Inadequate ukemi

For whatever reason, my ribs seem to be my biggest weakness when it comes to Judo. Just a week or so after getting over my first round of contused ribs in the front left part of my ribcage (induced by a classmate practicing a Hon Kesa Gatame hold-down), at yesterday’s class I fell hard on ribs in the back right part of my ribcage, possibly leaving them even sorer than those injured the first time. Even after a night with a big of frozen vegetables against them, it’s intensely painful to cough and difficult to get up off my back.

Bruised ribs are quite a liability for Judo practice. They make warm-ups hard in terms of push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises (even jogging was painful at the end of last class); side breakfalls inevitably involve putting them on the mats; and practicing throws like Ippon Seoi Nage and (especially) groundwork involves more pressure on them.

I hope they recuperate more promptly this time around.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here. View all posts by Milan