AN UNFORGETTABLE JUDO EXPERIENCE

by Jennie Tung

"HA YAAA" I banged onto the mat and fell hard on my back. I quickly righted myself, but just before I could regain my balance, I was again tossed to the ground by my opponent. Our sweats intermingled as he reached his hands around my neck and compressed my veins. I tapped his body to signal that he had won the practice match.

As I rest in a meditative seiza (kneeling) position on this orange judo mat, I wonder why I make myself go through such physical torment? I also begin to wonder why I have chosen judo over other martial arts? As I look around the room, I immediately know the answer. It is the people in this class: my sensei (instructor) and my fellow classmates, who have been making my judo learning experience so rich, enjoyable and worthwhile.

Here at the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) judo class, avid judo students are taught by one of the best teachers in the U.S., Mitchell Palacio. Having played judo for forty -two years, Mr. Palacio is not only an accomplished judo player; he is also a successful teacher and coach. His knowledge in this sport and his clever teaching styles allow him to deliver his instructions effectively to his students.

Throughout the year, Mr. Palacio also travels around the U.S. to teach sport clinics and other sport sciences. He is also chosen by the U.S. Olympic Committee to certify judo coaches. Mitchell, as most of his students call him, is vivacious, unpretentious and charming. He makes the learning of this intensive martial art very fun and enjoyable. To no one's surprise, this amazing teacher has been attracting numerous students from various backgrounds.

Students who, as I mentioned before, have enhanced my judo learning experience.  Mr. Palacio is not the only person who is teaching judo during class. He intentionally structured the class so that players at different levels can practice together and learn from each another. In fact, Mouloud  Boufennara..(Algerian National Team) and Sandro Mascarenhas (Brazilian National Team) and many other black belt players often help beginning and intermediates students to improve their techniques.

When I first decided to take this exotic martial art, I wanted to learn all the jujitsu (techniques) and philosophies. However, I gained more than I had anticipated. The time I spent talking to my fellow classmates during and after class allowed me to get to know them on a personal level. It was during those numerous conversations that I that discovered these people are very interesting, friendly, and down-to-earth. Just like many other community college classes, judo class is also comprised of people from various age groups, ethnic backgrounds and sectors of employment. In the advanced judo class, for example, student’s ages range from mid-teens to the fifty-year old. In fact, there are several fathers and sons who are taking the same judo class. With such great variance in age, there is no doubt that the backgrounds of these students are also quite diverse. Some people are professionals in corporate world, law enforcement and the service industry. Interacting with people of such diverse backgrounds all at once has definitely been a time of growing and maturing for me.

In CCSF's judo, interactions among students do not stop at the end of class. The Judo Club often organizes fun activities, such as canoe trips and sushi nights, for students to socialize and interact outside of class. Every semester, the City College Judo Club also hosts a judo tournament open to all age groups.

Additionally, City College is known for hosting successful tournaments because our students with various management skills always contribute significantly to the organization of these events.

The genuineness of my teacher and fellow classmates has alleviated the intensity that usually accompanies learning judo. I also know that I am developing lifelong friendships with several students as I interact with them during and outside of class.    Because judo is a sport that everyone can learn and enjoy, perhaps you should stop by one of our classes or even work out with us one day/night.  I can ensure you that you will learn from one of the best instructors in the U.S., and you will be able to practice with some of the greatest people you will ever find.