So, I competed at my first shiai, the Inland Empire Judo Classic, yesterday in the Novice Men's Medium-weight div. I went 1-2. A bit disappointing, but at least I didn't get shut out.

I lost my first match against a green belt, that was actually some High School kid who fought up into the mens div because everyone else in his was a no-show. lol Not impressive to lose against him, but in my defense, he was about 2-3 inches taller than me and heavier.  I actually lost via penalty points, though, which was frustrating.  We started by coming to grips.  He got an overhand (behind the neck) grip and I tried to threaten him with foot sweeps and a left side ogoshi.  He threw my via uchimata for a koka.  When we went down (I cleary had the advantage in newaza) I got guard, and went for a cross collar choke.  Got one side sunk in real good, but the other side was over his jaw-line.  Couldn't finish before we got stood up.  Then I got a shiro for stalling.  Then he threw me again for a Yoko.  Again, I went to work on the ground, got on top, passed his guard to half and was about to pass his half when we got stood up.  Then I got another shiro for grabbing the inside of his pant leg (WTF?).  Not only was it unitentional, I don't even remember doing it!  Then I actually managed to bring him down with a Tani-otoshi for a koka.  We reset and I got another shiro for holding on to his belt for too long.  3 shiro's with him ahead on points gave him the match.  Too bad.

DE lower day

Box squats of 165+ light bands
10x2

Notes: Explosion wasn't as on the ball for some sets, but control was top notch on the decent.

Front squats of 185
10,8

Notes: Bar fell from my shoulders and I zerchered the weight on the last rep.  Pins were set too high for full zerchers though.  Might just do those from now on, as I can do the same weight without rolling.

Ab band pulldowns w/light + mini
4x15

Notes: Form was stellar here.

Neck harness work

Notes: Been getting back into these as of recently.  neck has been too scrawny.