Judo is a tough sport/art and we sometimes get stuck in the habit of training with the same old people, in the same place doing the same thing. In order to continue to develop and improve your skills it is crucial to constantly reflect on your own training, the good points and the bad points.

Here are 7 key areas I believe will assist in your self-reflection as well as continual improvement in the sport of Judo.

1. Remember Kano’s basic Judo principle, “Maximum efficiency, and minimal effort.” While at training try not to muscle your opponent, but use technique. It is very hard to throw your opponent effortlessly and cleanly. Remember those times and strive to get as many as you can a week.

2. Counters are a great asset during Randori and Shiai. If you rely on these during competition you may find a smart opponent will exploit the fact that you are a waiting player and you may be penalised a few times. Therefore it is important to have some attacks of your own. Counters are great but do not really on them as your only attack option.

3. Different grips are a huge asset during Randori and Shiai. If your entire Judo game is based off one grip, (e.g. lapel and sleeve) and your opponent neutralises it, you may find you have no game plan. Therefore it is important that you are familiar with a variety of grips

4. If you are getting over trained with Judo and do not feel like going to training, attend a Brazilian Jujitsu instead. You may learn something that you can apply to your Judo game. Attend a boxing class or even an Aikido class. There are plenty of fundamentals skills you may learn including angles, wrists locks etc.

5. Train at different clubs. When you train at different clubs you will not only be out of your comfort zone but you will also encounter a different Sensei coaching and instruction. You may pick up on something your Sensei doesn’t talk about.

6. Look after your injuries, if you are injured there is no harm in missing a session. Head to training and watch. Watch from the outside or bring a gi and assist some of the lower grades. You may not want to go to training unless you get pressured into training- attend a stretch and flex, Yoga or Pilate’s class instead.

7. Train with Judoka who are better than you, this will assist in developing all aspects of your Judo game. They will not only make you concentrate more but you will enjoy the chess match of playing someone a bit better than you.

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