravaged this past year. I have not been able to keep up the same pace physically, and I started smoking again. Mentally I have been focused and distracted. I have Judo practice today and tomorrow. It is time to get back to learning instead of going through the motions. Focus is my watchword.

There is so much I could have been blogging about in the last month however, due to work I have found my time slowly slipping away. As much as I have learned over the last month I should be blogging every Saturday and Sunday. I have recently started to also volunteer my time to help teach Judo to the kids at a youth center. Usually there is already 3 or 4 Sensei's there but, it is something I feel I owe Judo. I have always wanted to volunteer my time and now I am actually getting the opportunity. I have only been 4 times but, I love the fact that I can help teach these kids. It is only twice a week for an hour and a half at a time and I really don't get much time to teach. It seems like there is so much to teach them but at the same time I am learning. I get to see Judo from there point of view. I get to see how other Sensei's train and teach their students. I hope that I can gain some insight and also that they (the kids) can help my Judo grow, and become more encompassing.
I have two Shiai's this month and on top of that Ihave some very important stuff going on at work. It always seems when it is something I enjoy (shiai) that something else in my life requires me to devote more time to it instead of my true passion, Judo.
The first tournament is more like just a club get together. I guess it will just be people from the Okinawa City Judo club and then afterwards, the most important part, we will have a BBQ. The other one on the 27th at the Budokan in Naha is a team tournament. I have been assigned to the A team. It will be me (1D) Brian(2D) and Hector (WB) I guess your team can not equal more than a 3D. Anyways, I hope that our team does well. I really would like to win for our dojo so that we can maybe get some more people out there interested in Judo. Of course I randori every Saturday and Sunday with some pretty good Judoka but, you never know how good you are until you get to Shiai. All I can do is continue to prepare and trust in my abilities and the advice of others.
I have noticed over the past month that I am relaxing more in randori. Of course I get thrown more but I am not worried about that. Every week I try and tweak my techniques to the way people react to certain throws. I have been working on the second or even the third throw and not commiting to the first or second. I have been really trying to work a drop kata guruma / Ura Nage? I really need to study this Latts kata guruma because I think it is similar to what I am trying to do. It works but I think if I refine it I can add that to my automatice throw of Sumi Gaeshi and Hikkikome Gaeshi. At the same time I am trying to work the Yoko Gake. I am really having problems understanding the off balance of this throw and as such It comes out more like a ko soto gake or even a tani otoshi. I have not found anyone yet to work with me on these throws.
Anyway, wish me luck and hopefully I can manage my time better to get more technique bloggin in so I can keep this blog as my little notebook of techniques.

On Saturday night while after uchi komi's Inokawa-san showed up and wanted to do some fit ins. When he did his fit in's he was not concerned about speed but more about the kazushi he was first creating as part of his uchi komi. Of course this lead to some questions and that lead to the blog Kazushi (breaking balance) to the max. As I went over the concept of Kazushi with him he was like a professor of balance. We demonstrated happo no kazushi and then played with making extreme modifications in the way I have been doing uchi komis. Previously I was worried about speed and position. This would make me jump to attain the proper position for throws. Now with th eway I am learning to break the balance I am actually doing what I knew to do all along. Break the balance better. Mainly we went over the fit in for your Uchi Mata/Harai Goshi/Hane Goshi/etc. But, we also talked and practice better off balancing for O Soto Gari. I hope I remember these points as this was probably the most revealing lesson I have had on breaking balance. If I can indeed properly incorporate this into my judo the techniques will feel so much more controlled an relaxed.
Saturday the also had a Martial Arts expo at the Air Base. I went to see what they had to offer but, for some reason Judo was not invited or represented. It was geared towards the Japanese Arts but, they ended up showcasing a lot of Korean Arts. I happened to be wearing an Old Dojo T-Shirt I had and I was hammered for questions about Judo and ended up having 2 people show up to the Dojo just from my T-Shirt. I guess the lesson is I should have found a way to represent Judo at the Expo but, I didn't knwo in advance. I think the other lesson is that the respect and wanting for training Judo is on the rise. I think it is time to do it right and cast Judo in the right perspective and let Judo grow.

I missed last weeks blog (kind of busy) but, I didn't want to miss this weeks. When I went to practice on Saturday I was just in a great mood. I have been feeling better the last couple of weeks physically, and on Saturday was no exception. Saturday was more of a learning day. I watched as one of the japanese black belts gave one of the japanese white belts instructions on gripping. After a couple of minutes everyone gathered around. One of the guys (Brian) helped translate what he was saying. It was about gripping and kuzushi. Some of the points he brought up were about "grinding" the knuckles of the lapel grip hand into your opponents collar bone. We went over this grip either using the knuckles downward or upward depending. Also with the other hand (sleeve hand) holding uke's elbow in close to his body. This gives you total control over uke and let's you dictate the throw. We also went over this with a collar grip (my favorite, of course) and where the knuckles need to sit on the back of the neck. I was really impressed with how it helps you control the motion of uke. Along with this instruction we learned how to severely break uke's balance to the right or left using this gripping techniques and almost running uke in either direction. Uke is so off balanced that almost any forward throw would be easy to execute.
On Sunday it was super fun. There was a lot of people there and I got to do Ne waza for at least a half an hour straight. I was paired up with some pretty new people so I was able to work solely on new techniques and using only technique and no power. During tachi waza randori I was also paired up with the new people so I got to work on a right handed grip. I did go to left handed every so often just to feel some new techniques out. Last week I was able to pull of 2 successful Yoko Tomoe Nage's using a left grip but fitting in to the right. This week, not so lucky, I definitely need to practice that technique more. A key lesson learned during randori came from the Koza High School coach. He approached me and explained that when I was attempting to "hop" into O Soto Gari I should actually be trying to hop in to O Soto Otoshi. After he showed me it made total sense. I have been trying to force kuzushi in to opposite directions. Once I initiate the hop I already have uke's balance broke I just need to plant my foot and follow thru for O Soto Otoshi.
Last but not least to end the day on Sunday I got to go against an extremely talented black belt. He was the guy teaching the gripping techniques on Saturday. This was a great thrill for me as we both fought for grips and position. I attacked first and often but wasn't really getting anything. He tried the patented Japanese drop Seoi Nage for nothing. He tried what I assume was Tai Otoshi only to get countered by me and I got probably a Waza Ari. Then he fit in perfectly for Uchi Mata. He didn't get Ippon but it was a pretty solid Waza Ari (not to mention the fact I kind of took a head dive to avoid being pulled over).
After that I learned that indeed Uchi Mata was his Tokui Waza. I had to compliment him on his technique I never even felt it coming almost a perfect fit in. To end it all I was smiling and even giggly. I realized at the end of practice on Sunday just how much I love Judo and I can't wait to get back on the tatami this weekend!!!

