I just got back from my practice, and I really had a good day in class. I went up against a black belt in Randori, and although I didn't throw him, I managed to get in a couple of good counters. He complimented me after class. It's really good to get compliments from your peers, especially when they are better than you. I also managed to land a throw against another opponent that I had never even practiced before - O Uchi Gaeshi . Basically he tried to attack right O-Uchi-Gari, and I just stepped back got down on a knee and took him down for a solid Ippon. I have often opined on Judo forums that Kuzushi is the art of manifesting opportunity to use your Waza - this was a prime example. It seems Ironic, but I feel more secure in my Judo at 30 than I did at 22. Maybe that is just more testimony to Judo truly being more about mind and less about muscles?
Welcome to The Road to Nidan - Yonah Wolf's Judo Blog, a journal of his progress towards obtaining his second-degree black belt (Nidan) in Judo. Yonah shares his insights, tips, tricks, and thoughts as he progresses in the art of Judo and fights his way towards his next Black Belt (Nidan).