So about two weeks ago, on October 9^th, I had my last judo practice at the Tokai University Judo club. After one year of practice with the team, following them to tournaments, training camps, morning runs and hard weight sessions, I have now taken my leave.

Why? Well for many reasons, the biggest one being my surgery, which will happen tomorrow (at the time of writing). I had some preparations for the surgery such as purchasing the needed articles and making sure I understand the procedure. I also had to start my preparation for what is to come after my surgery, since it seems like I will be quite busy. Not being able to talk will make these preparations quite difficult, therefore I took the opportunity with this time I got. The last reason was that I wanted to have a little fun with my friends before I leave. Once my surgery is done, going out with friends will become quite difficult.

To say thank you and good bye to the team, I wrote a speech, which my dad helped correct, and after that practice, I said it out loud to those who were there.

One thing I noticed was that as I was practicing the speech, I would end up getting very emotional as I said the last line. I came to realize that I worked hard throughout the year. One year ago, these guys whom I barely knew came to be a part of my daily life. This club became my second home that I shared with these guys, and I must say I went through a lot.

As I said the last lines, the emotions filled me up, and I couldn't help the tears that came to my eyes. After I was done, the whole club bowed to me, and gave me a round of applause. I shook Agemizu sensei's hand and returned to sit down with everyone.

Agemizu then spoke to the club for about 5 minutes about what I had said and my whole stay in Japan, which was very nice of him. The practice ended, and I asked if I could grab a picture with everyone.


After the picture, a lot of guys came to shake my hand and tell me thank you or good luck. One guy was even crying. Fubuki and Kotaro invited me to diner, and all the coaches came to thank me one last time.


That night, I ate with Fubuki, Kotaro and... which was a good ending to it all. After spending a few moments in Kotaro's room, I headed back to my room, a huge weight off my shoulders.


After one whole year, I survived. Partially.