NZ Masters Judo Day II: Live at the Kodokan

The Kodokan has the best Judo mats you have ever encountered – a big, soft, bouncy, and sprung floor. There are also no walls or metal posts to be thrown into. It’s the deluxe Hilton of Dojo’s. Some of us, however, didn’t know this. The prospect of training there was something of an unknown quantity – we were prepared to die. Well...not all of us. These guys weren't.




The prospect of imminent death is quite liberating. Subsequently, we set about enjoying our last moments by riding the local roller coaster. It was a good idea – affording breath-taking views of the Tokyo skyline – until the track went past-vert. Time dilated and there was a lot of yelling, screaming, and a string of sterling profanities were newly minted for the occasion. (For the record, I have never seen a man’s face prior to his execution. Now, however, I can say with confidence that I know what it looks like. Cheer’s Pudgey…we should have brought the photo for 1000 yen).



Having accompanied Pudgey through his own private near-death experience we saw fit to go on a mission to get his name embroidered on his belt. It turned into a private stand-up comedy show (You had to be there).



Kong, by contrast (being an essentially anti-social type), sat around outside and studied the locals and the present fashion of knee high boots and short skirts. He blended into his surrounds like a ninja and notes that not until Kyoto would anything compare. Tokyo fashion at 22 degree’s Celsius is a Japanese cultural asset.



After our days adventure training at the Kodokan was fun. Good people -- good Judo! The old players there were very generous with their knowledge and taught many of us how to break-fall properly. After training we went for beers. Sensei (has anyone seen my key?) Rick, Greg, and Jordan went up-market where they were entertained by the attractive wife of a diplomat (check out Rick’s photo’s on facebook and join the NZ Masters Judo group). The sweaty and smelly rabble hit the Irish pub and enjoyed a few pints and/or a “beaker” of beer. Here you can see the Tauranga clan: Bob, Carl, Richard, and Clayton (AKL Uni's own Simon is in the background).



For the record, Beer’s aren’t cheap just outside the Tokyo dome (nor are “rests” – as a point of digression). So we headed home to the Toyoko Inn in Ikebukuro, to shower and, later, to enjoy a debate as to whether it was ok to eat raw horse meat.

Next: Day three – to Akita for weight in.
PS: Neither Khan nor Wayne knows anything about any fire-escapes.