gi bruises/burns?

[Mattyj]

I am very new to judo - I've only been doing it for a few months. Bruising is not new to me, but I came home from class this past Saturday with what looks like a nice hickey on my neck! eek! Normal? Is my gi burning/bruising me? And you know, no one believes me when I tell them it's a gi burn. Am I destined to live out my life in a turtleneck sweater?

[Tant01]

LOL

Watch out for skin disorders. ringworm is one of many nasty things you can pick up grappling.

But it's probably a new Gi, eh?

[Mattyj]

yes, fairly new gi. I ended up with no hickies last night, but there were jokes about me and my love bites all night :P

off topic ... but randori...yikes - I feel like I am horrible at it. I get up there and can't think. It's like I totally freeze up. Does just putting in the time/practice help with this, or should I be doing something else? Gosh, I'm such a newb.

[Tant01]

If there is a "new guy TRICK" to rolling I'd have to say it is RELAXING. Don't hold your breath, don't tense up. Once you get comfortable with the randori you'll find you have more energy and stamina. You almost need to turn your brain off and QUIT THINKING about this or that technique. The nature of JUDO (BJJ) is to take advantage of the other's mistakes or countering his attempts to apply techniques.

You'll need A LOT time and TAPPING OUT to learn the game. Enjoy it.

[aseepish]

Relaxing also makes getting thrown hurt less. That and ukemi practice. Lots of ukemi practice.

[Mattyj]

Thank you both. I definitely need to relax - I'm always very tense and do tend to hold my breath. Our women's class is dwindling very quickly - I'm down to two people to practice with. My fear is that I will be thrown into the men's class before I get the basic fundamentals figured out and then I will freak out and quit.

[Tant01]

Change your MINDset!

Thank you both. I definitely need to relax - I'm always very tense and do tend to hold my breath. Our women's class is dwindling very quickly - I'm down to two people to practice with. My fear is that I will be thrown into the men's class before I get the basic fundamentals figured out and then I will freak out and quit.

I see this frequently too. It's a defensive mindset. Don't be AFRAID to practice with the men. Think how awesome you'll feel throwing THEM around!

Practice your falling and rolling and breakfalls. You'll be knocking them down in no time!

Don't give up. If a guy hurts you try crying to make him feel bad and then SLAM him! LOL Any trick will do. Have FUN with it! (MOSTLY)

[Mattyj]

Maybe we should just rename this thread "matty's issues to overcome thread" !!

So, if things go bad I can always resort to crying? Awesome! I'm afraid of practicing with the men because I am small. I think that I have to muscle people, which I KNOW is not the case. Do the techniques properly... I know. And honestly, I do have a fear about the whole 'and why is there a chick in this class with us?' thing. Oh well, they'll just have to get over it, right? RIGHT?!

Ok, I have class again on Wednesday night - so I have all kinds of stuff to think about before then. There will be breathing, relaxing and not too much thinking!!!

thanks, Tant01!!!