Judo Psychology Research Project and Book

Ajamu sent the following invitation to Judokong. Perhaps, you feel that you have something to offer. You can find Ajamu's details via judokong's profile on Facebook.

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Dear Judo Player:

I am so grateful for your email. I have high hopes for this book and feel that your efforts will be invaluable. The elements that you suggest will make this book an even more powerful resource for judo players all over the world. If you can suggest books or articles on judo or have photos or video available on Youtube.com I would love to review it in preparing this text. My expertise is the mind and the mental preparation of athletes and performers. I rely upon you for your judo expertise and am very willing to learn from your wisdom, discoveries and experiences gained in this incredible art. I have included a list of 25 questions for you. I thank you in advance for sharing insights into your world.

All the Best,

Ajamu “A.J.” Ayinde, M.A., A.C.H.

Master Mental Coach

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1. As a coach/competitor what do you do to get out of a slump?

2. What does judo mean to you?

3. How do/did you prepare yourself mentally the night before a big match?

4. What is your most memorable match?

5. What personal challenges did you overcome as you were working toward your black belt?

6. As a coach what advice do you offer to players who try to rely on power rather than technique?

7. Which colleges in your country have strong judo programs?

8. When was the "golden age" of judo in your country? Was there a time when your country was winning more medals in international competition?

9. What are the biggest issues facing judo on a national level in your country?

10. What are the issues that players need mental skills training to address?

(fear, doubt, hesitation, low confidence, slumps, choking, procrastination, giving up early in match, being intimidated, low self esteem, etc.)

11. How would your rate the following mental skills in order of importance: relaxation, self talk, imagery, mental toughness, goal setting, motivation, and concentration?

12. How does judo influence and enhance your daily life?

13. What pearls of wisdom have you learned from Kano Sensei or a personal teacher or coach?

14. How do you let go of past mistakes, losses and setbacks?

15. Name three ways that you help athletes foster belief in themselves?

16. Can you explain the role that superstition or good luck charms play in lives of judo competitors?

17. Please give an example of a bad call that you received as a player or witnessed as a coach. How did you handle it? (The venues and names will be changed in the book.)

18. What are some typical injuries you have experienced in judo?

19. What are some common fears that players have? (Being injured, looking foolish, losing a scholarship, disappointing one’s coach or team, etc.)

20. What is your experience with hypnosis?

21. What is your experience with sports psychology?

22. What role does Zen or spirituality play in your practice of judo?

23. Is meditation important to development in judo? (If so, should it be done once a day, 3xs a week, once a week, as needed, or not at all?)

24. Do you know of any players who have gone on record about the importance of psychology or mental training to the sport? Please cite books, magazine or newspaper articles.

25. If you were to construct a "judo cyborg" that had the best elements of different players past and present, who would be included and which elements? Please give special attention to mental skills like confidence, focus, work ethic, composure, determination, or ability to bounce back from adversity.

Thank you for your time.