A long road ahead,

It's been a while my friend; maybe a bit too long. I'm going to turn in my paper work for nikyu this week, and Winter Nationals is this weekend. Also this weekend is Winter Nationals Kata and CCSF Invitations In San Fransisco.

It amazes me how long I've been on this quest. I find the closer I am to just being Shodan, the less it matters. In truth the man should never chase the belt, it should be the belt that follows the man. Rank is really nothing more than how long you've been doing Judo, not how good you are at it. The proof is in the facts, I'm starting to sky black belts every time I practice with one. While it's not an Ippon, it shows I'm beginning to understand the true physics involved.

It's Almost June,

The Last couple of months have been rewarding. At nationals, I took the gold metal in Kata. So it was well worth it and more. My judo has improved a lot because of it, and it's noticeable in my technique. It become more natural when I throw some one.

I was promoted to Sankyu at the end of march and now I'm halfway to my black belt. It's funny how goals change once you start out on the journey to acquire them. Don't take this the wrong way, My goal is still Shodan, but that isn't the end of the road. More of a pitstop on my to an even greater goal. As of this moment, My end goal with Judo is an Olympic Gold metal and Judan. A lifetime of skill and giving back to something I've become so inspired by.

More to come...

So far this year....

It's been a bit, so an update seems in order.

The beginning of the year was difficult. Just finishing the holiday binge I was really over weight. When the Kohaku came around, I was in no mood to fight, ended up losing in about 25 seconds to myself.

I realized that I need to get back on track, I started to practice with our sister dojo when I could. The practice really paid off. A third place win in San Jose by points. 27 points. 3 wins and 1 loss. Follow with a first place decision after a three way tie.

Coming in March is the Nanka Novice Tournament, although my goal is a medal at nationals in Kata.

Judo Tournment Calendar for 2010

Judo Calendar

01/17/2010 San Fernando kohaku, Arlerta Ca,
02/14/2010 Sensei Memorial Tournament, San Jose Ca,
03/07/2010 Nanka Novice Tournament, West Covina Ca, (rank depending)
03/21/2010 USA National White and Brown Belt Championships, San Fransisco Ca,
05/01/2010 USA Judo Senior Nationals, Myrtlt Beach, SC
05/29/2010 CJI State Championships CCSF, San Frasisco, CA
06/13/2010 Marine Judo Championships, (TBA)
08/15/2010 Nikkei Games. Long Beach, Ca
09/12/2010 Nanka Fall, Jr & Sr. Tounament, West Covina, Ca.
10/03/2010 Nanka Team Challenge, West Covina, Ca
11/06/2010 Las Vegas Invitationals, (TBA)
11/14/2010 Mojica Tournament, Baldwin Park, Ca
12/04/2010 USJA Winter Nationals, (TBA)

Pending Date, USA Judo, US Open. (TBA)