Today I put my judogi back on for the first time in 27 years.
What a thrill to step on this tatami again!
It was like meeting up with an old friend you haven’t seen for decades, but with whom you immediately pick up where you left off.
I worked on the left and right front falls, the Morote on both sides, and the Ouchi Gari.
Surprisingly, my body seemed to remember everything, as if these movements were buried somewhere in my muscles, patiently waiting to be woken up.
This body memory fascinated me. Despite the years, the technical gestures came back with disconcerting ease, like a bicycle you haven’t used for a long time but you can still ride.
Of course, I’m not as supple as I was when I was 16!
I felt some slight tension in my calf that reminded me of old injuries, and the burning of the mat on my skin made me realise that my epidermis was no longer used to this contact.
Nothing insurmountable though, just the body readapting.
The training group
What particularly touched me was how welcoming the group was.
People of different ages, some younger than me, others my age, all very caring.
The friendly atmosphere immediately reassured me. I was afraid I’d feel out of place after so many years, but on the contrary, I felt like I was returning to ‘a family’ that I’d never really left.
That’s also the spirit of judo: mutual respect and mutual support, over and above the simple practice of the sport.
I realise that I’ll need to work on my physical condition and flexibility to avoid injury.
At 43, your body can’t forgive over-enthusiasm! I particularly need to strengthen my muscles and take care of my joints.
I’ll also have to fine-tune my falling techniques to gain in confidence.
As for the randoris, I’ll be tackling them gradually, without putting pressure on myself or comparing myself with others.
The important thing is to respect my pace and my current limits.
This first session has given me immense joy, as if I were reconnecting with an essential part of myself.
I feel that taking up judo again goes far beyond simple physical exercise. It’s a reconnection with the values and discipline that shaped me when I was young.
Judo teaches perseverance, humility and respect, principles that apply both on the tatami and in everyday life.
Taking up judo reminded me that it’s never too late to get back in touch with your passions.
Twenty-seven years is a long time, but in the end, time fades as soon as you set foot on the tatami.
I’m looking forward to continuing this adventure, week after week, with patience and determination. Every step forward, however modest, will be a victory.
The body never forgets what it has learned.
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.