Originally Posted by
Mark E. Hurling
I don't currently practice Judo, but I spent 6 years or so getting my time on the mat. I started it as a PE course, having had a background in Shorei Goju Karate in high school and got asked to try out for the team in college. So I spent the next 4 years competing in NCAA matches and a couple more hanging around the dojo after graduating. I got to Ikkyu the last step before Shodan (1st degree black belt). Should have stayed the course, but job assignments put me in a Judo desert, and I just never got back to it.
Sounds like you found a great Sensei and a good dojo from your description of his bona fides. That said, I'm a little surprised by all the Ne Waza ground technique you describe as a newbie. But that may just be some spillover from the BJJ everywhere these days. Most Judo was primarily stand up throws back when I competed. Our team did more ground technique because most other dojos didn't teach it much.
IMO, Judo doesn't adapt easily to the real world and self defense. It can be done, but unless your Sensei is teaching specific counters to grabbing and punching attacks by adversaries, you'll have to figger this dimension out for yourself. It's not an easy transition. Sorry to sound negative, Judo is a great sport but I found that I had to adapt what I knew for sawdust covered barroom floors when I got to be a cop.
Now to your questions.
Yes, newbies feel beat up and clumsy. As for the rashes and scrapes, part of that is the heavy double weave gi jacket. Wash it and bleach it and use a lot of fabric softener to break it in. Your elbows, rib cage, and shoulders will thank you for it.
Twice a week Judo and lifting work well together. You're a good deal younger than me, and I lift three times a week and teach a stand up form of Jujitsu (Mushin Ryu) twice a week as well. You'll be fine I think. Your lifts look fine, but if you can incorporate an explosive lift like power cleans or high pulls, it can improve the speed and power of your leg and hip throws.
I would say it was at least 6 months before I got a sense of confidence on the mat.