I don't know how many people have heard this expression but that is how my weekend of Judo was spent. Instead of learning a little (like taking a drink from the water fountain) I learned entirely too much (drinking from the fire hose). I am doubtful I will retain much of what I learned and I need to start writing it down when I learn it instead of waiting to do my blog a day or two later.
The good news is I feel better. I was able to go six or seven times in newaza randori and a good five times in tachi waza randori. I was exhausted but, not dehydrated or cramped so, that is a bonus.
On to what I learned...
On Saturday O worked with Akune-Sensei, I again went over Hikikomi Gaeshi. My favorite throw has evolved into Sumi Gaeshi and as such I think Akune-Sensei knows that Hikikomi Geashi gives me a similiar trick to my bag. This form of the technique is curious. I start with my favorite left hand collar grip and pull uke down. I try to get uke to counter my grip by gripping right handed above my grip. I then pull uke down again and this time reach my right hand over his shoulder and grab his obi. At this point I reach my left hand around uke's waist and trap his right arm. I then use the same kuzushi as I use in Sumi Gaeshi but, instead of using my left foot on uke's inner left thigh I use my right foot and extend my right foot after fitting in on uke's thigh. the roll up is perfect into kuzure kesa gatame. This is I guess what they mean by haria kata (skillful transition into groundwork).
The next throw we went over was a ken ken O Soto Otoshi. The key for this is to pull in and force your leg (for me my left leg) directly passed uke's left knee. Uke's reaction of pulling or rebalancing back helps you hop into position for this nasty O Soto Otoshi. Lots of variation with this. You can use combo throws from Uchi Mata or even come off an attempted Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi. I really like this throw. I need to practice to get this throw in my arsenal. There must be at least ten ways I can think of to get in position for this throw.
The last throw I remember from Saturday was a Ko Uchi Makikomi. Akune-Sensei helped me learn to set up this throw from a leg kick back (kind of like Uchi Mata) Once uke's leg goes back use the same leg you kicked it back with to trap Uke's forward leg and then just turn your body with elbow over knee into the Ko Uchi Makikomi. I practiced a couple of times but, I definitely have some problems with any kind of Ko Uchi attempt. I can never get this or O uchi for that matter to work for me. Maybe in 20 years I'll be able to master that one.
On Sunday I got a chance to work with Brian. He is the Nidan from New Zealand. I usually do work with him all the time but, this time instead of the same old stuff we went over two important throws for me. It was great to finally get to understand these two throws and the way he explained them, and the way we practiced them made it easy to keep them fresh in my mind.
The first throw was Sode Tsuri Komi Ashi. The throw was set up from an attempted O Soto Gari. Instead of grabbing the sleeve at the elbow (by the way I learned this throw from the right handed grip so I could transition to the Sode for the left side) I grab the sleeve at the bottom by the wrist. I pull uke close and attempt O Soto Gari, when uke backs out to create space I twist the sleeve and push my elbow to his armpit. at the same time I turn my head and feet sharply into the Sode Tsuri Komi Ashi. This one is going to take a lot of practice but, I like this throw and can remember the key points. It is a good throw for my arsenal starting from the right side ( I only have four throws that I am comfortable with attempting from the right side in Randori or Shiai). The last waza we went over was... I guess maybe Harai Goshi or Seoi Otoshi. It is a single hand technique. Uke will not give me his right hand or sleeve hand. So the only grip I have is the my Left hand gripping his lapel. Instead of fitting all the way in like I do for Seoi Nage I pull uke towards me and turn my elbow into his armpit just like in Morote Seoi Nage. After I complete the turn I use my foot, in the air, to block him from stepping or jumping around. By this time uke is already on my back and I can pretty much use my foot or even begin to exucte a front roll. The result will be the same. Of course I can't really try the front roll right now but, maybe later with more experience I can see this as a way to creat kuzushi if it is not already there.
Lastly, In randori I was able to pull off a better form of Sumi Gaeshi that I had worked on with Akune-Sensei last week. I also pulled of a Yoko Tomoe Nage from the right hand grip, which would have been for ippon and also put me in an excellent position for tate shiho gatame. I felt the kuzushi on both these throws so I know that sometimes the kuzushi does exist I just need to relax and let it happen.

I have been neglecting my blog for the last couple of weeks because my body has not been so kind to me. Last week (almost two weeks ago) I had some serious body issues this is what happened:
Usually after judo on Sunday I will go and do a cycle of ten minutes in the jacuzzi, followed by 15 minutes in the sauna, then I will take a break and do 5 minutes in the jacuzzi and 10 minutes in the steam room. I do this to relax my muscles and also to relieve the tension from the week. I always try and weigh myself on Friday and then again after this routine on Sunday to make sure I know how much fluid weight I need to replenish. On friday I weighed 202 lbs. When I got done on Sunday I weighed 192 lbs!!! I didn't feel much different from usual but it did freak me out so I hurried to the store and bought two cold 32oz. Gatorades. I practically slammed the first one and then got in my car to drive but, all of a sudden my hands and fingers started to cramp, I tried to massage my hand with my other hand and that hand started to cramp. Before I knew it my calf muscles were cramping also. I tried to relax, turn the air conditiong on and just breathe nice and easy. Every move I made something would cramp. You name it hip flexors, lower back, hamstrings, bottom of my feet, etc. After about 30 minutes and some careful gatorade sipping I was able to get out of my car and go lay on the some grass by the parking lot. I laid there relaxing for about an hour while finishing the second gatorade. After this I felt well enough do drive home. On the way home I had to stop because of cramping again. I stopped by another store and bought 2 more 32oz. gatorades. When I got home I worked slowly and diligently at finishing them. After that I drank 32oz. of water before finally falling asleep and the cramps subsiding. In the morning I toughed through a 4 mile run with little problems. The only issue was I still felt groggy and my vision still seemed blurred. The rest of the week I still worked out as usual and even on Saturday had a decent though not stellar judo practice. On Sunday at practice, we began, after warm up, directly into newaza. The newaza session lasted for about 45 minutes, of course with different partners and definitely not at full intesity. Needless to say when we took a break I again felt dizzy without the cramps though. I drank up some more water and did one rep of uchi komis, after that I was done. I sat the rest of the practice out trying desperately to suck down the gallon of water I brought with me. I still could barely think clearly and my motor skills were severely hampered. That night I went to bed around 6:00PM. This week I have made a solid effort to drink almost a gallon of water (not gatorade or sports drink) a day. So far my workout intesity has been to the usual standard with very little side effect (of course you're still going to feel kind of woozy from running 5-6 miles at 80-85% THR). I am just hoping that this was a hydration issue and not a deeper problem. I really cannot afford to have set backs in my training. Judo has become a lifestyle for me. Becoming much about what I live for and enjoy. Along with this I am not getting any younger. I just hope that I have pulled through this issue so that I can move on in my judo.

