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Nemesis

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Everyone one of us, in every dojo that we've ever been to has one - a nemesis. That one (or maybe more, or maybe one every few years) Judoka in our dojo or on the competition circuit who always seems to have our number. Our technique improves and evolves, but somehow, this person is always one step ahead.

They are our goal. Just one match one, or one good unquestionable ippon-worthy throw in Randori. Don't get me wrong, this isn't petty or vindictive, this is about improvement. It's about knowing that no matter how good your technique is and how much you've improved and yet there is still one person that it doesn't work for.

That person is the one person you want to play when it's time for Randori, and the one person you feel the greatest challenge from. You will try progressively harder with them each time, and for a while they might have their way with you.

Then one day, out of the blue. You throw them. It feels so good - and it motivates you even more.

Comments

Unknown said…
Yes Yonah, maybe one day you will be able to throw me. Until then, keep trying grasshopper. :P
1/20/2008
Yonah said…
Mongo the question isn't ability - I know that I can throw you or anyone else in the world - in Nagekomi. The trick is overcoming my fears and thwarting your defenses when I do it in Randori.

I have no problem picking up people your size to throw them with, say, Tsurikomi Goshi (but not 100 times in a row), but when I play with people that big is where it becomes difficult.
1/22/2008
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