Psycho Judo Moms

Psycho Judo Moms

05/31/10

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All the information a Psycho Judo mom needs

How to wash and care for your GI.

As part of the Judo Mom routine we have the sometimes daunting task of getting those stinky judo uniforms sparkling white so they will blind the opponent! Here are a few laundering guidelines and some tricks I have found through the last 14 years as the laundry diva.

	Never, I repeat, NEVER wash the obi (belt). All of your little warrior’s knowledge is stuck in there along with the dirt and grime. When the belt gets really dirty, it must be time for a promotion.
	Don’t use bleach. The uniforms are too expensive to subject them to caustic chemicals. The pants are way too thin and will fall apart in less than a year.
	Pre-Treat stains, the collars, and don’t forget the inside of the sleeves. After the first shrinking, wash the uniform in warm or cold water only. Not only will it fit for longer, but your electric bill will thank you.
	My ultimate trick for super white whites is to load up the washer like normal, add my detergent, and let it soak overnight. The next morning I close the lid and let the cycle complete. Sometimes I add a bit more detergent. Even grungy socks look 100% better.
	Some say, don’t put them in the dryer. I do because the sour smell of clothes left wet too long is something I can’t take.

If you have a trick that works for you, let me know and I will share with the rest of the Psycho Judo Moms out there.

Tips for Tournament Day

The Imperial Dragon Judo Tournament in September will be here soon. Here is some information you might find helpful, especially if this is your first tournament.

Weigh-In: Usually this happens the morning of local tournaments. Participants can wear light weight shorts/shirt if they want. If you are not able to accompany your child into the bathroom/locker room for weigh-in (men's room) ask one of the other Dads from our club to help out. Same goes for you dads, I'm usually around. Don't be surprised if a few participants strip to nothing for weigh-in.

What to Bring:

	Pillow or bleacher seat.
	Water, snacks
	Camera / video recorder
	Jacket (AC is often cold)

Food: Many tournaments around the state have a concession stand. Prices will vary and only cash is accepted. I always have a cooler in my trunk loaded down with water, fruit snacks, PBJ. If you have a small backpack type cooler/pack you can usually get away with bringing it into the venue. Larger coolers are mostly prohibited.

Schedule: Everyone wants to know, 'When will my kid fight?' Most of the tournaments won't have opening ceremonies until around 11:00. Flyers should give this information. Once they begin matches, it is hard to tell when different age groups will be called. Often times they begin with the youngest kids, boys and girls.
The worst part of the schedule is how to get your kid to have lunch without it being too close to the time of his/her matches. I make our Judoka eat a big breakfast with protein and then just snacks of fruit after that. Many people weigh-in and then go have breakfast and make it back in time for the opening ceremony.
After each division is finished watch the awards ceremonies. Participants who have earned medals will get together and it makes a nice picture to send Grandma.

PLEASE: Stay away from the table workers. Try to figure out where your child should be by asking the volunteers who are helping to seat the kids. Please remember these people are most likely parents who have volunteered their time to help out at the tournament. They may not know all of the answers and certainly don't deserve any screaming, swearing, or threats. I only write this because I have had parents and coaches do all of those things to me.

Come and enjoy yourself. Join me as I scream my lungs out cheering for our kids. You too can go to work on Monday with no voice!

This site was last updated 05/31/10