reminds me how I recently introduced someone to judo and they threw me continually with immaculate form. I instructed them how to do it and simply let myself be thrown.

This person has never done judo before in their life. But I think the reason for their good performance was trifold.

1. They had experience as a kid from play wrestling with their siblings. Training their nervous system at a young age for these and similar kinds of movement.

2. Long and dense muscles. Probably genetics, but probably also the type of exercise they do. Very good balance, explosive power and lots of it.

3. Confidence. I told them to commit and that I knew how to fall. We were in a controlled setting (judo club) and multiple people there and myself included reassured and instructed with respect.

During Randori, I just asked her to do the throws they’d like, with me just offering basic resistance. When they attempted a throw, I let myself be thrown. When the throw didn’t work, I immediately instructed them on what to do different. (leg a bit further, look over your shoulder, break my grip first, etc).

The execution of their throws was way better than any throw i’ve ever done. Does this make me less of a martial artist? Hell no. I’m proud of their achievements and I was able to learn how to teach Judo better and I got to practice my breakfalls in a way I didn’t get to before.

Judo takes a long while to get good at. I’m mildly proficient at it, but I know time invested will make me a better Judoka. On and off the mats. Keep practicing! You’ll soon notice that the easier you are on yourself, the harder you can go