柔道、生存、－ Update!

Sorry I have been slacking on posting the past couple of weeks! With the commencement of my study of Judo, and getting into the routine of teaching I have been so exhausted that I just want to eat and sleep when I get home! 

I started studying Judo last week, and so far it has been very painful! I have bruises on my arms, shoulders, and lower back from practicing how to fall properly. But it is a lot of fun, and I am so excited to start learning more moves! My teacher has told me, "At first it will probably hurt, but endure the pain and you will get better soon." 

Judo practice starts with everyone lining up in front of our teachers, bowing (which must be done properly), and a minute of meditation I think? At any rate we close our eyes for a bit, then the teacher gives his comments and we begin practice. We start with preparation aerobics, consisting of stretches and warm ups across the floor- including front rolls, back rolls, front/back rolls to splits, hand stands, walking hand stands, etc, etc. After that the other students start their drills, and I go to the side and one of the teachers works with me to teach me the basics. They took great care to teach me how to bow properly, the correct degree to  bow, where to put my hands, where I should point my eyes (not in front, but not straight down either). Then I was taught the four ukemi, which are ways to fall that protect the body and head. Also this third practice I went they taught me how to walk for judo- your feet never leave the ground so that you are always stable. Also I learned the first part of throwing your opponent over your shoulder. My teacher informed me that I "must practice the correct form many many times; and then, maybe, you will become good at it." Also they assign me physical training like pushups, situps, etc. My sensei told me, "If you practice your push ups every day, maybe, you will become strong like me." 

There is a lady that also goes to Judo here, her sons are in it, and she is helping to instruct me in Judo. She was in Judo when she was in school, and still enjoys the sport very much. She is very sweet, and has already told me she wants to take her family to Texas to visit me after I return to America! 

At the end of practice we again line up at the edge of the dojo, bow to the dojo flag, bow and thank our teacher, meditate, and the teachers give their closing comments. 

I am so glad I found this opportunity to study Judo, the people involved in the class- teachers, students, and families- are all great, and I am sure that I will continue to enjoy studying this sport.

Last weekend, I went on an awesome coastline adventure, post coming soon!