If you have accessed BetterJudo.com and Lafon’s Judo Blog in the past, you’ll notice I made some changes. I’ll be making more down the road.
Making Changes
Reply
We Already Do That!
I have a nasty habit every time I run a coaching course of asking the participants whether they use in their programs back home any of the drills or protocols we have examined throughout the day. Invariably, many will nod their head and say, “Oh, we already do that.”
Where’s the Tai Sabaki?
I’ve known this for many years, but it really hit me hard during the Winter Nationals Coach Education Course as I watched coaches running through Kelly’s Capers: we lack a basic understanding of tai sabaki (body movement) and the ability to perform it fluidly. When I say we, I mean coaches. Since coaches are supposed to be role models for their students, this presents a problem that needs to be addressed. If coaches can’t do proper tai sabaki or have no knowledge of it, how are their students supposed to learn these skills?
2010 Tokyo Grand Slam
This year’s Tokyo Grand Slam was held in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, which is right next to the 1964 Olympic stadium. Half as many countries participated in this event as did in the 2010 World Championships in Tokyo just three months prior. I wonder if it had anything to do with the fact that, as the host nation, Japan could enter four players per division.
Mifune Judan
Several days after the conclusion of the Tokyo Grand Slam, I travelled with my host, Dr. Hiroshi Takei, his wife, my Japanese wife, and our daughter to Kuji in Iwate prefecture. Kuji is the birthplace of Kyuzo Mifune, the legendary 10th dan, and 1981 world champion Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki. It’s also home to the memorial museum and gymnasium dedicated to Mifune, who is referred to as Mifune Judan.
Cold Feet, Booties, and Socks
As I write this, I’m travelling in Japan. I’ve already taken in three days of the Tokyo Slam. Yesterday, I received a chiropractic massage from a traditional practitioner of Muso Taijutsu. And today, I climbed 1373 steps to reach the last shrine of Kotohiragu in Kagawa Prefecture. I hope there is no Judo club nearby as I fear a crazy Judo coach might consider the ascent a great daily conditioning regimen for his high school Judo students.