Learning something new can be a scary experience. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was learn Judo. I was always afraid of being thrown, but I decided that Judo was an important skill that I should learn. I also thought it would be good exercise and help me to become physically stronger. What I didn’t realise was that learning Judo would also make me a more confident person.
New situations always make me a bit nervous, and my first Judo lesson was no exception. After I changed into my Judo outfit, I stood timidly by the side of the mats waiting for the Judo coach and other Judo students to show up.
After a couple of minutes the coach came over and introduced himself and two more new students joined us. Although they were both older than me, they didn’t seem embarrassed about not knowing how to do Judo. I began to feel more at ease.
Things were not quite that easy for me, but the coach was very patient. After a few more weeks, when I seemed to have caught on with how to do the break falls, he taught me how to do the techniques. I felt hopelessly uncoordinated. Sooner than I imagined, however, things began to feel “right” and I was able to do Judo! I felt empowered to be able to off balance my training partners and execute Judo throws.
Learning Judo was not easy for me, but in the end my persistence paid off. Not only did I learn how to break fall and perform a range of Judo techniques, but I also conquered my fear of being thrown and I learned something about learning. Now when I am faced with a new situation I am not so nervous. I may feel uncomfortable to begin with, but I know that as I practice being in that situation and as my skills get better, I will feel more and more comfortable. It is a wonderful feeling when you achieve a goal you have set for yourself.
Damian Carosella
Judo Blue Belt at Berard Judo Academy
Berard Judo Academy 