Let's get to the headline right off the bat. I pride myself on my ability to do ground work. Most of the time I play around and just feel different body positioning because I am comfortable in getting positions and working different techniques (mostly osaekomi waza). Today we had a visitor at the dojo. I am not sure of his name but, he was the instructor. I will get into more of his lessons after this but, let's talk about his newaza. When we went to do newaza randori I was asked towards the end to go with him. I was sure that he was good but, I had no idea. He started from the guard position and encouraged me to attempt to pass. The first attempt was met with an instant sweep into a pin. The second attempt was met with a straight reverse armbar. The third attempt found me being choked out with a cross collar choke. At this point I bucked up and decided that I needed to show better technique and make it more of competition instead of randori. Every attempt failed. I was put in Kata Gatame from the bottom (him on the bottom, choking me on the top???) I was put in a straight arm bar while I had him pinned. I mean the list goes on and on. I hope that this particular Sensei comes back to visit and will work with me on some of his ground work.
O.K. on to what I learned.
The visiting Sensei first went over the proper fit ins (uchi komi's) for Ippon Seoi Nage and O Soto Gari. Befoe he started he talked a little of the importance of leverage and the "imaginary" triangle that you create with your front foot and uke's feet.
For O Soto Gari he went into detail about the grip. Three fingers (pinky, ring, and middle) and thumb is what you grip with. This makes it easier to twist your wrist in the proper position on the sleeve hand. For the lapel grip you want to push the hand toward Ukes face. This makes uke's body twist and put's him even more off balance. When you step through you want to make sure that your center or hip area leads (is this harai?). You are not bending but rather using the power of your hips and creating the fulcrum with your reaping leg. The reaping leg raises and then lowers straight along the axis into a perfect O Soto Gari.
With Ippon Seoi Nage the main points were the same for the grip, allowing three fingers for easier turning of the wrist. The the Entry (Tsukure) was more in depth. It has to be fast and you don't want to cross your feet as you do in O uchi or Ko uchi, rather step the rear foot longer when planting the front foot. Making sure that you line up perfectly with the middle of Uke's feet. At this point Uke's balance is broke so bad forward that the only action needed is the finishing twist of the head to look through your armpit while you lift uke from the ground.
On another note I asked both Akune-sensei and Nakamatsu-sensei to help me learn all the kata's. I am particularly interested in Katame No Kata and Seiryoku-Zen'yo Kokumin-Taiiku-no-Kata. Akune-sensei was able to show me the first group for Katame No Kata toaday but, we ran out of time during the second group. I just can't get enough Judo. I wish I could get paid to just do Judo, wouldn't that be great!!!
Sometimes it is like trying to take a drink from a fire hose.

On Saturday a lot of the Okinawans came out for practice. The American Sensei, Paul, was pretty upset that none of his kids showed up. On Sunday there was a tournament in Naha for the kids and he just can't understand why they wouldn't want to get in the last practice before the tourney. A lot of the Okinawan children showed up so I guess they will trash them on Sunday. I know they are kids but, I can't understand why anyone would want to miss Judo. If I was a kid again I would be tired as hell, involved in every tournament, practicing until I puke, etc. I guess as you get older you realize what you could have done. Saturday no real big revelations or learning for me. I did get comments on my weak attacks as of late. At first I was trying to protect my hip so I changed up some of my throws, less hip more going for an entry into mat work. Now my hip is better but, I still find myself being lazy and definitely not committed to a solid throw. I am much more content to "position" someone to the ground rather than throw them like I should be doing. I really, really, really (did I say really?) need to work on my uchi mata more. I use it so much as a fake, then move into ko soto gari, that I have totally forgot how to throw it properly.
On Sunday we had practice at the Koza High School. This is definitely my idea of a dojo. They had the old school weight plates, the hanging rope, and the creaky floors under the mats. A lot of people showed up and it was crowded and hot. It was however, a great experience to work with the high school coach who was very knowledgeable and really gave his students great advice. I actually got tossed with drop seoi, and even got hip tossed. Nothing feels better than getting your pride put in check by a guy that weighs half of what you do :)
I worked on the fundamentals of uchi mata, harai goshi, and a little hane goshi. I also worked very little on morote seoi nage. When tachi waza randori came I found out again how much more I need to work on the execution of uchi mata. I have also decided to try and dedicate some time to tai otoshi. this throw seems to always be there for me but, I never use it.
Lastly I need to remember a gripping technique I saw one of the judoka using. I love to get a collar grip or grab over the shoulder to the back. This works great for me but, leaves me open for a lot of throws. What this guy was doing was taking the same grip but instead of going all the way over the shoulder he would trap the other players arm by pinning it against his own body and grabbing the gi closer to the top of the shoulder. I could definitely see how this would benefit me as playing left against right I can essentially take away his power hand. I also recognized how he always takes away the other players power hand. This guy is really good and now I know why none of my power works on him. Hopefully he will be at the next practice because I would really like to learn this gripping technique.

Well it finally happened. I tested this past weekend for Shodan and by hook or crook managed to pull through. I actually lost my first match (what was I thinking), but, I rebounded and won the rest. I thought I rocked the Nage No Kata as both Tori and Uke only to find out how much my Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi still sucks . In a way I am kind of glad it is out of the way. However, I consider it part of the experience. It is not that I "achieved" something it is more or less that I experienced something that most people never get to experience. How many U.S. Judoka have actually been grade to Shodan in Japan? How many Judoka get to live the thrill of working with people who have more Judo experience than years I have been alive? This is the true reason I love Judo. At some point I realize that I will have to be the Teacher and the mentor. Right now I love nothing more than to be the student. I am so thirsty to learn everything possible about Judo. I love every aspect Kata, Randori, Shiai, Theory, etc. I didn't get a chance to accurately describe how appreciative I was when I was presented with the black belt on Sunday. What I said was "thanks for the help I am glad to get back to Judo and Arigato Geizamus". What I wanted to say was for me this is only the beginning, I could care less if I was a Kudan or a Rokkyu as long as I have good Judoka to work with and my mind and body are still able to go I will forever be satisfied.

I guess the most important lesson I am trying to learn this past week is respect. I want to have the self control to know that I have achieved something great, but I also want to have the self control and humility to know that I have not achieved anything.

