Unfortunately, the sport of judo brings numerous injuries to athletes. Part of becoming a better judoka is learning how to overcome these injuries, and coming back stronger. Most members of the SJSU Judo Team train twice a day, six days a week. Over time, this rigorous training schedule can take a toll on the body.
This year has been a tough year as far as injuries are concerned for our athletes. I have been off of the mat for the past six weeks rehabilitating a shoulder injury as well as a broken toe. This is very frustrating because I had to miss the Senior National Championships earlier this month. The Olympic Qualification period is also a week away, which is even more frustrating for our athletes who are fighting injuries. I was originally scheduled to compete at the Cuba Grand Prix and Pan American Open in El Salvador, which are the first two tournaments of the Olympic Qualification period. Although at first I was extremely upset that I couldn’t compete, I soon realized that my health is more important at this point. If I compete at these events, there is a chance that I could aggravate these minor injuries, which could put me out of competition for a longer period of time.
Even though I’ve only been off of the mat for a little over a month, it has been very difficult mentally. As much as I want to get back on the mat each day, I have to remind myself that it will be in my best interest to get my body back to 100 percent in order to compete at the highest level. It is also tough to watch my teammates from the sideline each day.
Although judo is far from an easy sport and very tough on the body, there is nothing else I’d rather be doing with my time. Being injured has made me realize how much I truly love judo and appreciate being injury free. I am currently undergoing physical therapy twice a day and should be back on the mat within the next few days.
Even though this injury was small, it still taught me a lot about myself. During these last two months, I was able to reevaluate my goals and remind myself what’s most important in my life. I have also learned to enjoy training and make the most of each moment on the mat, because it can all be taken away from you at anytime. Finally, being off of the mat taught me how supportive my teammates are of me. They encouraged me each day to keep up with physical therapy and remain mentally strong through this process. Most of all, it reminded me that SJSU Judo is more than just a team, we are a family.