"Ego" - Check It At the Door!

If you don't want to fall "flat on your face" faster than the speed of sound, then check your ego at the Dojo door, no matter what your experience or rank may be. If you don't, I guarantee you will

not win friends and influence people, much less progress with your training. Being egotistical requires a lot of mental energy. Judo requires a lot of mental focus and humility to learn the techniques, and benefit from the life lessons that are yours, should you choose to accept them.

During the many years that I have been involved in Judo, I have encountered many rising stars - naturally talented athletes, whose egos, unfortunately, turned them into quickly burned out comets. Please don't come to class thinking you have to impress anyone. Just come to practice knowing that the real lessons are there if you want to learn them, and no one is there to judge you as a person based on your "technique". Just come and be your authentic self.

Breaking Down the Throw and Making It Work

Easier said than done. Before you can complete a throw, with some amount of good form and technical skill, you must first study and understand the components or parts of the throw you are attempting. Its not enough to know that all throws require off-balance, entry and execution. We must go beyond that general statement and understand what makes each of those three parts of a throw work. This is where the "Mechanical Fundamentals of Judo" comes into play. Mechanical refers to how something moves or is made to work. Many things must occur for completion of a successful throw. Here are a few to give thought to with each throw you study and practice: Off balancing your Uke requires movement - pushing (with your "power" hand), pulling (with your "locking hand"), and , for example in the case of Ouchi Gari (major inside reaping throw) - attacking with one leg and creating an "angle of attack" to generate power with the other. Entry requires positioning - head facing the direction of the throw, correct positioning of the hands, hips, legs and feet. Execution - requires off balance and entry to occur at the same time. Know the 8 directions of off balance. Study these basic fundamentals from the beginning and utilize them throughout your Judo training.

My Leadership Team

Today I would like to introduce you to my Leadership Team, one by one. Lets start at the top:

Dimitri - Black Belt (Shodan) - Certified Instructor, Assistant Judo Program Director, good friend. Dimitri has come a long way with not only his Judo skills, but teaching skills as well. I don't know what I would do without him, especially right now. He makes a study of each technique and has learned to relate to our students in such a way that they know he is their for them and has their best interest and safety in mind first and foremost. Dimitri has a great sense of humor that he has a way of incorporating into his classes putting everyone (especially the "newbies") at ease.

Gerald - Brown Belt (Nikyu) - Assistant Instructor, Second Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, Competitor in both Forms and Fighting, and now is also studying with Master Rhonda Payne to learn Hapkido. Gerald is truly an amazing young man with real desire, dedication and determination to reach his goals, and help others reach theirs. Gerald is a sponge that is smart enough to soak up every bit of knowledge he can and use it for the betterment of all.

Xavi - Green Belt (Yonkyu) - Not only ranked in Judo, but also a Black Belt in Taekwondo, and ranked in both Hapkido and Brazilian JJ. The mat is always a better place when Xavi and his terrific attitude and great smile joins us on it.

Zoe - Green Belt (Jr. 5th Degree) - Also a Black Belt in Taekwondo, Zoe is a Junior Team Leader for our Judo Kids Program. It is Zoe's responsibility to be a great role model for the other kids, help in any way she can and make sure everyone introduces themselves to new students and makes them feel welcome - a very important position indeed. Thanks Zoe!

Thanks and Gratitude to all of you!

Pending Knee Surgery

Here we go again! Well, I have one more knee injection to go (makes a total of 6) to get some relief from my knee pain. Although these injections have given me some degree of pain relief, I know it will only be temporary. Doctor's P.A. told me yesterday I am on my way to a knee replacement. Okay. Bring it on if that is what it takes to give me back my freedom of mobility and enhance my quality of life. I have always been active and will do whatever it takes to continue on my chosen paths of pursuit - those things I'm most passionate about. Judo has made an incredible difference in my life for many years, in many ways, with many life lessons on the mat, and many friends made. The Principles of Judo run parallel with the principles and requirements for a balanced, happy and successful life. There is so much to learn and so much to benefit from when you approach your training with the desire, the determination and the dedication to get the most out of each session. If you want change for the better, let it begin with you.

Welcome to Dragon Judo!

The U.S. Martial Arts Training Center, and Dragon Judo Club, welcome you to our first attempt at blogging. I hope you will find our Judo blog both informative and interesting. We have a great group of people ( kids, teens and adults) in our Judo Program, top quality Olympic style mats to train on, experienced and qualified instructors to learn from in a "safety first environment," and friendly people to always extend a helping hand. We believe, based on many years of experience, that a relaxed, though structured, environment is most conducive to learning, and that's what we provide! Though available, no competition is required for advancement through the ranks. Our program is designed for individual "personal best" performance. In other words, no worries about how "good" (or not) the people around you are, just focus on your own learning and set realistic goals for yourself. Whether you are interested in joining us to learn Kodokan Judo, Olympic Judo, for fitness, for self-defense, or just for fun, you are welcome to give it a try! Spectators are always welcome. Come see us!