Long Training Pair Promoted Together
From Left to Right - Adisa, Jae, Sensei Formaro, Sensei Suhr, Olivia
Under the USJA ranking system, under which the Des Moines Judo Academy operates, attaining the brown belt is a momentous occasion for several reasons. Not only does it take years of study and dedication, it also serves as the delineating line between a novice and advanced student, with most tournaments only allowing those under brown belt to compete in novice divisions.
Monday June 9th, 2025, Adisa Ganic and Olivia McBee crossed this rubicon together when they were promoted to Sankyu. The actual testing took place over the week prior, with the ceremony being conducted on the Monday to allow for the reverence due such an occasion. The two young women began their journey into Judo together in approximately March of 2023, when they were the first two regular students in the Monday & Wednesday classes conducted by Sensei Suhr. For months they were the primary, if not only, students in the now popular class time. The two have supported each other through countless hours of training, promotions, injuries, and numerous tournaments, to arrive at this point.
Olivia, with Sensei Formaro and Sensei Suhr
Olivia, normally called “Liv” keeps a busy scheduled between work, frequent trips to visit her significant other, whom is finished technical school, crafting, training, and helping teach Des Moines Judo Academy’s children’s classes. Though its rare to see now, due to an earlier injury, Liv has cultivated a great drop tai-otoshi. Liv shines brightest in ground where, were weeks of drills following a leg injury have resulted in masterful skill at shime-waza or “choking techniques.” Her hadaka-jime, commonly known as the rear naked choke, is excellent. However, her ability to work her arms past nearly any defense for “nami-juji-jime” (normal cross collar choke) and gyaku-juji-jime (reverse cross collar choke), often before her opponent realizes they’re in danger, is a marvel of the elegant interaction of technique maximizing on a natural advantage, and desmonstration of Seiryoku Zenyo.
Adisa, with Sensei Formaro and Sensei Suhr
Adisa, keeps a similarly busy schedule, maintaining employment, continuing her education, spending time with her significant other at his school, and training. Adisa’s work learning Sensei Parkhill’s “sticky foot” method ko-soto-gari shows, with the attack often serving as her lead in, and consistently forcing a defensive response from her opponent. She often finishes matches with her swift tai-otoshi, launching near instantly at well chosen moments, which has brought her several wins at tournament, where she has consistently brought home medals. Lately she has been seen working on expanding her foot sweep arsenal.
An African proverb states “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Congratulations to both young women on coming this far, and we’re excited to see how far they go!
Uke & Tori: Why Being a Great Uke Will Make You a Dangerous Tori
(Disclaimer: Capes are wildly impractical and not recommended for Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, or any martial arts training. These ones are purely symbolic—to capture the heroic spirit of the Uke and Tori. No judoka were harmed in the making of this image.)
Let’s cut the fluff—everyone wants to be the Tori. The thrower. The hero. The highlight reel. But here’s what most folks miss: the Uke, the one getting thrown, is the heartbeat of the training. If the Uke sucks, no one’s getting better.
Being a great Uke isn’t about flopping and hoping. It’s about control. Timing. Feedback. You are your partner’s resistance band and crash test dummy rolled into one. Let’s break down why being the best Uke in the room might be the biggest flex in your Judo journey.
Uke: The Role Everyone Underestimates
Without the Uke, the Tori’s just shadowboxing. The Uke is the one feeling the throw, absorbing the lessons, and helping the Tori fine-tune their mechanics. You’re not dead weight. You’re the data.
You feel the kuzushi. You feel the tempo. You feel when a throw is sharp—or when it’s a hot mess. Your body becomes the feedback loop.
A good Uke isn’t passive—they’re tuned in. They adjust their grip, their balance, their energy to make the technique real. And if you’re not doing that, you’re just eating mat.
It’s Not Just Falling—It’s Ukemi
You ever get thrown by someone who’s scared to fall? It’s like watching someone try to tiptoe through a car crash.
Ukemi isn’t just flopping safely. It’s a skill. A great fall builds Tori’s confidence. You land clean, they can commit. And when they commit, they grow.
Learning how to fall means learning how to protect your neck (literally) and how to flow with the energy of the throw. When your fall is clean, your Tori can throw harder and more realistically. That’s the trust.
Feeling Kuzushi and Giving Real Feedback
You’re not just there to go off-balance. You’re there to help your partner feel what real kuzushi looks like. The moment you feel it—say something. Let them know what worked and what didn’t.
Every time you get thrown, it’s a chance to feel the energy from the inside. You’ll know if the timing was off or if the lift came too late. And that’s what makes a good Uke priceless.
Grip Matters
Yes, even as Uke. Your grip tells the story. Rigid grip? You’re killing the throw. Loose like spaghetti? Same deal. There’s a Goldilocks zone—solid, but responsive.
