Anytime we go to a competition or host a tournament it is my responsibility to motivate my students to compete. Sometimes this may come off a little harsh because some people don't think competition is for them or they don't think they're ready or they don't like competition. Competition is extremely good for your Judo training. I don't emphasize winning or losing as much as I do getting out there and trying your best.
I don't want any of my students to feel too pressured, however they don't understand how beneficial Judo competition can be. In my younger competition years, I went to as many tournaments as I could possibly go to. In fact, and those days you would generally see the same people that every local and state competition. My friend and I developed a rivalry with two brothers. It was a very friendly rivalry but when we stepped on the mat we gave it everything we had. When we got off the mat we congratulated each other for doing a great job we hug and bowed and shook hands and we were great friends, when or lose.
Today, many younger Judoka are afraid of losing. But losing is really good for your mental health because we can teach you how to be resilient and overcome odds especially in adulthood. It can teach you to give it everything you've got despite what the outcome may be, to overcome disappointment and loss, and to stay positive in adversity.
Competition can teach you to be strong and brave and to keep your head up high and be proud of your accomplishments knowing you did your best and give it everything you had. It can help you see how far you've come and help you learn what you need to work on and where your weaknesses are as well as your strengths.
Although I have retired from competition, I live the experience through my students. I get extremely proud of them even before they step on the mat because I know they're going to give the best representation of what we have. And in the end that's all I can ask for.
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