Today, I wanna talk about my judo journey, especially since I’m not the tallest guy around. I started judo a while back, and let me tell you, being short has its ups and downs.
Getting Started
First off, I joined a local judo club. The first few classes were all about the basics—how to fall, how to stand, and some simple throws. I noticed right away that the taller folks seemed to have an easier time with certain moves. But I wasn’t gonna let that get me down.
Finding My Strengths
So, I started paying extra attention to the smaller guys in the class. I saw that they were really good at getting low and using their lower center of gravity to their advantage. That’s when it clicked. I realized I could use my height to get under my opponents’ defenses.
Working on Techniques
- Seoi Nage: This became my go-to throw. I practiced getting low and fast, slipping under my opponent’s arm, and using my legs to lift and throw. It took a lot of reps, but it started to feel natural.
- Footwork: I focused a lot on my footwork, trying to be quicker and more agile. I did drills to improve my movement around the mat, always trying to stay one step ahead.
- Grips: Getting a good grip is crucial. I worked on getting strong, solid grips that would help me control my opponents, no matter their size.
Randori (Sparring)
Sparring was where I really tested my skills. I remember the first few times, I got thrown around a lot by the bigger guys. But I kept at it. I started to anticipate their moves and used my low stance to counter. It was tough, but I could see myself improving each time.
Learning From Others
I also watched a lot of videos of famous judokas, especially the shorter ones. Seeing how they handled taller opponents gave me new ideas and strategies. I tried to incorporate some of their techniques into my own style, tweaking them to fit my body type.
Staying Positive
There were definitely days when I felt frustrated. But I learned to stay positive and focus on my progress. I celebrated the small victories, like landing a throw I’d been working on or holding my own against a bigger opponent. Those moments kept me motivated.
Results
After months of training, I started to see real results. I could hold my own in randori, and I even started winning some matches. It wasn’t just about the wins, though. I felt stronger, more confident, and more in control of my body.
Conclusion
So, yeah, judo as a shorter guy has its challenges, but it’s totally doable. You just gotta work with what you’ve got, focus on your strengths, and keep practicing. It’s a journey, and I’m still learning every day. But that’s what makes it fun, right?
