The last time I trained in Judo (or martial arts for that matter) was at Gordon Lawson’s Budo course in Nottingham in December 2000. I recall this as being a tense weekend for me because I was due to sit some tough MBA exams at Warwick University the following week.

I had felt for sometime that I was spreading my energies too thinly trying to concentrate on too many things. Something had to give and I concluded that martial arts was going to be the one I would step down from. Besides, a break in the monotony is never a bad thing; I had been a regular figurehead in the Zen Judo scene for many years both here and in the USA and I could see that others were coming up through the ranks and it was time for them to have their say. I am pleased that this has happened. For some it was well deserved.

When I was at the London Marathon exhibition in April this year to pick-up my bib number, I noticed that Washington DC had an annual marathon held in October. I applied and got a place. It was an opportunity for me to visit the USA again and also catch up with some friends in Richmond and Tennessee. The last time I traveled the Atlantic was for American Zen Judo’s Asegeiko in 1999.

Although one should limit any physical activity in the run up to a race, I felt the urge to do some sparring the day before. I traveled to the USA in good time for the race and visited the dojo in Richmond. Chris, Ed, Frank, Jenny and Mark attended and there were many good things about the whole event.

Firstly, it was great to see everyone again and see that most have gone up in the world in terms of grade and stature. Secondly, it was just as if I never left. It is fascinating how time away from the dojo can have such a positive impact on ones movement. Thirdly and most importantly, a touch of the old pre-race nerves started to settle in and I was in need of a little relaxation. I was only on the mat for just over an hour and a half and the experience loosened me up tremendously. Frank kindly treated us all to an Italian meal afterwards – it is always tradition that marathon runners eat a good pasta meal the night before a race! Thank you Frank.

I would like to thank Chris who arranged the event and all those who attended such a memorable afternoon. I felt great afterwards. Warming-up the following morning in the Arlington Cemetery before the race was effortless – everything just clicked into place! The last time I visited Arlington was with Andrew Millard BEM and Gordon Lawson during our memorable trip to American Zen Judo in 1997.

For the record, I completed the race in 3:49:46 which was a personal best. I beat my London Marathon time by 1 minute 21 seconds!!

I will be looking forward to seeing any old faces at Nottingham in December 2003 for Gordon’s Budo Course.

Regards

David


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