This is from a blog post done by Milady, one of my sponsors. See the original post here.
Milady Is Proud To Sponsor Team Member In The African Open Championships For Judo
Any progress, even it’s slow, is still progress towards your dream.
How did you get into Judo?
I actually had never heard of Judo until 2010. I was out of college, in Olathe, Kansas working for the Hershey Company. Since I was no longer active in competitive sports, I was out of shape. I decided to start working out a local gym. One of the personal trainers (who also happened to be a judo coach) noticed my athletic build and suggested that I try judo. I tried it and didn’t like it–it was mostly men, a lot of close, physical contact. The coach pestered me to try it again for a few months. I finally gave in. I walked into the dojo and he threw a gi (uniform) at me and told me I had a competition in a month...get ready. I was hooked. I’m very competitive. It’s the perfect combination of athletic ability, strength, agility, and intellect and strategy. It’s like a physical chess game.
I actually had never heard of Judo until 2010. I was out of college, in Olathe, Kansas working for the Hershey Company. Since I was no longer active in competitive sports, I was out of shape. I decided to start working out a local gym. One of the personal trainers (who also happened to be a judo coach) noticed my athletic build and suggested that I try judo. I tried it and didn’t like it–it was mostly men, a lot of close, physical contact. The coach pestered me to try it again for a few months. I finally gave in. I walked into the dojo and he threw a gi (uniform) at me and told me I had a competition in a month...get ready. I was hooked. I’m very competitive. It’s the perfect combination of athletic ability, strength, agility, and intellect and strategy. It’s like a physical chess game.
Judo must be the majority of your life outside of Milady, do you ever feel like you miss out on things?
Yes and no, I definitely don’t lead a normal life, but I wouldn’t say I miss out. I’ve been given amazing opportunities. Judo has helped me grow as a person both mentally and physically. AND I get to travel the world. What I get in return far outweighs the sacrifices I have to make.
Yes and no, I definitely don’t lead a normal life, but I wouldn’t say I miss out. I’ve been given amazing opportunities. Judo has helped me grow as a person both mentally and physically. AND I get to travel the world. What I get in return far outweighs the sacrifices I have to make.
What advice would you have to someone who has a dream of doing something that may seem out of reach?
First you have to find something you’re passionate about and actually dream it. Anything is possible. A lot people don’t think big enough. They don’t put themselves out there. Set your mind to the main goal and then set mini-goals to get there. Any progress, even it’s slow, is still progress towards your dream.
After all is said and done, what is going to determine success for you in your Judo career?
Just by doing it is a success. I took a completely different turn in my life. Just having the guts to move and train at one of the best facilities in the world; that's admirable. When I actually take the time to think about it, I am proud I had the guts to take a chance and go after a dream. I wouldn't be mad if I won a National Championship or made a Pan American Team either... :)
First you have to find something you’re passionate about and actually dream it. Anything is possible. A lot people don’t think big enough. They don’t put themselves out there. Set your mind to the main goal and then set mini-goals to get there. Any progress, even it’s slow, is still progress towards your dream.
After all is said and done, what is going to determine success for you in your Judo career?
Just by doing it is a success. I took a completely different turn in my life. Just having the guts to move and train at one of the best facilities in the world; that's admirable. When I actually take the time to think about it, I am proud I had the guts to take a chance and go after a dream. I wouldn't be mad if I won a National Championship or made a Pan American Team either... :)