State Tourny and the Masters Division

I recently realized I haven't fought in a judo tournament for almost 2 years. So it's high time for me to do so. Our club (Columbia Judo), is hosting the Tennessee State Championships for the third year in a year, so that will be a perfect opportunity to fight. We had a good turnout at the tournament last year, and we're getting ready for another good turnout this year. For more info, you can go to the tournament site at http://www.tennesseejudochampionships.com/.

This tournament also presents another special opportunity for me. In December, I turned 30, which means I can now fight in the Masters division. Being as I hardly ever drink, turning 30 is a bigger milestone for me than was my 21st birthday. Now instead of fighting young, incredibly fit college students, I get to fight older black belts. I'm hoping this will be a better fit for me, because most of the guys fighting in masters are like me in that they have a job and family to get back to. So they aren't likely to go out on the mat with a "I must win at all costs even if it means grievously injuring this short bald guy" attitude. Another advantage is that the masters division is usually fought first (seniors are usually last), I guess so the old guys can get a nap in. So I can get my matches over with and enjoy the rest of the day helping with running the tournament and watching others fight without stressing about my upcoming matches. Finally, if I get absolutely destroyed out on the mat in my first foray into Masters competition, I can just chalk it up my youth and inexperience....

Too Many Cookies

I finally went back to a judo class, again. It was my first one back since before Christmas. The first day back to any kind of physically strenuous activity after a long, food-laden holiday is always bad. I think I ate my body weight in Christmas cookies, and I was afraid I might see them again. Fortunately, I didn't. I actually lucked out, because due to the number of people, I was sort of the odd man out. So instead of working out really hard, I walked around looking knowledgeable and helped out the sensei. I did however do a round of randori at the end of class with a monstrously strong teenager. I spent most of my time defending and concentrating on not throwing up or passing out. So I considered that round a success.

Well, now that the holidays are over, it's time to get back in shape.......again.