So, one week left until I test for Shodan. Am I ready? No. You can always prepare but are you ever really ready? Last night we worked on the Nage No Kata. Some of my techniques are still very rough but, I am hoping they will at least be so so. Seriously that Tsuri Komi Goshi is crazy. How in the world do you get good at that. Saturday I spent some newaza time with a couple of guys who can compete. One guy is just plain huge and used to be a wrestler. If you get him in half guard or guard he gets confused but, he can still get in good positions to pin but no real submission threat. The other guy has a very active guard he can transition form armbar to triangle and back to armbar very effectively. Very hard to get passed his guard. He sets up very nice sweeps. He actually made me tap out from a triangle choke. That is the first time in at least a year that I have been tapped out, very good ground game.
Sundays practice I helped one of the girls who will be testing for Shodan also. She seemEd very nervous and intimidated. I tried to help her with some easy throws that I think she could pull off in her fights next week. I hope she remembers them. The blogs point was mutual welfare and benefit. This is the most important lesson I took away from todays practice. We had a big long discussion about technique vs. power (why am I always getting these conversations I really, really, really try not to use power) and also about taking care of your partner and being fluid and relaxed in randori. I agree with all of it and I really do strive for mutual benefit and welfare. At the same time I feel certain throws and go for them. My good throws are either sutemi waza or variation of proper throwing techniques (O soto gari with koshi guruma neck lock). It is not that I want to hurt anyone I just find it very hard to feel kuzushi when I can make it. On an important note my big friend came by today (the big guy I talked about in an earlier blog). I love when this guy comes. It is one of the few chances when I can use all my power with little effect. Today I was ready and actually got a waza ari ofF a counter to his hip throw (think suplex/ura nage). I finally scored on him big achievement for me and hopefully a sign that my Judo is getting better.
KEEP IN MIND-----
MUTUAL BENEFIT AND WELFARE...

It is now Saturday and I forgot the training blog for last week. Last week I only got to train on Sunday and it was on cold a$$ wrestling mats. Due to some international incidents and work related matters my Judo for this past week was pretty much shut down. I did get to work a little of the Nage No Kata but, next weekend is the Shodan test. Am I ready? Probably not. That is the way life goes. Whenever something that I love and is imprtant to me comes up, life comes by with a wicked swoop and makes it that much harder to achieve. This is a constant in my life and in my practice. Nowadays I just ignore it.

So the big news for this week is my inability to keep my nuscle mass and my dropping of roughly 20lbs. This may be good for some people but, for me it is damading both psychologically and physically. I can perform at the -100KG level in competition, I have also competed a the +100 KG (not as successfully though). Now on Sunday night when I weighed myself I find out I am down to 90.4 KG's. That backs up a day of Judo where I felt myself get "tooled" by guys I should have been able to throw. I can make excuses (my hip is still tender and that takes away all of my money throws (uchi mata, harai goshi, O soto gari) but, the truth is that I need to get that muscle mass back or "fix" myself psychologically. I mean I almost got Te Guruma countered on a sloppy uchi mata attempt TE GURUMA??? I have never even come close to being picked up before. I guess there is no lesson technique wise to learn from this week. So let me continue on my week of whining 90KG's??? I am not fast enough to compete with the guys at 90KG's. I even feel like I am loosing some of my power for my throws. O.K. I am going to chalk this week up to bad luck. With my hip hurting and my Shodan terst coming up in three weeks I need to refocus. I can work technique faster and faster with uchi komi's this week (just not any hip throws too fast) And I can do some wall fit in's as well. Maybe even do some NNK studying and watching. Anything to get my mind off of 90KG's. I know that some people will say so gain it back. It's not that easy I refuse to gain fat back. If I gain it back I want it to be muscle again. Hopefully next weeks blog will not be as boring, and I will have some good things to blog about instead of whining.

Some lessons I guess you have to learn the hard way. I am getting better at my O uchi gari however, it seems there is at least a thousand different ways to do it. All of the ways are essentially the same just soem minor tweeking here and there. Sunday while doing uchi komi's I tried to work the fit in for O uchi. For some reason I thoguht that it would help me get more of a lift if I pushed my hip in while fitting in. It was almost liek I was trying to hip smash into the fit in. Along with this I was leaning to far in the throw. Needless to say when I finally overtried doing it this way I twisted my hip, much like you twist your ankle. This was very painful (still feeling it today) So I guess the thing I will remember from this last practice is I need to learn the correct way to fit in for O uchi Gari.

So the weekend has come and gone. Saturday found me doing a little Nage No Kata. Just the first set (Uki Otoshi, Seoi Nage, Kata Guruma). Before that a little Newaza randori. I got to go with a new guy that had trained a little BJJ out in California, it wasn't to bad I had to remind him though that being on your back in Judo was ntoa good thing (pinned) I also got to go with Brian the Nidan from New Zealand. Brian is a great guy and his ground game was tight. A lot of thinking and a lot of easy rolling. I really appreciated doing newaza with Brian, all the moves seemd to flow and eventhough we didn't go for that long it was nice to go with someone who makes you think and makes you have back up plans for your best techniques. I really wish that I could just find a place over here to do randori for about 45 to 60 minutes straight, when all your strength is gone and you have to rely on technique.
Sunday proved to be a day full of "little" lessons. The name of the blog the need for speed. First we worked some uchi komi's after that we circled up and were told how weak our uchi komi's were. So now we got a lesson in more or less, nage komi's the emphasis being on the fit in (tsukuri) and how it need to be faster. Of course all the basics still apply Off balance, body position, etc., but the crux of a lot of the throw was entering with speed when kake is performed. So we practiced this with seoi nage, and O uchi gari. Speedy, Speedy, Speedy. I need to EXPLODE in to my seoi nage and O uchi gari, at the same time all the basics need to be there. Next we worked on getting that speed while constantly moving your opponent around the mat. Pull uke down and when uke naturally comes back up explode into the throw. I found this worked well for Harai Goshi and Uchi Mata. The key to this pulling down was letting it be fluid, and natural. Not being rigid so uke easily comes up then you can explode in to the throw. We went over one technique in Newaza, I have to mention this technique because this is something to keep in the back of the mind. Facing uke while uke is turtled or flat belly on the ground reach under uke's armpit and grab the opposite side lapel with the other arm grab uke's arm on the same side as you are grabbing the lapel. Pull the arm straight out and twist (just like twisting in uki goshi) retreating the knee on the side that your are pulling the arm. When uke twist you will end up in kesa gatame with a nasty throat choke with knuckles on neck or a simple forearm choke.
After all this we again talked about me taking my shodan test on March 15th. Everyone seems to think I am ready so, I guess I am. I honestly believe that as much as it matters it shouldn't matter. I am just happy to get on the tatami and do Judo. Not to say I am not excited (I am) but, at the same time I take it very seriously as a crucial step in developing my judo.