Help the Tori move through the technique by giving them the kind of resistance they need—not the kind that kills the momentum.
Trust and Respect Are the Glue
If you and your partner don’t trust each other, forget it. That throw’s going nowhere.
Being a good Uke means trusting the person throwing you—and giving them reasons to trust you back. You want your partner to feel like they can go for the big technique without worrying about hurting you or being judged.
Good Ukes build Tori confidence. They say, "Go for it—I’ve got the fall handled." That’s how you both grow.
Why Every Great Uke Becomes a Scary-Good Tori
Here’s the cheat code: when you take the throw, you learn the throw. You live it.
You feel the timing, the lift, the entry. You feel what works and what doesn’t. Then when it’s your turn to throw? You already know what clean feels like. You’re not guessing—you’re reliving.
The best throwers I’ve seen are the best Ukes. They studied from the mat up.
Being the Uke When the Throw is New
New throws are awkward. That’s part of the grind. As the Uke, your job is to help your partner sort through the chaos.
You’re there to take the messy reps. To help your partner calibrate. To say, "Yo, that lift didn’t feel stable" or "I didn’t feel the off-balance until too late."
That feedback turns trial-and-error into progress.
The Personal Side of Uke: What It Taught Me
I’m usually one of the first people to throw my hand up when it’s time to be Uke—and it’s not because I like being tossed around (okay, maybe a little). It’s because I want all the XP. Being Uke gives me the freedom to study everything: grips, balance, kuzushi, breathing, reaction. As Tori, you’re locked into a role. As Uke? You get to steal all the cheat codes.
That’s why I love it. And with that trust comes responsibility. I have to be sharp on safety—don’t slam into my partner, don’t let them crash from a bad angle. Once I’m locked in and safe, I go into "absorption mode." That’s where I started to understand grips. My hands became sensors—were they guns or noodles? Could I feel 2, 3, or 4 knuckles? Were my grips clean? These micro-adjustments gave me a playbook of subtle details and a way to give real feedback.
As a teacher, I see the same learning curve over and over: new students being stiff, nervous, unsure. That’s normal. It’s my job to show them how to Uke—relaxed, present, rooted in safety, and clear in their intent.
But then there are the stubborn Ukes. The ones who won’t move with you. The ones resisting like it’s a competition. That moment when you think, "What’s this person doing?" Frustration builds. My go-to move? Thank them, switch partners, and say, "I think I need to try this on someone else." That saves face, avoids drama, and gives them a chance to reflect. More often than not, they circle back later to talk it out.
Now, real talk—sometimes people are just difficult. That’s when I try to diffuse the situation before it flares. I’m not here to escalate, but I’m also not here to roll over. I’ve had to pull the “5-minute water break” card just to reset the vibe. Sometimes being a black belt in politeness is your best tool. Stay strong. Stay respectful. Assume it’s miscommunication until proven otherwise. Lead with example, and hope they see it.
Training is full of these little moments—conflict, resolution, reflection. Every one of them is a lesson. Every crumb matters. Don’t leave any sweet treats behind.
Real Tips for Being a High-Level Uke
Relax Don’t stiff-arm your way through a throw. Stay loose. Stay aware. It helps you survive the impact and lets your Tori train with full confidence.
Communicate If the throw felt off—say it. If you lost balance early—say it. Don’t be a robot. Be a partner.
Be Mentally Present Don’t zone out waiting to get dumped. Watch their footwork. Feel their grip. Respond in real time.
Build Confidence, Not Ego Your job is to help your Tori go all-in. That means repping it out with them until it clicks. Don’t worry about looking cool. Focus on helping them grow.
Final Thoughts: Uke Isn’t Second Place
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes about “just being Uke,” you’ve missed the point.
Being an elite Uke is a leadership role. It takes awareness, humility, and a whole lot of mat time.
So the next time someone needs a body to throw, step up—not just to take the fall, but to own the role.
Because every great Tori started as someone who took great falls—and turned them into gold.
Your Turn: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from being an Uke? Do you prefer being Uke or Tori when trying something new, and why? Have you ever had to help a partner improve by giving feedback as Uke? What did you say or do? Ever run into a stubborn or uncooperative Uke? How’d you handle it? What do you focus on when you're in the Uke role—grips, balance, kuzushi, something else?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or share a story from the mat. Let's learn from each other.
Judo Dojo Etiquette: Respect, Hygiene, Sparring, and Training Principles
Welcome to the world of Judo, where sweat meets soul and discipline checks your ego at the door. Whether you’re rocking a white belt or have stripes that could intimidate a zebra, one thing’s for sure—dojo etiquette isn’t optional. It’s essential. It’s not just about mastering the art; it’s about respecting the space, the people, and the philosophy that got us here in the first place.
