Returning to judo advice

[infinity]

Hi, I'm hoping for any generalised advice that you can give me. The issue being that I am planning on resuming judo training after a 3 year hiatus. I was not that experienced (green belt) but I feel that training for 3 years provided me with a relative amount of proficiency.
I am worried that on return I'll be weak, unfit and completely uncoordinated all over again which sounds like a nightmare - is there any advice as to how to ease the transition period?

[John Bennett]

I am worried that on return I'll be weak, unfit and completely uncoordinated all over again which sounds like a nightmare

Yes, you probably will be. But that will pass.

I think it is important to Take It Slow. Ease into it like a hot bath. Start with just one night a week. Never be afraid to "slack off" during class. Allow yourself three months to get back up to speed.

Taking It Slow will reduce the likelihood of injuries that would stop your training cold. Taking It Slow will give your body time to adapt to the new demands. Taking It Slow will make your training more enjoyable because you won't be so sore on off-days.

There is no shame in Taking It Slow, it's just good practice.

Please don't forget to include your real, full name in all your posts per the forum rules. Thanks.

Congratulations on returning to practice!

[infinity]

Thanks for the advice! I started weight training a few months ago (bench, squats etc) so hopefully strength and speed need only be refined. Too much foresight is not worth it so I'll wait till next month for the club to reopen to see just how bad those three months are gonna feel.

[Abbax8]

Weight training is good. I would add an aerobic component. Also if you have access to a mat I would do some breakfall practice especially standing back and side breakfalls and rolls. Make sure you work the abs, crunches, side bends, etc. as these are important in most judo techniques. Also some stretching. Then as John said, ease into it.

Peace

Dennis

[infinity]

I am well aware of the level of proficieny in judo which many of the posters have attained. Do they/you supplement their training in-house at the dojo with any other exercises? And if so, what?

[jabonn]

I run on average three miles three times a week M-W-F. Then I do some basic strength exercises T-TR-S : Sit ups, Push ups, Pull ups. (Sometimes I get lazy)

My Judo schedule is twice a week nights for two hours. Then three times a week during lunch I work on my Jiu-jitsu each lesson for an hour.

If you are looking for Judo specific at home work outs, then Kwon has a tube that you can use to practice throws with resistance. There are some others but when it comes down to it you just need a partner.

good luck.

[J4d3]

i always end up having the skin on my 3rd knuckles (the ones above the finger nails) wear away.any advice on that?

[jabonn]

The calluses will build up over time. It become painful when that skin and calluse have been torn away. Try some sports tape over those knuckles. It may or may not affect your grip.

Another tip is not to cut your finger nails a couple hours prior to the workout. Trim you nails a full day before or no later than that morning of a workout for that evening. This should help in keeping a stronger lapel grip during randori.