I tried a couple of days ago to do a quick post with pictures. Obviously it didn't work. If I have time after this blog maybe I will attach a couple of photos. Of course as you can see I missed last weeks blog (very busy). But, I didn't want to scimp on this week so here goes.

Saturday practice found me full of energy after a long week with little sleep. I have just bought a new Adidas club gi and after a month in just the Adidas Comp gi, I felt like I had lost 30 lbs. I was giddy. My ebi's and forward ebi's (whatever the hell the forward ones are called) were crisp and comfortable for a change. Nakamatsu-Sensei had us do an unusually long warm up, but it was all good as he introduced new ways of torturing the body. So I chronicle and don't forget we had the hop over (hold the persons back and do hops form side to side 20 times, no pausing) the between the legs to the leap frog 20x. The situp on your partners back while they are in the turtle, grapevining your legs, the push up while your partner is squatting you, the belt climb(grab the end of the belt and "climb" to your partner, release the belt and do it again over and over all the way down the mat), and the belt drag practicing tsugi ashi (wrap the belt under your ooponents armpits and slide back and pull them in while they are lying on the floor all the way down the mat). Very good and very long warm up/ work out. After this I was able to practice Nage No Kata with Akune-Sensei. This is the guy I need for my uke! I don't even remember doing the techniques his ukemi was infallable. It made it very easy to work through my movements as if no one was even there (I guess that why he is the sensei huh?) After that we finished the night with a lot of uchi komi's.

When I came to practice Sunday I just had a feeling that it was going to be a good day. The sun was shining it was a little crisp, and the judoka were showing up in troves, with smiles. Nothing better than a dojo full of Judoka.
Sundays warm up found me feeling like a kid again. I was in a very good mood, and adventurous. During warm ups I got picked to show the proper way to do the forward shrimp thing ( I really need to get the name of this maneuver) I was just happy I was finally doing it good enough. During ukemi we (mostly I) usually get told how my front rolling falls suck. At first I try and explain that I am use to doing "break fall rolls" (rolling then stopping in the brake fall lying down) or Rolling falls were you roll all the way up to your feet. What they want is a combination of both. Today feeling young I just decided to do chin geri's (thats what we called them) were you don't use your hands at all and you just flip over into a break fall. I didn't get any complaints but I did get comments about being crazy.

Time for uchi komi's. I still have problems with this O Soto Gari uchi komi however I can slowly feel myself getting better. On the fit ins for O uchi/ Ko Uchi/ Uchi Mata I really got the third degree from the american sensei. I am just getting used to doing the whole crossing your feet on your toes when doing those throws. So, now when I do my uchi komi's for those throws I am bending my waist and/or arching my back. I know that this is wrong but it is hard learning a new way. Regardless he let me know how crappy I looked and that I was an embarassment ( I was suprised that he didn't actually take his belt of and start beating me) Not wanting to be further embarassing I moved on to the Ippon and Morote Seoi Nage uchi komi's. Of course there is no crossing the feet here and my uchi komi's were very tight. A little bit of redemption as he nodded approvingly, as in "not bad for a novice". One key point was on my uchi komi's for Sode Tsuri Komi Goshi. I am trying to do the whole throw in one movement. I NEED TO WORK ON FIRST--- THE FORWARD LIFTING OF THE ARM WITH THE SLEEVE--THEN TURNING INTO THE HIP THROW. This makes sense I just need to work on that.

NEWAZA RANDORI--I drew the police guy again for newaza. After a couple of minutes of stalemate he finally broke me down as I assumed guard then he passed to my single leg entaglement. From there he secured my neck with his patented "neck cracker" as he easily peeled my leg off to sit into a very tight mune gatame. No Space. I could not get my elbow or my knee in anywhere. I also could not bridge or shrimp as he had my neck isolated. Finally he told the american sensei who translated to me in english the following, "you should just tap because I can break your neck at any time. If you try to escape you will break your own neck" TAP TAP TAP.
The only other significant partner in ne waza was a younger japanese black belt. Even though he could not match my size or technique his transition from my attempted submission were very solid. He managed to escape ude garame from yoko shiho, sankaku jime, and (not sure in japanese) a staight armbar from a sankaku postion. I could have just used my power and weight but it was actually a nice change to flow from technique to escape then look and try and set up combination techniques.

RANDORI-RANDORI-RANDORI
This was the highlight of my practice. With so many judoka (which only 4 adults are not black belts) I is my favorite part to be able to randori with the Okinawans. The first guy I drew was obviously about 40 lbs. lighter than me. I worked grip fighting and tried some "basic" techniques. Mostly I wanted work to counters against him. I set him up with a pretty O soto gari look only so I could try my O Soto gaeshi, he wouldn't take the bait and moved very well in to an Ippon Seoi Nage. Of course he had nothing and I let go. He then attempted maybe a single leg takedown or ko uchi maki komi. Intsead of just sprawling back I actually picked him up for a sukui (scoop?) nage.
After that I got to randori with a real class act guy. He was definitely a technique master and I could fell him setting me up. He never really got a throw but, then again he blocked all my attempts. The next guy was I think a 7th dan ( I am going to have to get this straight but, I think Nakematsu-sensei is an 8th dan, and this guy is a 7th dan, Akune Sensei is a 5th Dan and Newman-Sensei is a 3rd ???) Anyway, they made sure I knew to be gentle as he was an older gentleman. This really made me practice my technique. And thus the title of my blog the freedom of randori. I grabbed and we started from left vs. right. I used no strength no tension. I just moved with him trying to fell the off balance. He moved easily into some attempted leg sweeps and almost caught me with Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi. I eventually used tsugi ashi to pull him down with a collar grip and turned in to a very smooth and controlled sumi gaeshi. He thanked me and I thanked him even more. That was great to just be able to move smoothly and freely into each technique.
The last guy I went against was actually 3 matches. On the first match we fought very hard and went from throw to counter for a good 2:30 minutes. finally I sucked him in with a collar grip and faked uchi mata twice going for a ko soto gake. On the third time I wrapped around his head and bounced out of a harai goshi and into O Soto Gari. I got a clean throw for Ippon. He wanted to go again so again we went. This time he blocked all my attempts from the left side. As I was attacking constantly I was getting very tired. I switched to right side hoping to catch him with a good sacrifice ( I can somehow do sutemi waza from the right side) He stepped back leaving his hips open for a hip throw. Right when I stepped in he caught me with De Ashi Barai, BAM Ippon. I couldn't believe I had let myself fall into that throw. I giggled to myself and then got up to bow. The one sensei that was reffing said NO NO it is 1 to 1 you go again. By this time my lungs were on fire and I was already getting the shaky thing that happens to your arms. O.K. I said and bowed in for one more round. Lungs burning and starting to see the black spots I baited him with my lapel. As soon as he reached I grabbed his arm sleeve and tried for a very powerful seoi otoshi. I almost had it but, I did not follow my head around to meet my hand, no technique. This took a lot out of me and we went back in to grip fighting. He kept trying to bait me in to a right hand grip but I refused. Knowing I had to do something or get a penalty I stepped in to a fake uchi mata attempt, I thought he would just step out of it but, in stead he hugged me. Feeling the off balance of him trying maybe a counter hip throw I stuck my leg out to see if I could catch Harai Goshi. Initially it wasn't there but, then I remembered turn the head and pull the arm. Doing this I caught him with the Harai goshi for Ippon. Match over. I first made sure he was O.K. I am not sure what he did but, he came very close to landing on his head I had to really jerk his arm to make sure he didn't. After I checked that he was O.K. I gave a double fist pump to let everyone know (by the way at this time there was about 5 or 6 of the black belts watching) Ippon. It was just a little reaction then I immediately turned and bowed deeply to this great opponent. After that it was cool down and practice was over. I talked a little after practice to the 7th dan. He was trying to get me straight on how to practice my uchi komi's for uchi mata and harai goshi (mostly uchi mata) he said that I need to start LIFTING FIRST then turn into the technique. I need to make sure that I start doing this next week.

