Search the Community

Intro I’ve been in Judo since 2005 but have backed off for the last year for various reasons (scheduling conflict with another commitment, work eats my life, not really feeling it, etc.). I’ve still been there and teaching in our Kids class once a week and going to one of the Adult classes but again, was not really feeling it in the Adult class. It feels like the right time to get back to serious training. That being said, work will trump if I’m needed there. Goal 1 - Judo The primary goal is to be back at Judo at least once per week. Notably, not just physically there but mentally there. We have two adult classes per week but there will be some off nights and work will prevent me from making class sometimes (possibly frequently), but when I am there I want to be focused and fighting. Goal 2 - Supplemental bodyweight strength training (and possibly cardio) To support Judo and top up whatever I don’t do there. Sensei may or may not add conditioning to any given class. Also, my chin-ups are improving and I have a new power tower. I can’t abandon them now. Try to workout at least once per week. Goal 3 - Technique/Compatible Skills Study outside of class. Work on my copy of Mind Over Muscle: Writings From the founder of Judo, study Kodokan Judo, watch kata training videos, read in-depth technique guides on throws, ethics training for coaching, or watch shiai and kata tournament videos. Resource recommendations are welcome, including non-Judo resources that could potentially be adapted! Grading for Judo, strength training, and technique goals: A - At least once per week each week of the challenge - extra sessions do not make up for missed weeks. Drop a grade for each week I miss. Note: I’m expecting work and year end stuff to interfere with this challenge so the grading is set up to be fairly light. Which leads to…... Life Goal - Mind Keep my stress level down and get everything finished on time. Year end is a very hectic and stressful time at work and I will be pulling a lot of overtime. It could fizzle but I doubt it. In addition, there is the year-end gauntlet of holiday food events. First order of business is to try to space out everything that needs to be done before Christmas or year end so I’m not as overloaded at any given time. When I need to, take time off. Spend some time reading, tidying the apartment (environmental chaos aggravates mental chaos), watching something funny, or cooking a nice meal and enjoying it, or whatever else I need to do to settle. The loss in time will be acceptable compared to the improved mental state and efficiency after. In addition, I’ve been reading off and on about mindfulness techniques and meditation for the last few months. I should try to properly get into that too. Also, it seems to be going around so there are lots of people who likely know more than I do and may answer questions. Grading: I will grade this depending on how well I handle everything by Dec 22nd.