Three weeks until my first judo tournament.

**TheRuss** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 12:55pm

I'm not even sure what questions I should be asking. Generally speaking, I'm wondering what I should do over the next three weeks to improve my chances of winning matches, and what should I be aware of so I'm not unpleasantly surprised?

-The tournament is the Saskatchewan Open (PDF warning)
-I plan to compete at -100kg (currently weighing in at around 102-104kg) in Senior age group
- +100kg and -100kg may be merged if there aren't enough competitors
-My current routine (interrupted for Christmas) is judo 3x/week and weight training (WS4SB) 3x/week
-I may add some supplemental conditioning (Tabata/HIIT) if I have the time/energy for it

Help?

**1point2** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 1:49pm

Do you have training partners your size and rank who are willing to do shiai-style randori? Or even your size and higher rank?

Also, ask your instructor/sempai about etiquette and signals. I was a little confused re: bowing ritual and hand signals. Watching the kids' rounds made that better.

**Lu Tze** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 1:52pm

Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio Cardio.

Did I mention cardio? Do that.

**TheRuss** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 2:13pm

Originally Posted by 1point2

Do you have training partners your size and rank who are willing to do shiai-style randori? Or even your size and higher rank?

Sadly, no. There's one guy in class who's bigger than me (black belt, about 6'5" and 300lbs)... he's a fantastic training partner, but I think shiai-style rolling might be too much for his body to handle.

Everyone else is smaller than me by at least twenty or thirty pounds, although they all outrank me (I just got my yellow belt three weeks ago).

Originally Posted by 1point2

Also, ask your instructor/sempai about etiquette and signals. I was a little confused re: bowing ritual and hand signals. Watching the kids' rounds made that better.

We've gone over the bowing ritual a few times, although I don't think it's going to "stick" when the adrenaline dump hits. What hand signals?

Originally Posted by Lu Tze

Cardio

Noted. Anything else?

**1point2** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 2:54pm

Hand signals = referee signals at http://www.judoinfo.com/rules1.htm

**danniboi07** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 3:21pm

Stamina. Oh good lord stamina. I had my first tournament a couple months ago. I won my first two rounds, but I was gassed after that. It was a 10 man pool so I got a break after my 2nd round, but even that didn't help much. I ended up losing the next 2 rounds.

So yes, cardio and stamina. Your adrenaline will be high and you'll be going all out. Be prepared to be tired. I hope your pool isn't too big since it is your first.

Best of luck to ya!

**Munacra** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 3:32pm

Tani-Otoshi.

**Lu Tze** · Posted On: 1/03/2009 3:39pm

Originally Posted by H TO THE IZZO

Noted. Anything else?

MOAR CARDIO!

Seriously, shiai is far more intense than randori, you'll be surprised how quickly you gas. It really helps to be as fit as possible.

Apart from that, remember to have fun.

Good luck.