I start this blog by saying ouch, my lower back/buttocks are/is sore. On Saturday I again practiced the first 3 series of Nage No Kata. I myself really only did the Uke part. In learning this kata I believe it will aslo help me learn ukemi better. While practicing (An hour and a half straight) I fell here I fell there I fell everywhere. At the time I thought O.K. I'm good. So Saturday ended with at least a pretty good indication of the first three series of Nage No Kata. On to Sunday. Not many people showed up, must have been on vacation? I don't know. My new friend for life, the 300lb guy was not present, this upset me. After warm up I practiced some more of the Kata with the guy who is testing next week for his Shodan. After a couple of falls I realized I was still a little sore from last night. After about 20 minutes we moved in to Uchi Komi's. I wanted to practice some of the basics so I hit on O Soto Gari (especially the way I talked about in my last blog) and Ippon Seoi Nage. I also did some Uchi Komi's of Tsuri Goshi/Ko Tsuri Goshi. I have found this position many time in randori. I want to start practicing to see if I can actually pull these two throws off. (HINT THIS IS WHEN YOU INPUT ADVICE TO ME BY COMMENTING ON MY BLOG WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE IN EITHER TSURI GOSHI OR KO TSURI GOSHI). After Uchi Komi's we moved into Ne Waza randori. The one guy I met from the first week ( I think he is the police chief for one of the ken's) tried to test me on the whole neck crank/choke to release from the half guard that he had taught me. Of course I failed miserably because I didn't put enough pressure on his neck with my shoulder. I tried to explain to him that I just didn't want to hurt him since it was just randori. He scoffed and insisted on showing me the technique again and again (in the proccess I almost passed out twice from the pressure of his shoulder). I guess that was his way of telling me to do it the right way GOT IT loud and clear.

In Tachi Waza randori, every one wanted me to go with one of the American black belts that has been a couple of times. He is about my size maybe 10-15 lbs heavier. We randoried 3 times. The first time was a lot of grip fighting/positioning after which I caught him with a yoko gake. Kind of sloppy maybe waza ari. Need to work on actually "sacrifing" to the side instead of trying to make it look pretty. I don't remember a lot about the second time. I was tired and tried a Tomoe Nage (lazy ineffective) and I tried a sumi gaieshi (he turned out) I did catch him with the old trusty ko soto gake, but he kind of countered it so it was pretty sloppy.
On the 3rd time around we were both very tired. I tried at leat 3 times to hit my Tsuri Goshi (almost got it) I also tried sukui nage(blocked) I tried right sided yoko guruma, almost got it but I didn't sacrifice enough. Finally I caught him with a wicked Uchi Mata (maki komi, not on purpose) It was impressive as I even gave a thunderous grunt that sounded somewhat like a kiai. That was it. The important thing I took away from Sunday is fun. I had fun and I was able to randori at about 60-70 per cent with this guy and it was decent. I wasn't really looking to "win" I just had fun and tried out some new things. I tried some right sided throws and even tried to refine some techniques, good time.
Unfortunately on Sunday when I was randoring with Akune-sensei (My spelling is terrible) he hurt his knee. I was going for a yoko guruma and his leg straightened. He was on the mat in pain. I felt really bad I didn't know what to do. I was definitely not trying to hurt him and I thought it was a safe technique as I felt him pick his leg up. Anyway later I found out that he has a bad knee. I felt really bad all he had to do is tell me and I would have never tried that on him. I like this guy he was the Okinawan "Open" champion for 22-25 years (one of the 2) In that time he was undefeated. I guess just last year he hurt his knee. The guy is a beast. His ko uchi gari is unbelievable, He can drop me with it at will. He even says before randori "Ko Uchi" And still hits it perfectly. Just like your are sliding on a bar of soap nothing you can do but breakfall.
Anyway, I guess my point is that I hope he is alright. I look forward to learning more and more from him.

