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The main things you need to be good at judo

Everyone knows … well, almost everyone who knows that I started judo at age seven and quit when I was 13. My parents decided to move from Miami, North Florida to Pennsylvania and I had to say ” bye”. “What I was hoping for would be a great career in judo.

Well, what does all that mean?

Well first it means there MUST be another way to get good at judo without actually DOING judo.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but an athlete that I personally coach also took a long hiatus from Judo and we work together to build him up to the number one player in the United States in his division.

How?

Well here’s a dirty little secret and I know you won’t believe me, but this is what I found out.

The sport of Judo is as much a “mental game” as it is a physical one. If you want to improve your judo you need to sharpen your mind !!

A professor at the well-known Duke University in the United States discovered that finding simple but effective ways to use your brain can help you process information, faster and better.

Now, what I’m going to tell you right now is crazy. BUT I am 100% honest with you and if you are an athlete, a coach or just want to get better at Judo, here are some things you should do today!

POINT 1

1. Read. That is correct – READ !!

The benefits of reading are enormous. Don’t just read anything. Read, “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, read books by Aristotle, Plato, “The Prince” by Machiavelli. Read books on combat, business acquisition strategies, and things of that particular nature.

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JUDO IS A THINKING SPORT.

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It requires strategy and tactics and knowing when to attack and at the right time.

Think about this. How many times has someone accused you of kicking them while practicing judo? Many, true. You want to know why? Because a timely kick is a foot sweep and a poorly timed foot sweep, it’s a kick! Read and sharpen your mind – you will be amazed at how your concentration will increase.

POINT 2

2. Play chess! If you don’t play chess, start playing. Get a book and learn. How often have you heard of a tennis, soccer, wrestling, or mixed martial arts match that looks like a “game of chess”? Heck, you’ve heard the reference many times, haven’t you? So if judo games are like chess games (and they are), why don’t you play chess?!?!?!

Let me share this inside story with you …

During the years 2003 to 2004, I don’t think you could have walked into the cafeteria of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado without seeing at least 3 or 4 chess matches at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Before and after practicing everyone was playing.

Why?

Because Ches game, like Judo, requires YOU to see things 3, 4, 5, 6 and sometimes 7 moves forward. You have to anticipate what is going to happen, you have to do and take CALCULATED risks, you have to do all these things while playing the game. Chess is the best (and might add the safest) way to get some ‘extra’ practice that will dramatically improve your judo. Just think of some of the best judo players and fighters you know. I give you a list:

Lloyd Irvin:

Lloyd was my Brazilian Jiujitsu coach, training partner and my judo student and then he became my judo coach. He has won several National Judo Championships and is a world Jiujitsu champion. And he was selected by the United States Judo Federation as the International Coach of the Year in 2002. When it comes to match strategy, he’s like a genius. He trains Ultimate Fighting Champion Brandon Vera and is known around the world as “The Grappling Trainer”. He gets up every morning and reads or writes to keep his mind sharp and aware of the many businesses he runs.

Jimmy Pedro:

Jimmy Pedro is a four-time Olympian, a 1999 judo world champion, and a two-time Olympic bronze medalist. He also graduated from the Ivy League, Brown University, is the author of a book, and runs and operates his own business.

Robert Berland:

Robert (Bobby) Berland is a 1984 Olympic silver medalist, graduated from San Jose State University and currently owns and operates a successful printing business in Chicago. He was also a coach on the 2004 Olympic team and I had the opportunity to speak to him on several occasions and he is “sharp” as a tactic. And while he is not a judo player, this man is a fighter and a prime example of why you should keep your mind sharp and also why you should take the time to add “listening to classical music” to your list.

****** Main point *******

(and honestly, just my opinion)

Instead of pumping rap, R&B, heavy metal, and rock-n-roll music through your eardrums, try some classical music.

Why?

Well, other styles of music tend to get you operating off an emotional high. Before competing, I never listened to music, I needed to think! I can’t think with the garbage in my head. It’s the equivalent of trying to focus on something and people are talking in the background. You can “focus”, but you have to use some of your mental energy to “block out” background noise.

I’m digressing …

Last but not least, be sure to check out …

Alexander Karelin

And if you don’t know who it is, you’d better find out IMMEDIATELY. From 1987 to 2000, he was UNDEFEED. He has 9 world championships and 3 Olympic gold medals. He is also a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. in Education). He listens to classical music regularly and is also an avid chess player. And at JUDO, our job is not just to advance in judo, but in life.

The lessons we learn in Judo and from Judo should allow us to build quality character, good self-esteem, quality morals, strong ethics, and good citizenship.

I discovered that the most important thing you must have to become a great judo player is the ability to get fit and the willingness to learn.

An open mind and a fit body – those are the things you need – FIRST !!