Commitment in Judo – A Basic Principle

By Neil Ohlenkamp

The judo dojo is a place where students strive to improve themselves — physically, mentally and morally. Judo training can lead to better concentration and alertness, a readiness to take on anything tempered by the wisdom of giving way to a greater force. Along with physical conditioning inherent in training in judo sport and self-defense skills come self-confidence and a desire to fight for what is right. Tolerance, patience and understanding should come with the power to make change. Through arduous training, judo students have the opportunity to gain strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and control.

To achieve any of the benefits of judo, one must maximize your efforts and work tirelessly to acquire good habits. Persistence and hard work is a virtue that pays off in judo, but this requires commitment.

After praciticing Judo for over 40 years I have rediscovered some of the same key principles that my teachers have instilled in me. They are the sort of things that most students need to be reminded of — not only the benefits of judo training, but the required commitments.

The 10 Commitments:

• Attend practice regularly and often.
• Attend training camps, clinics, and other classes at every opportunity.
• Eat healthy and exercise regularly to consistently take care of your body.
• Never neglect the basics.
• Participate in shiai to challenge yourself to new growth.
• Study kata to understand all of judo.
• Always give your best effort.
• Study and practice judo outside of class.
• Put others before self.
• Stay humble.

Judo may become a lifelong commitment but regardless of how long you practice on the mats I encourage you to commit to as many of these as you can.

Develop Yourself to Your Fullest Potential So That You and Others May Live Harmoniously

"A man's usefulness depends upon his living up to his ideals in so far as he can. It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. All daring and courage, all iron endurance of misfortune, make for a finer and nobler type of manhood. Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die, and none are fit to die who have shrunk from the joy of life and the duty of life. " –President Theodore Roosevelt