taraje.com

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Coach
Taraje
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I have been doing some instruction at the International Training Center of New York in Long Island City. I very much enjoy teaching, but most of my experience has been with children. I am a competitor, so it is nice to be able to teach local and national level competitors what I have learned over the years.

I have also been doing some private lessons. We are still working on the basics, but we had a great test this weekend at a local competition at the West Point Military School. Although my student did not take first, he won his first AND second match ever in Ne Waza. He wound up third, but we have the video of the tournament to study and I believe it was a successful learning experience for him.

Not only was it successful for him, but it felt great to see him use some of the things I have taught him. From gripping to positioning on the mat, he listened fairly well and I was happy with his performance and about my coaching experience.

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Olympic Ring
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When I returned home from the competition I was a bit tired. I came into my building and checked my mailbox to find a box which I have been anticipating for a while now. As soon as I saw who it was from I had to let out a loud “YES!” in the hallway. I couldn’t wait to get upstairs before opening it, so I began to tear it to shreds in the elevator.

By the time I got upstairs, I had the small jewelry box in my hand. Inside was my second Olympic ring.

For those who don’t know, during processing at the Olympics you are given loads of clothing, measured for a leather jacket and a commemorative ring. The ring is one of the greatest perks and this years is absolutely beautiful.

On the top are the Olympic rings and the words “Olympic Team.” On one side is your sport and pictogram, judo, and on the other is the 2008 logo along with 8 characters of your choice, TARAJE. The front and back are engraved with the year and location, 2008 and BEIJING.

I haven’t taken it off. I will add pictures of my ring later on, but here is a general photo. No, I am not a Triathlete.

P.S. In only a few weeks I will be accompanying Rhadi at his home in Boca Raton, Florida for The Judo System Seminar. I am very much looking forward to three days of comprehensive instruction on everything from tactics to supplements. I have been urging to share it with someone, and the opportunity has finally presented itself.

P.P.S. Visit www.MoroteGari.com to sign up for my Advanced Notice VIP list for the release of the first edition in the Ugly Judo Series, Ugly Judo 101: Morote Gari.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm and is filed under Blogroll. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.