It's Judo time!!!

Judogi (judo uniform)

Mr. Kano Jigoro (founder)



blag!!!



Forgot to post something on my first judo class session... Anyway, here it goes...

The class started 7pm and ended 9pm. The 'dojo' is big and fully 'matted' for everyones safety. In the middle is the picture/portrait of the founder, Kano Jigoro. For beginners class, there were 3 of us. Irma, my officemate and a 12 yr. old girl named Itchel. The advance class was composed of 2 guys and a 15 yr. old girl.

Before the whole thing started, we were taught that all are required to bow to Mr. Kano Jigoro. Then we proceeded with the stretching. Our 'sensei' said that she'll be doing the counting in english because normally, they do it in japanese (good thing Kuya Robert is studying japanese). The routine is quite similar with what we do during limbering (olympics physical training). After the nice stretch, we joined the rest. Part of the routine is to perform the forward roll plenty of times. I was like.... haller!!! I haven't 'forward rolled' since highschool... It took me a while before I was able to courageously roll forward -- over and over again. It didn't stop there... next thing we are to roll backwards.. To be honest, I've never done it backwards.... EVER!!!... It was freaking hard. Yes, my toes could reach the top area of my head but my body couldn't just understand HOW I'M SUPPOSED TO DO IT USING THE AID OF MY RIGHT SHOULDER? Another thing... CARTWHEELS. Sobrang loser ko ata kasi I can't do it. Anyway, after the beginners routine, we were permitted to rest and watch what the warm up of the advance class. OMG! They were like slamming their bodies and allowing themselves to bounce against the mats... then crawling like earthworms sprinkled with salt... then backflips... Sensei said that we'll be able to do that as we get accustomed with everything. 0_0 *sigh*

We were taught how to 'fall' properly. She emphasized that protection of the head is the number one priority. A cast can heal a broken arm but not a broken head/spinal column. 0_0 ... In this exercise, the arms should be the ones to absorb the shock and the head should always be lifted. Okay naman... We just allowed ourselves to fall numerous times -- flat on our backs and sidewards... bearing in mind to always lift our heads and allow our arms to hit the mat as hard as we can.

At the end of the class, she demonstrated stretching with a partner... it reminded me of partners yoga at Fitness First. After which, we bowed to her husband (the person with the highest ranking in the vicinity) and then bowed again to Mr. Founder.

The following day, sensei texted that we should hurry with the basics so that we could catch up with the fun part.... can't wait to get a judogi (judo uniform) para astig.. =)