Judo UK

Just over 9 days to go until Beijing 2008 is underway! We are all looking forward to watching the Judoka battle it out for the chance to reach the final and take Gold. Here, in the UK, we unfortunately have to make it an early start to catch the action. Though I haven’t seen 5am for a long time, no depth of sleep will stop me getting up for this. Here are the official dates and times for the Judo on the TV as per the British Judo Website. Catch all this on the BBC (though I am unsure which BBC channel!)

Obviously, if there are any amendments to the above times, I will post it on this website.  For some great info on the Olympic Judo, the BBC are running some great information on their website at www.bbc.co.uk/judo. Good luck to those who are competing, especially the GBR Team! We look forward to see you in action. Also, a special good luck to Ronda (of the USA Team) who has helped me out with a bit of research this week. Go get ‘em!

I have been reseaching into the area of Judo Combinations. I find it better to look for combos than single movements because Uchi more or less sees a single move coming most of the time.

I’m currently looking for the best sources of Judo combos on the net and DVD. I’ve found this short clip on ‘Enchainments’ (French for ‘Combinations’ I believe and it looks like it has some good content in there. The fact that it’s narrated in French probably wont matter as demonstrations should transverse the language gap. Check it out as it looks quite good.

Videos

Also try this one; Some really great slow mo footage and food for thought

Also, check out this website: JudoVision. This one was recommended to me by Ronda Rousey. It’s basically an amalgamation of all the best Judo Vids on the net.

My personal perferences is to be taught by Video and looking about, I can’t seem to find a lot (spot the opportunity if you own an entrepeneural spirit and a video camera!) but there are some ‘okay’ descriptions of combos. Have a look here:

JudoInfo Website

Books

This book Black Belt Judo has some interesting combinations to the rear of the section. I beleive the gentlemen that wrote this book is the same man that owns the JudoInfo website. Check it out. Its a good read.

Another book is Attacking Judo which specifically concentrates on Judo Counters and Combinations. This is definately the next book I am going to buy and absorb!

This list is open to grow and I am hoping to expand it the more I find out. Please feel free to add your links to other great combination resources.

I’ve have been training with the Welsh Squad over the past couple of months. It has been some of the hardest training I’ve encountered. Every single player is awesome. Well beyond my current level which is why I’ve picked up a few injuries. We are lucky to have Neil Adams is the cheif training instructor. He is a very kind gentlemen and I’m lucky for him allowing me to train there as I’m well out my depth.

A Great man. Check out this video of this contests in the World Championships back in the 80’s.

I’ve have managed to pick up a few deliberating injuries from my Judo practice that have rendered me off for quite some time. I’ve picked up a small collection of knocks of which concussion is by far the worst, which hasn’t helped due the fact the summer has brought about a searing heat within the dojo and, as standard, the windows are about 2 inches of gap in the wall and there is no air in the room.

By the by, I’ve managed to bruise a few ribs, get concussed and smashed my hip completely.

…are you sure Judo translates into the “Gentle Way”??

So, I’m off training for a while, but I will be back as soon as I can.