Let’s break it down—how to carry yourself like a Judoka and not a clueless tornado in a gi.
Bowing: More Than a Nod, It’s the Entry Fee
Bowing isn’t just a tradition. It’s your cover charge for entering a space of mutual respect. It tells the room: "I’m here to learn, not to throw people like a maniac without context."
You bow to your partner, to the space, to your coach. It's not submission; it's alignment. You're syncing your mindset with the art. That said, don’t overdo it. No need to bow mid-throw like you’re reenacting a Shakespearean tragedy.
Quick hits:
Bow in at the start and end of class.
Bow before randori.
Don’t bow mid-fight like an NPC stuck in a loop.
Eyes forward, not at the mat—respect doesn’t mean weakness.
Hygiene: Because Nobody Wants to Catch the Funk
Don’t be the smelly kid!
Wearing a clean gi isn’t just about smelling good. It’s about not being the reason someone wishes they had nose plugs taped inside their headgear.
Wash your gi. Trim your nails. Shower. No one wants to roll with human Velcro covered in funk. If you're not clean, you're disrespecting your partners. And the mat gods will judge you.
Pro tips:
Toenails and fingernails = mini razor blades if ignored.
Deodorant is not your enemy.
If your gi stands up by itself, burn it.
Bonus Tip: No Shoes on the Mats
This one should go without saying—but just in case it doesn’t: shoes don’t belong on the mats. Ever. The mats are sacred ground where we train, fall, and sometimes accidentally eat floor. Dragging in dirt, germs, or dog poop residue from the parking lot is a fast track to ruining everyone’s day. If your footwear touches the street, it doesn’t touch the tatami. Flip-flops at the edge are fine. Street shoes? Absolute no-go.
Sparring Etiquette: How Not to Be "That Guy"
Here’s where a lot of new Judoka (and some veterans) mess it up. Sparring is not your audition for an action movie. You're not there to win. You're there to learn.
Match Energy
If your partner’s chill, you’re chill. If they ramp it up, match them (responsibly). It’s not a flex contest. It’s cooperative combat.
Don’t Try to Win Practice
If you’re training to be the dojo alpha, you're missing the point. Nobody gives medals for demolishing training partners. You’re either improving, helping others improve, or being a danger. Choose wisely.
Communication is King
Want to go hard? Ask. Want to keep it technical? Say so. You’re not a mind-reader and neither are they.
Avoid Injuries (Seriously)
If you hurt someone, you didn’t win—you failed. We only get one body. Protect yours and theirs.
Story Time: "Pal" and the Armbar Incident
Let’s talk about Pal. After class, we're sparring. I’m working grips and ground control—nothing nuts. Pal wasn’t vibing. He lets out a roar and goes full berserker, cranking a wild armbar like it’s Mortal Kombat. I was tapping, repositioning, doing the whole polite exit dance—and he still rips it.
Coach stops the session. The room freezes. I smile, take a deep breath, and say, “I think I’m done for the day.”
Later, Coach pulled Pal aside. Respectfully handled. Pal faded from the mat over the next few weeks. Not because of punishment—because people didn’t want to roll with a loaded cannon. No hate, just natural consequences.
Moral of the story: Don’t be the reason people flinch when your name gets called for randori.
Real Talk: Wins, Losses, and the Woo-Woo
Here’s the deal. Everyone wants to win. That’s baked into our DNA. But there’s winning... and then there’s winning at the cost of trust. The line between pushing yourself and becoming a problem is thin, and once crossed, it’s hard to uncross.
Progress isn’t always a highlight reel. Sometimes your win is getting tossed less. Or sensing balance better. Or backing off before you go full gremlin. That’s still growth.
Judo gems:
Ju = gentle. Not weak—smart.
Kuzushi = unbalancing. That includes ego.
Aiki = blending. Not overpowering.
Train with flow. Win with humility. Lose with curiosity. That’s the woo-woo. That’s the art.
Wrap It Up: It’s About People, Not Points
The dojo is sacred—not because of the walls, but because of the people in it. If you're not making it safer, better, and more respectful, then what are you even doing?
Respect your partners.
Clean your damn gi.
Don’t try to be the dojo warlord.
Train smart. Communicate. Be cool.
At the end of the day, nobody remembers the throw. They remember how you made them feel.
Now go be the Judoka people actually want to train with.
Your Turn:
Let’s hear from you. How do you keep the good vibes rolling and the mat monsters respectful? Got a golden rule for training etiquette? A sneaky trick to build trust with your randori crew? Or a story where someone (maybe you) totally fumbled the dojo code? Share your thoughts below—let’s turn this blog into a black belt-level conversation. Steel sharpens steel, after all.
