HELLO
@Kozushi. I too have struggled with my own version of your question, this is something that opened my eyes.. We all have decisions to make along these lines.
The Cost of Adaptation | StrongFirst
Edit, please pardon the CAPS, typing error
Especially important quotations from this article I think:
"If you choose to excel in a sport,
you must face the fact that your decision has nothing to do with health."
- Very true! Judo is judo - a great activity, very social, very interesting, exciting, strategic, and good for self-defence. It's good for cardio exercise and some strength and mobility training, but it's not specialized for that. I'd choose strict "exercise" for health over a sport, now that I'm a little bit educated in the art of kettlebells etc.
"A significant decrease in illnesses has been observed in people training for sport or practicing physical culture.” He went on to add that “rational” training is what is needed to deliver such resilience.(8) Moderate physical loads stimulate the immune system.(9)"
"
Study a martial art. Take classes three to five times a week. Enjoy what you learn without ambitions to become a champion or a grandmaster."
- This is an important point. I think people who run their own judo programs ought to have some decent competitive credentials - not 100% necessarily, but competition is definitely one hard core aspect of the judo experience that a head coach should have. Otherwise, to heck with competition. You compete every day in the club anyhow.
"Reach the “simple” goals like the one-arm-one-leg push-up. Then set your sights a little higher, e.g. the front lever and free handstands. Almost every day do the
S&S swing regimen to give power and conditioning to your lower body and back. Do get-ups twice a week."
- I'd like to learn more about SF bodyweight training. The NW book only covers two moves whereas the full SF system has more. I wish there were a book on it.