JUDO: Next morning after first class

I am a little sore but it feels good. The last thing on my mind last night before I feel asleep was judo. I was mulling over the night's grappling drills. Doing newaza in my head recalling each drill and each match seeing the mistakes and missed opportunities.

My neck is sore, my face is a little marked up from the newaza there is blood on my gi, mine mixed with the others I was grappling with. The muscles used in grappling are an entirely different group of muscles used in anything else. My return to Judo seems like being reunited with a long lost friend. The familiarity was felt as I was putting my old judo gi back on for the first time last night before class.

I cannot believe how good it is to be back doing judo in a competitive environment. I have been so involved with all sorts of B.S. the past two years that I hadn't been able to really enjoy anything. However, life seems to make sense on the judo mat. It is nice to be able to "SEE" your opponent and what he throws at you.

I woke up this morning with a purpose and a clear unclouded head. Undaunted by life's troubles and the crap suffered over the past two years, the competitive juices are flowing. I am at peace and looking forward to stepping back on the mat again Wednesday. A long lost familiar feeling. I haven't felt like this in a long time.