This was the first judo workout in which I neither injured a rib muscle nor retriggered that rib muscle injury. I did some oblique sit-ups yesterday, which tested and maybe strengthened ye old rib muscle. Or: it was just the passage of time. Either way, that’s my greatest judo victory of 2024.
I did rip skin off my elbow again. I guess I should consider wearing a rash guard under the gi.
I try to do at least three rounds of tandoori each workout, but there were a lot of people, maybe fifteen? So, I let myself do just two. Still, someone once again asked me after class if I was OK, and I said yes, I’m just in really bad shape.
Earlier, the point was made that the way to close the distance for a throw is to first step to an angle at which the opponent’s balance is worse. Which
I noticed myself last month but totally forgot. I tried to do it in randori, but again, it’s hard because the other guy also moves.
After trying harai goshi on a bigger guy again, I decided to put it away for a while. I don’t think I have the strength to consistently off- balance them so that they’re in their toes. I’m working on seoinage again, which only requires a downward-ish pull.
There was work on standing guard passes, too. I think the key insight here is do not let go of the opponent’s legs until you are ready to pin. If you let go early, they’ll move.