I think I mentioned this in an earlier blog but, there is an Okinawan that shows up at the end of practices (after junbi undo, ne waza randori, etc.) only for the tachi waza randori. The first meeting left me feeling not so powerful I am trying to not exagerate when I say this guy is at least 300lbs. Every one in the Dojo shudders when he comes in. So guess who showed up yesterday. The American sensei , Paul and the Brittish nidan , Brian were quick to point out to me that he was there. No problem after going thru about 30 minutes Ne waza randori I took a swig of water and got ready. No one would line up with the guy. I got right in front bowed before they even called kyotsuke and was ready. I will not back down and I seriously love this guy. It will force me to use technique over power. I started some grip fighting with him and was getting the upper hand. I remember from last time that he left his hips open for me to move in. He really likes to pull you close and as such I felt I had some opportunity for throws. We grip fought for a while exchanging half assed attack attempts, finally I went in for a combo of uchi mata to tai otoshi. He blocked well standing me straight up. I had to pull out before I got countered. He went in for O Goshi I easily blocked but, was unable to force an effective counter against his base. He moved out and I immediately attempted a Tani Otoshi (Maybe more like a ko soto gake) I kiai'd loud and put everything into it. He was going but at the last second was able to maneuver out (darn that was my chance). More grip fighting, recovery, then he went in for Seoi Nage, easily stopped but, no counter. I went in for Uki Goshi (it just feels like I can get it to work) He pulled his right arm out of my grip at the last moment, I had to pull out. By this time almost everyone in the dojo was watching, We hand checked for a couple of seconds then I went to a high collar grip trying again to force a tani otoshi, no luck he got a hold of my back and pulled a harai goshi out. I turned out of it and when we hit the ground made it clear that he may have got a yuko (stood up and looked at him making the sign for yuko) he was not impressed; time was up.
After I randoried with 3 more people I looked down and no one was going with him. I again lined up for round two. This time the American sensei was watching, He was trying to give me pointers but, I was just trying to survive. He almost got me with harai goshi again but, instead of trying to counter or block it I just stepped around. I was getting ready to try a morote gari when he finally got a hold of me and threw me, I am not sure what he landed but he managed to land on top of me with me on my side, maybe ippon but I think waza ari. After we got back up the American sensei yelled "he is looking for the big throw, don't give him the big throw". After this I kind of played defense and was trying to bait him so I could counter. Time is up. Score Big spelled H-U-G-E Okinawan guy 3 me 0. I bowed and thanked him even using the American expression of thank you and shaking his hand. There is no doubt in my mind before I leave Okinawa I will find a way to get this guy.

Oh, quick note before I close. I began my kata training also. Another guy is taking his Shodan test this month so we practice together. I tried to give him the perfect fall for uki otoshi and ended up hitting his head with my mouth. Ouch, my mouth and teeth still are bruised and bleeding today. Go figure I get injured worse practicing kata than I ever have in Shiai. I also found out I should have been practicing my throws from both sides. My harai goshi from the right side looked like... I don't know I have never seen anything that looked like it.

O.K. so I missed the blog for last week. There is unfortunately a lot of things going on in my world besides Judo. ( I do not agree with this as to me it should be just Judo but anyway...)

I have decided to move my blog over to the Judo Forum. On myspace I was just not getting enough input and I am now hoping that there is some people out there willing to discuss with me my ineptness at this thing called Judo.

The heading of this blog alludes to a statement made to me tonight at practice. After practice Nakamatsu Sensei (excuse my spelling if wrong I have only now learned to say his name right), looked me straight in the eyes and said you test in March. What he meant by this was that in March he wants me to test for Shodan. Hence the title of my latest blog "You Want What?" I know that he was watching me last week very hard and seemed intrigued. I would not say impressed because my Judo vocabulary does not include that word. The words that come to mind are "ouch" "i'm sorry" "are you O.K.?" I think you get the picture. I am willing to go forward with this only if it helps my Judo. Since I have been here I usually wear my white belt. Of course I have a desire to be the best I can be in Judo, just like everything else, and of course I understand "Shodan" as the beginning of my judo. So yes there is the thing inside of me that screams "alright" On the other hand, I see the responsibility that comes with the rank. It is not that I fear it, it is just that I respect it and want to be able to give it the respects it deserves. What I am saying is that I want my Judo to be representative of my Judo rank. If Nakamatsu Sensei feels this is the case then by all means I am good with it.

O.K. now on to the training blog (it was getting to deep for me right there)

Tonight I went over some "refinement" techniques for O Soto Gari and Uchi Mata.

First on O Soto Gari.
Working with the fancy Okinawa Grip I have found out that I must again re-learn my O Soto Gari.
Key points:
* Keep the thumb out of the gi on the lapel grip. Use "four fingers" and pull the gi up and apart. At the same time you start O Soto Gari while at the side of the uke. When I learned I was "dashing" to the outside while pushing uke to the rear and right ( don't forget I am left handed). Now all my motion is straight back because I am already to the side of uke. My initial step is almost the same as if I am going to tackle uke. With my "sleeve" grip I pull up and out. The "sleeve" grip is actually a pinky first grip very close to uki's wrist. At the same time I ampulling I am also twisting. After this I make contact hip to hip and begin my pendulum leg swing into O Soto Gari. Brian, the Nidan that was going over this technique with me said. If I master the timing of this technique in Uchi Komis I will be able to master the timing on "most" of the throws ( as told to him by Nakematsu Sensei). He even showed me some "drills" I can use at home to master this technique. 100 per day per side.
* On Uchi Mata we didn't have much time (spent a lot of time on O Soto Gari) we went over the kizushi which I had always created with power. I had always pulled ukes sleeve arm down around my waist while for my forearm in their face with a collar grip. This was my kizushi. We used the famed Okinawa grip and on the sleeve grip we pulled again up and away. Eyes focused on the elbow of uke while turning. We also worked on the tsukuri a little. I am so used to fighting big people that my uchi mata has alway been more of a ko uchi mata. Now I am working on the footwork a little more.

After that we did some Sute Geiko. Working on the proper kizushi.
Well that's about it for tonight, I am getting tired it is almost 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM comes pretty fast for another day of Judo. Hopefully I will have some good points that I can write down to myself.

(Originally "blogged" 23 December 2007)

Everyday just gets better and better!

Saturday practice a couple of the Okinawan Sensei's showed up. I got to work One on One with one of them. we went over a lot a gripping techniques. I was suprised from most of the rumors you here that Japanese don't really grip fight. Well I don' think that is true because it was the main theme of my practice on Saturday. Key Points for Saturdays Practice:

* Grip fighting - When you grip the sleeve arm you grab on the inside of the gi right at the elbow joint/ tendon. Getting a very tight grip you twist or turn this grip outwards. This causes the opponents elbow to raise. With this slight lift of his elbow you can create space for various throws. The two specific throws we went over with this grip were all variation of Seoi Nage. We did Ippon Seoi Nage were you just have the sleeve grip twist outward and thrust your opposite arm in locking the elbow while pulling forward. We did a similar version but this time breaking the opposite side collar grip (left vs. right) then trapping the collar gripped arm while performing Ippon Seoi Nage. After that we worked some movement techiniques (Tsugi Ashi ?) Using the same grip but pulling the opponent down as you are sliding backwards. Forcing the opponent to take that extra step. When that extra step is taken there were three techniques we went over. Ko Uchi Gari (Small Inner Reap). Once the foot is actually pulled forward and then you explode forward into to Ko Uchi Gari. If the foot has hit the ground while you are attempting Ko Uchi Gari follow through with the arm to the outside of the leg similiar to Ko Uchi Gari Mak komi (Small Inner Reap Wrap Around). The last technique was if the leg is still forward but the opponent has blocked your Ko Uchi attempt, go for the leg pick up and follow through with the dead tree drop (I forgot the Japanese name). Basically you have the foot hooked on the outside of your body and then you just reap the opponents supporting foot on the inside with the leg opposite of the side you have his leg hooked ( If you know Judo you know what I am talking about).

