Each month we are going to feature a United Judo of Tampa judoka and ask them ten silly questions about their judo experience. Our first spotlight goes to long-time member, Sebastian Castaldi. Here are his answers:
1. When, where and why did you start practicing judo?
About six years ago at the YMCA with Sensei Andy.
2. What was your first impression of judo class?
Definitely tougher than I thought... I was under the impression that Judo was all about throws, but quickly realized that judo also has a comprehensive ground game. After John welcomed me with a baseball-bat choke, and choked me out unconscious ... I knew right there and then, I was there to stay .
3. What other martial arts have you practiced?
In chronological order: Kung-fu, Taekwondo, Kuk-sool-won, Karate, Kickboxing, MMA, Judo.
4. What was your funniest moment in judo class?
The only funny story I can think right now, it was funny/scary at the same time... I was doing Shiai with Dave, and I did a drop-ippon, somehow his face hit the back of my head and broke his nose... it was pretty scary at first, until Dave (tough as nails), grabbed his own nose and cracked it back into place and said... "It's all good now, I'm used to it."
5. What is your favorite technique and why?
Tani-Otoshi, I like it because it is nice, simple and effective.
6. How has judo helped you with other aspects of your life?
Judo and martial arts in general, it is a representation of life itself, it teaches you through respect, hard work and perseverance to be a better person.
7. Other than judo, what do you like to do for fun?
Get together with friends, dance. I compliment my judo with strength training and Triathlons, it is a nice compliment as it helps with endurance.
8. Would you rather get mat burn on your face, be choked out, or thrown by Sensei John with makikomi?
Anything but John's makikomis. I guess I would pick face-burns since I get them all the time anyway.
9. Blue gi, white gi or no gi?
White GI, more comfortable, smells better, and it is the traditional Judo Gi :) I like the freedom of movement with no-gi, but I'm paranoid about staph infections, they are very common among no-gi practitioners.
10. How would you describe your judo persona (competitor, teacher, recreational player, fitness trainer, reluctant judoka, other)
When I was younger I was 100% competitor, as I grew older, I do it more for fitness (recreational player), to stay in shape, out of injuries, as well as having a good time with friends and family.
1. When, where and why did you start practicing judo?
About six years ago at the YMCA with Sensei Andy.
2. What was your first impression of judo class?
Definitely tougher than I thought... I was under the impression that Judo was all about throws, but quickly realized that judo also has a comprehensive ground game. After John welcomed me with a baseball-bat choke, and choked me out unconscious ... I knew right there and then, I was there to stay .
3. What other martial arts have you practiced?
In chronological order: Kung-fu, Taekwondo, Kuk-sool-won, Karate, Kickboxing, MMA, Judo.
4. What was your funniest moment in judo class?
The only funny story I can think right now, it was funny/scary at the same time... I was doing Shiai with Dave, and I did a drop-ippon, somehow his face hit the back of my head and broke his nose... it was pretty scary at first, until Dave (tough as nails), grabbed his own nose and cracked it back into place and said... "It's all good now, I'm used to it."
5. What is your favorite technique and why?
Tani-Otoshi, I like it because it is nice, simple and effective.
6. How has judo helped you with other aspects of your life?
Judo and martial arts in general, it is a representation of life itself, it teaches you through respect, hard work and perseverance to be a better person.
7. Other than judo, what do you like to do for fun?
Get together with friends, dance. I compliment my judo with strength training and Triathlons, it is a nice compliment as it helps with endurance.
8. Would you rather get mat burn on your face, be choked out, or thrown by Sensei John with makikomi?
Anything but John's makikomis. I guess I would pick face-burns since I get them all the time anyway.
9. Blue gi, white gi or no gi?
White GI, more comfortable, smells better, and it is the traditional Judo Gi :) I like the freedom of movement with no-gi, but I'm paranoid about staph infections, they are very common among no-gi practitioners.
10. How would you describe your judo persona (competitor, teacher, recreational player, fitness trainer, reluctant judoka, other)
When I was younger I was 100% competitor, as I grew older, I do it more for fitness (recreational player), to stay in shape, out of injuries, as well as having a good time with friends and family.