Why Judo? How it Enhances Your Martial Arts Journey and Complements Kali & Silat
If you’re looking to dive deeper into martial arts, there’s one art that stands out as a game-changer: Judo. But why should you consider Judo as part of your martial arts journey? And how can it enhance what you already know in arts like Kali and Silat? Let’s break it down. Grab your gi, get ready, and let’s jump into this!
Why Take Judo?
Judo isn’t just about throwing people around, although let’s be honest—that’s a major part of it. At its core, Judo teaches you the principle of using your opponent’s energy and momentum against them. It’s like the ultimate game of chess where leverage, timing, and balance become your weapons of choice.
The best part? You don’t need to be the Hulk to throw people. Judo’s all about strategy. It’s not about muscle—it’s about using your opponent’s movement against them. The real fun comes when you figure out how to outwit, out-maneuver, and outsmart your opponent, all while making it look like a smooth, effortless throw.
And hey, Judo’s not just a mind game—it’s also fantastic for conditioning. Your body will get leaner, faster, and stronger. You'll build flexibility, explosive power, and a solid core. And those grueling grip fights? Totally worth it when you feel how much they improve your throws.
How Does Judo Enhance Other Martial Arts?
When you step onto the mat for Judo, you’ll start to notice some unexpected perks in your other martial arts too. The throws, the groundwork, the grip work—all of these techniques integrate seamlessly with your existing skills.
Judo is applicable without the gi
If you’re practicing Kali, Judo’s emphasis on leverage and balance is a game-changer. Think about it: you’re used to controlling distance and offense with weapons, right? But when you know how to throw and off-balance someone in the blink of an eye, it transforms the way you flow through a fight. You go from strike to takedown, and that transition? Smooth as butter.
In Silat, you’ll feel the same magic happen. Judo’s groundwork techniques (or ne-waza) will enhance your low stances, joint locks, and trapping. Ground control in Judo isn’t just about taking someone to the mat—it’s about dominating them there. So whether you’re using Silat’s quick strikes or Judo’s throws, you're stacking your game like a house of cards—perfectly balanced.
How Kali, Silat, and Judo Work Together
Now, let’s break it down even further. Kali, Silat, and Judo each bring something unique to the martial arts table. Kali gives you the skills to defend yourself at range—whether you’re dealing with sticks, knives, or just your empty hands. Control and distance are your friends, and Kali makes sure you’re always in control.
Silat takes it to a whole new level with its deceptive movement, low stances, and utilizing your environment to outsmart your opponent. Think of it as fluidity with a side of sneakiness. It’s the art of being tactical—weaving in and out of strikes with joint locks and close-quarters combat.
Then you’ve got Judo, the king of throws, grappling, and ground control. Judo isn’t just about standing—it’s about transitioning from standing to the ground with ease and grace (well, at least grace with a little sweat). And once you’re on the ground? You’re staying there—it’s your playground.
Now, imagine combining all three. You’ve got strikes from Kali, evasion and tactical movement from Silat, and takedowns from Judo. A complete martial artist who can adapt to any situation and finish strong—whether that’s with a strike, throw, or submission.
Des Moines Judo Academy: A Unique Opportunity
At Des Moines Judo Academy, we’re the only Judo dojo in the Des Moines area—you’d have to drive a couple of hours to the nearest one! But we’re lucky enough to also teach Kali, Silat, and Weapons right here at DSM Judo Academy. That’s a double whammy of awesomeness! This rare opportunity to train in multiple arts under one roof is something most schools don’t offer, and it’s an incredible advantage for anyone who wants a well-rounded martial arts experience.
Not every school is interested in expanding their scope to include multiple arts, and that’s perfectly okay. There’s a lot of merit in schools that want to focus on one style and become masters of it. However, here at DSM Judo Academy, we’re able to bridge multiple styles to give our students a comprehensive view of martial arts. Whether you’re looking to explore Judo as a standalone discipline or integrate it with your existing Kali or Silat practice, we’ve got you covered. It's a rare opportunity, and we’re proud to offer it.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re new to martial arts or have been practicing for years, Judo adds a critical layer to your martial arts toolkit. It’s not just about throws—it’s about control, timing, and leveraging your opponent’s energy. By combining Judo with the strikes and weapon skills of Kali and the deceptive, close-quarters combat of Silat, you’re building a martial artist who can handle any challenge that comes their way.
So, what are you waiting for? Get on the mat, embrace Judo’s art of balance, and watch how it complements your entire martial arts journey. Plus, with Kali and Silat on the side? You’ll be one of the most well-rounded martial artists out there.
Your Turn:
What other martial arts do you train in besides Judo? How do you see how other arts complement Judo, or how Judo enhances the skills you already have? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation rolling! After all, we’re all here to learn and level up together.