Sundays practice not much was learned. It was basically a lot of randori. Ne Waza (ground fighting) Of course I did awesome. Worked a little on my kuzure kami shiho gatame (broken upper corner hold or North South position) I am pretty secure with pins from that position but, I like to "tweak" it sometime to see if it opens up any other techniques. My main goal for newaza was armbars. I am fundamentally sound on the ude garami (bent armbar from side control or "Americana") But, other armbars like the Ude Hishigi (straight armbars) from either a Tate Shiho Gatame (The Mount) or from Do Osae (The Guard) are pretty difficult still for me to get without using a lot of power. And they are still very sloppy. I tried a few of these and did get the position but not the submission and the technique definitely needs practice. (NOTE TO SELF ARMBAR PRACTICE).

As far as Tachi Waza Randori (Throwing sparring) I still am having problems breaking the gripping techniques. I was a little better than last week but, still need much improvement. My biggest challenge was randori (free sparring) with this huge black belt. When he came in to the dojo the american sensei was like "oh my god there he is the bone crusher" This dude was about 6'4" and weighed at least 300lbs. This was not 300 lbs. fat this was a legit "big" 300 lbs. He was my last randori. I fought hard, he threw me for ippon only once. (once is enough) but, I kept bringing the fight to him. I came close a couple of times getting my hands around his waist for attempted Tani Otoshi (Valley Drop) or even Sukui Nage (Scooping Hip throw) but, both time he turned out very nicely. I did fit in three times for Uchi Mata ( Inner Thigh) but there was no way I was lifting this guy up. One thing I need to work on (and I hope this guy comes back I like the challenge) is getting him to move around. I cannot let him be grounded. I need to get him moving, go for some combination techniques and eventually he will be off balance. I may not actually "throw" him but, I am confident if I get him to the ground I can beat him.

That's it for now. That was the last practice of the year. Next practice is not until the 6th January.

(originally "blogged" 18 December 2007)

O.K. I admit it I thought I had a good handle on this Judo thing. I have been warned over and over again to use technique and not strength. No more did this phrase become apparent then during my first practice with the Okinawans. Strength has probably zero bearing. As time and time again I could neither "produce" kizushi (off balance) with my strength nor could I even attempt to fit in (tsukuri) for a throw. There a some throws that I just consider "money". These are throws I can hit regardless, examples are:

tani otoshi as any hip throw counter

tomoe nage any time I am too tired to keep going I just stand straight up and sucker them in to a throw and then drop under my right foot for a left sided tomoe nage. I can usually at least get a koka.

Let it be known there was none of this with the Okinawans. Time and time again not even the money throws were efficient. I truly felt like a kid again. In a way good knowing that there is still so much I have to learn.

O.K. now on to what I learned Sunday.

* Back with the grip. With a collar grip you still pull the wrist upwards like you are trying to pull your wrist to your forearm. At the same time you control opponents body with your forearm in the chest and your body close.

* Counter for this grip. This is left vs. right handed keep the left hand on opponents lapel and pull up and away just like "wax off" from karate kid. This caused separation of the opponents control.

* When you are standing and your opponent assumes the guard defense (leg's ready) using the right foot "sweep" the inside of the right leg right above the knee and land on your right knee over the top of his knee. Slide through to a hold down.

* If you are caught in a single leg entanglement (half guard) trap opponents head with opposite arm, you hand around his head, grab lapel and using your forearm on the back of his neck, and your shoulder in his neck push up to stretch the neck (this forces the opponent to move his head weakening his leg entaglement and you can just slip your leg through) If he uses his hand to try and push your arm/ head away "trap" the arm above the elbow in a straight arm bar. This will give you enough base to use your opposite leg (the one not entangled) toeasily "pry" the entangled leg out of the hold. The more prying power you use the more force is placed on the opponents arm and neck. Even if the opponent tries to counter you (sweep you over) you still have either an armbar or choke locked in. This one is very hard to explain but once you try it a couple of times it make perfect sense. (also easier if you can actually see it being done)

* Cool Down - This is the first time I have been involved in actual cool down exercises. Also involved is the minute of retrospect. Overall I think very important; gives you a chance to relax your body and mind after you practice.

(Originally "blogged" 15 December 2007)

Alright,

I have decide to make a record or journal of my Judo while here in Japan. Today is marking the first day as today I attended my first class here in Okinawa.

I have been in Okinawa for about a week now and have been going crazy trying to find a Judo dojo. Everybody says oh yeah Judo call this person, go here, etc. It all was everything but Judo (Karate, Kempo, Kung Fu, etc.) Finally I did some detective work and found a guy who spoke english and holds Judo classes in downtown. Finally!!!! Judo!!! (if you need to ask then you my friend, are not an addict,,,, yet.)

Tonight was basically touch and go as I showed up there a Sankyu ( Brown Belt) and you know people are very sceptical of rank from the U.S. It was mostly a kids class while me and one of the other adults worked together. The Sensei was fine with my Judo and invited me to come back tomorrow to the club when the Japanese will be there. He said it is very intense training but that I should be O.K.

Now on to the important part technique, learning journal.

Before the class I watched some of the Okinawan children practicing (Japanese Judo, Japanese Sensei's) I just caught the end but, I was impressed with there conditioning. Specifically what I caught was this:

5 minute tachi waza randori (sute geiko maybe?) throw for throw. After this they did sprints, suicides (interval runs on the mat with the sensei's clapping when they should touch the mat and turn around) front rolls, back rolls (from the "splits" postions all the way down two mats length and back) and hopping on one foot. They followed this with some cool down stretching (shumatsu undo?) Very effective and working on flexibility. All were partner assisted. The were standing on each others legs while doing the groing stretch! all of them were 10 count. The total "cool down time was 15 minutes. The conditioning drills were about 20 minutes. This is all a saw of the practice.

Now, on to my practice. Important key points learned today! (These are more for me than anybody else)

* Gripping and pulling close to the body. Using the wrist and pulling your body right next to Uke. Keeping the elbow in and controlling (along the collar) This was effective for Tai Otoshi, Ko Soto Gari, and O Soti Gari. need to work on using this so that less power is used and more leverage is obtained. What I want to work on most is using less strength and more technique/leverage.