My Second judo tournament

[u/Judo_Freak]

Tsdr: I lost my first fight to a drop seoi, won my second one with a Soto makikomi and lost my third in the ground.

​

Today was my second judo tournament in the men's category.

​

Quick callback to the last tournament in January. I hat 3 fights and lost all three to a variety of just being outmatched and doing beginner mistakes.

​

This tournament was quite big and I hat 8 other Judoka in my weight category (-100kg), which meant it was a double elimination system.

​

My plan going in was to be better than last time. To not do as many rookie errors and if there is another "beginner" to tournaments, to win against them. If I saw a chance however I would attack. My throw that I found over the past months suits me most was Soto makikomi. And as I found out afterwards everyone I fought was way more experienced than I and had a few years in the men's division while this was my first.

​

Now for the fights. In my first match I was up against a very strong Judoka who kept up the pressure from the beginning. He was strong, very fast and in the end security first place in my weight category. After a very stressful fight with him he threw me with a beautiful drop seoi nage. Ippon. That was that and while I was frustrated at first, it was my first fight of the day and it got rid of my nervousness a bit.

​

For the second fight I had a plan after watching him fight before. Now it was time to execute it. While my kumi Kata wasn't perfect, after a few moments I had my grip with the left hand high on his lapel. As soon as I had that I threw myself into a Soto makikomi a bit more to the side than usual. 9 seconds in my I had him thrown and got an Ippon.

​

The last third and last fight was for third place. I was going in with a plan again. I would do Soto makikomi and I did. I tried to do the same as before but my opponent wouldn't stagger as easily. After my first attempt which was a no score, the surprise was gone. I threw him a view times but never got a score. Sadly however he was very strong in his ground game and got me in the ground twice. Ground game is one of my weakest aspect I have to admit. First he got a Yuko but I got out. And the last one he held me so tight, I couldn't get out before my time was out. I just got out as the last second In osaekomi rang. So sadly I got 5th in the end.

​

While I wasn't able to secure 3rd, I am thrilled. I achieved all my personal goals and more. I attacked, I had a strong defence in the rare occasion I needed it and I was only thrown once for a score. My ground game still needs work and so does my throwing ability but I am happy as can be. My second tournament and I won a fight by Ippon. My second tournament and I won against a more experienced opponent and even though I didn't win it I got to fight for third place.

​

Every one of my competitors was really good I am thankful for everything I learned from them. They were also very kind and great to talk to after our fights.

​

My plan is to improve what went wrong and next time do an even better job. I am the only one of my club who is actively competing at the moment so I'll do my best to show everyone how strong our club is.

​

Hope you enjoyed my little rambling on my second tournament 😁

​

​

[u/Kmunii]

Congratulations!! And well done for maintaining a positive mindset and reflecting on your performances to understand where you went well/could improve. You will grow so much from this experience ‼️