Ball State Judo

Judo training can be fun and challenging. The ability to learn a technique and on the same day start building on it is exciting. As you continue to grow within Judo you begin finding techniques that are better suited to you. Knowledge of all throws is important but when you begin to compete you will find certain techniques that seem to work for you. The saying, "It's not how much you know but the quality of what you know" is important. Once you learn a technique especially one that becomes a favorite you will practice it over and over. Those that stick with it will build muscle memory and start to perfect those techniques. Olympians train several hours everyday and many began Judo at a young age. Some as young as 4 years old. Some Olympians will win the Olympics or World Championships with the first throw you ever learn when entering a dojo. You know its their favorite throw, you've seen them beat people with it and you have watched videos of them to study habits and they still beat you with that throw. The chance to train with an Olympian is a great opportunity to see upclose the techniques they used in order to get them to where they are. Sometimes a little twitch of the wrist or placing your body angle in a certain position can change the whole dynamic of your Judo play. Olympic athletes have gone through these obstacle and having the chance to let one help you can be a great learning experience.

On December 6-9, 2019, Ball State Judo Club helped co-host a Judo clinic along with Fishers YMCA Judo. Sensei Mario, brought USA Judo's 2x Olympian and 10 time World team member Nick Delpopolo to Indiana. He spent 3 days with a total of 5 sessions teaching his favorite techniques. He also answered questions about training and what it took for him to make the Olympics. Nick was very good at spending time with each person to help them and each Ball State club member that attended had the chance to work with him.