Judo and BJJ

I have been studying Judo for a few weeks now, going once a week.  I want some takedowns to add into my BJJ game.  It would look kind of weird if i asked to work out with a high school wrestling team, so i figured judo was a good option.  Its alot of fun, kind of like gymnastics for the combat sport inclined.  I like the dynamic movement that is involved, and learning to feel my opponent’s balance and when to throw.  I think its going to be a while before i can effectively use it, but its fun learning.  I realize now how many reps it takes to make some of these throws actually work.

The rules have taken a bit getting used to.  When we open roll during class it seems to be anything goes, when you hit the ground and grapple all techniques are allowed.  But the other night we had a simulated tournament, where one person was ref, you bow in, etc.  Me and this other guy were paired off, and when it hit the ground i immediately got mount and went for the arm bar.  Well apparently white belts are not allowed to do armbars in official judo tournaments, so they stopped us.   So next time it hit the ground i just got the pin and held it.  Ideally not the way i want to grapple, but its ok, i am there mostly to get the stand up and throwing knowledge.  So far uchi mata and tai otoshi seem to kind of click for me, though i still need lots of practice.

I have been hitting BJJ 2-3 times a week and lifting at Crossfit 2 times a week on average.  Following Mike Ruthefords Black Box program, i just spread the three work out days over a 9 day period instead of seven.  I was enjoying the gymnastic stuff i was doing before that, but all maximal strength every workout was not quite what i needed.

Anton