This week’s sessions took place in sweltering heat, with a 30-degree dojo that turned every workout into an extra ordeal
On Monday, I took part in a review of standing techniques in preparation for my yellow belt
Six main techniques were worked on: Osotogari, Izagoruma, Ukigoshi, Ouchigari, Koouchigari and Taiotoshi.
Even if the static placement is difficult, it is nevertheless fundamental.
Nevertheless, the sensei advised us to move our partner to better react and control the situation, a piece of advice that resonated with me.
I’m finally starting to memorise the names of the techniques, which is no mean feat after so many years away from the tatamis.
On Wednesday, training focused on technical placement and preparation for immobilisations, with particular emphasis on Ippon Sohenage.
Leg placement exercises and falls (ukemi) using this technique took up a large part of the session.
We also worked** on Kumikata holds **to prevent the opponent from taking guard, and did randori exercises focusing on feints and defence.
These two sessions confirmed to me that technique is not just about strength or size, but above all about mastery, patience and repetition.
The heat of the dojo was like an additional adversary this week.
Fatigue set in more quickly, breathing became laboured, but curiously, this difficulty added a certain value to the training.
It was as if every drop of sweat made the effort more meaningful.
The fatigue of the work mingled with that of the training, creating a kind of physical weariness but also a deep satisfaction, that of having overcome a double obstacle.
I’ve noticed that my body reacts differently today than it did when I was 16 and stopped judo.
Movements require more awareness, more attention.
Each technique has to be broken down, visualised and then reconstructed with precision.
This week has made me realise that progression is not linear, especially after such a long break.
Some movements come back naturally, others seem completely new.
I’m particularly pleased with my progress on Ippon Sohenage, even if I still need to work on the precision of my placement.
I’ve realised that visualising movements outside the dojo could help me strengthen my muscle memory. Similarly, I need to improve my breathing under stress, especially in these hot conditions.
For next week, I’m going to continue working on these aspects, adding a focus on fluidity in feints and effort management during long repetitions.
Each session is both a return to my roots and a new discovery.
Perseverance in learning, even in difficult conditions, allows me to progress not only on the tatami, but also in my daily life, where I feel more confident and concentrated.
Perhaps that’s the real benefit of this late start.
Technique is patience turned into instinct
I trained as a judoka with the Arlésien Judo Club in the 90s, and discovered the rigour, humility and collective spirit of this martial art at a very early age.
After a 27-year hiatus, I decided at the age of 43 to put on my judogi again and start practising again, at my own pace and with an adult’s eye.
This website is the diary of that resumption, with the rediscovery of techniques, personal reflections, physical pain and deep satisfaction.
My goal: to achieve my black belt before I’m 50 and prove that you can always progress, whatever your age or background.