WELCOME TO HIGHLANDS JUDO

1. Be punctual at all your scheduled classes. 

2. Don't practice Judo under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

3. Maintain good hygiene. Practice in clean Judo gi only. Trim finger and toenails.

4. Learn to tie your belt properly. Practice at home until you can tie your belt in 5 seconds or less.

5. Practice ukemi a whole lot. Don't be stiff and defensive when your partner throws you. Take the fall. You both are less likely to get injured.

6. Do a lot of uchikomi. Practice makes perfect. For each new waza (technique), it'll take approximately 10,000 reps to get smooth body movement to execute it right.  

7. Focus on the finer points of body control: proper posture, smooth movements and weight transfer will lead to good balance. Avoid crossing your feet, or bringing your feet together when moving about. Avoid rhythmical, bouncing-type movements. This will pay off as you learn more advanced strategies and techniques.

8. Have a goal for each practice, each month and each year. Goals should be measurable. Don't just say: "I'm going to practice well today". Instead, say to yourself: "I'll attempt 5 attacks each randori session and aim to throw my partner 2 times."

9. Don't look at the feet. Feel what your opponent is doing instead. Look up and keep your head and back straight.

10. Have fun. You'll learn more from training with less effort.

Meet Sensei Tom Tran, owner and head instructor of Highlands Judo Dojo (top row 3rd from right in above picture). He grew up training Judo in Vietnam during the post war period, late 70's early 80's, where there wasn't much to do except eat, sleep, study and practice Judo. He earned his Shodan (1st degree black belt) at the age of 16. In 2011, Sensei Tran re-started training and teaching Judo in the United States at Seattle Dojo, the oldest dojo in North America. He later joined Zenyu Judo Dojo where he received his Nidan (2nd degree black belt) and National Coaching credentials from Sensei Doug Graham. Sensei Tran has helped coach several students in the Greater Seattle area including his own son to medal in numerous local and national tournaments in the US and Canada. He's currently USA Judo certified national coach.