This is an idea I’ve been playing with in terms of tracking my progress, encouraging others and directing my own path forward.

For background I am in the UK, very much in the heavy weight category (just under 300lbs//around 21 stone) and I am a white belt. Although this is the first post I am on around my 12th session and tend to go twice a week.

To summarise my journey so far: I had some knowledge of break falls which we tested and practiced in my first session alongside learning grips, very basic etiquette and, I think, some osoto otoshi and scarf holds. I also got to try some randori though I forget the details.

Since then I’ve been working mostly on the BJA red belt syllabus - osoto otoshi, uki goshi and de-ashi barai alongside kesa, muna and kuzure kesa game with the associated escapes.

This week we did some drilling of the three syllabus throws and trying to hit a throw in three different directions. The higher belts did similar but more advanced drills. We then had some randori. I was trying a new technique for osoto otoshi against a stiff arm opponent which is more of a side step and hip twist to drag uke to where I want him for the side-step action. I didn’t manage to land it in randori but it did surprise my orange belt opponent who complimented the entry which was positive.

Training again on Friday and generally i want to focus on: Standing straight during throws and randori to make use of my height (6ft 4) Staying loose Breaking balance and generally improving my entries

Would love feedback about my goals, general comments and discussion and any questions about how I’m finding judo, how I got started etc… I’m very keen to show people that judo isn’t scary or hard to start.