I've had my eyes off the jujitsu world for the past couple weeks. Actually, I've been focused elsewhere for most of the past two months. This has been for a variety of reasons but most specifically due to soccer coaching. I've been coaching since the early 90's but this year's U11 squad has been the most time consuming because of their success. Yesterday, they competed in the state championship game for their age group. Although they came out on the short end, 1-0, to West Hartford, this has been an impressive team. They also tied for first in the Memorial Day weekend tournament in Avon and were undefeated in their district games despite playing in a group with girls a year older. Pretty darn good for a crew of kids from a small town like Hebron.
Last Thursday was our last soccer practice before the final game of the year. I had my 'no gi' attire on along with my soccer cleats. We were scheduled to have a short practice and I was thinking of heading to jujitsu class afterward. As practice was beginning, I was approached by one of the players, Lexie. Along with a few others, she has been on my team since kindergarten. She recognizes my attire and asks me, "Are you going to 'jitsu' tonight?". I replied, "I was thinking about it." I'm officially done thinking about it when Lexie replies, "Come on, Coach Whitaker. You can't go. We need you here and it's our last practice!" Consider me officially manipulated.
Anyway, it's been a great soccer season and I plan to be back in the dojo on a regualr basis for the next couple months. Until soccer season starts again.
