Last night we had our club competition. Our club is essentially composed of three distinct groups - the kids from the kids class, the people from the non-credit classes that Sensei runs, and the students of the for-credit class and martial arts club of the Community College where our classes our held. (This last group, while they are adults, are separate because they practice during the day). In addition, there are sub factions in each group because some people practice only on Monday/W or W/S or Sun/Mon so they don't get to really see one another during the course of the week. Between the competitors or spectators there were easily 40-50 people in gis and another 20-25 on the sidelines, not a bad crowd at all.
I was also a bit apprehensive, because my wife was coming. We've been married for 8 and a half years, and she's never once been to a judo class or competition. I was especially worried how she would react to my son's competition. My son, playing in the littlest kids group, went first. I had a couple of mock tournaments with him, where I went over the rules, and gave him advice on how to improve his technique. He went out and played. He seems to be fixated on Seoinage and O-Goshi and was continually trying to throw with them - to the point where he was getting his grip and just turning away from his uke. Yes, they're 5 and 6 year-olds, with a lot more learning to-do but he looked out of it and unfocused during the match. I kept calling for him to try O-Soto and O-Uchi - two throws which I know that he is comfortable with, and when he finally tried them, he got countered for Ippon - by both of his opponents. Nonetheless, all of the kids got applause, and he was excited to get his trophy for 3rd place (he was going to take it in for show and tell today, but school was canceled on account of the snow).
What was my wife's reaction? - she was upset that he didn't win at least one match - she wants him to succeed in whatever he does. Nonetheless, we were all very proud of him, and despite his need to practice more he enjoyed fighting. He asked Sensei when the next competition was.
I did pretty well too - I finished second. I played two regular Randori Opponents - Mark and Rob. I managed to beat Mark with my O-Uchi/Uchimata combo, throwing him for two consecutive Wa-zaris, but Rob, who I play more often, managed to learn how to counter me - taking me down with Ko-Soto Gake for Ippon.
My wfie was at least glad that I won second place.
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