10/17/2011
I was in Edmond, Ok competeing in the Heartland Team Tournament this past Saturday, the 15th. My judo team, Texoma Judo, did not go. It was just me, my mom, my granny and my cousin, TJ. I was asked to play on a team for the Senior Division ( Black or Brown Belt Players). So I weighted in. Since we did not play till 1p.m. we went to eat breakfast at IHOP. I never leave a tournment to eat so this was a nice change especially since I got to have pancakes! Anyway when we returned I was also asked to play in the Senior Novice Division. I was fighting in the Open weight, at this tournament that meant I would fight anyone 210lbs+ on either team I was on. So for the Senior Novice I was on Team Sooner. At these types of tournaments you have to go onto the mat before anyone fights as a team. You bow to the Official Refs. Then you turn back were we are facing the other team and bow to them. There is 5 players representing different weight divisions. The lightest will fight first so he stays on the mat as the other 4 go to the side to watch. Then like any other tournament you wait till it is your turn. I was the last to fight for our team since I was the heaviest. I fought well. My mom told me that if I wanted to use my standard throws that I have been winning with for several years to go ahead because I was fighting for a team. She said that she was sure Sensei Roy would be fine with that. I did not. I used my new throws and combos. I was dominating. I tried a combo but it did not work. Then I countered the guy with another combo and won with an Ippon. Then we watched as the 2 other teams played. Then it was our turn again. We did as before as far as the bowing procedures. Then it was my turn again. I had a competitor I had fought before in Tulsa, Ok. I got my grip fast and threw him with an Ippon. This secured us for the 2nd place in the Senior Novice Division. I was very happy with my performance.
Ok now it was time for the Senior Division. As I had said before this is for Black and Brown Belts only. Again I am fighting in the Open Division, 210lbs + for this tournament. I did have several big men, not weight but one was same height yet very strong. One of the others was not tall but built like a fire hydrant, very strong as well. Plus they all are great Judo players. So I knew that I had to really think about what I was going to do. My first match unfortunately came and went within 30 seconds. I guess I was leaning a bit too much when I reached for a high grip. This gave the opportunity to use my “off-balance” to throw me, he did. He won with an Ippon. Unfortunately we did not do well against that team. We played against 4 teams. I did not have to fight one of the teams because they did not have anyone my size. So that meant techniquely I won. Yet my other players did and we won against that team. Now for our 3rd team. I was up. I was dominating, getting grip. I was using my new combos and throws. I was up by a point. Yet unfortunately my competitor counter me with an Ippon. I lost. I was ok with it because it was a great fight for me and definitely a great counter from my competitor. I need to lose at times to see my mistakes. Ok now it is our finally team for the Senior Division. I again tried several combos and different attacks. Yet I finally got him in and threw him for an Ippon. This team I was on was Team OSU. We took 3rd place in the Team Tournament. I really was happy with the way I fought. I know of the 2 fights that I lost what I needed to do but my results speak for themselves. I hope you guys enjoy the pictures of the past 2 tournaments and the now the videos that we have linked to my webpage. Thank you for all the support I am receiving on a daily basis, may it be words, prayers, Uke partner, ideas or financial. I really enjoy each and everyone!! I know that God is always here with me and has a plan for my life. I am sure my grandpa is right next to God whispering what he would like!!! Thank you again!
Oh I almost forgot. 1st I will be fighting this weekend near Burlison, Texas. 2nd this past week my mom was told that if anyone wants to make a tax deductible donation then instead of going to my paypal donation button or sending a check to our home. You need to send it to Dee Firth, Treasurer-Texas Judo, 1159 CR 262 Gainsville, Texas 76240. IN THE MEMO AREA PUT “DEVIN SOBAY-FRANCE” Otherwise I will not receive the funds. Thank you again!!
10/06/2011
Hello all. My mom, Sensei Carl, Luke McDonald and I went to the 17th Annual Go Shibata Tournament held at Texas A&M University on October 01, 2011. We left for this tournament at 3a.m. that morning. It took us about 5.5 hours to get there. This tournament is a point tournament. Luke fought first, he had several fights. He fought well. Luke took home a Bronze Medal. I did not have anyone in my age group. So I moved up an age catagory. I was told again to work my weaker grips and use new throws I have been practicing on. I have been winning with certain throws but if I want to become an Olympian I have to have many throws that I am great at. I have to go into any competition and look at my competitor, his style, his weakness and use a different throw each time. I need a “bag” I can reach into for each competitor. So with that in mind I have been working on several new ones. I was happy with my outcome because I did as I was told and did not sway from this even though I know I could have fallen on my usual throws I win with. So I took 2nd in the 15/16 year old division. Okay now that was done I fought next in the men’s division. Again I did what I was told and use new grips and techniques. I was very happy with the way I played. I took home a Gold in this division!! I now have next weekend off and will be training even harder. I may be going to Houston in a week for a 3-day training camp. If not then I will fight in a team tournament in Oklahoma. I will also have a tournament on Octover 22nd to benefit 2 great Texas players who will be playing on the World Cadet Team. For me it is getting closer to the French training camp and Tournament, I am excited. Later. Thank you!!
09/2011
Hello everyone. The Texoma Judo Team went to Tulsa, Oklahoma this past Saturday, 09/24/11. The team took second place overall as far as points. My sister fought in the women’s division and took Gold. This is her 10th or 11th Judo tournament and is still undefeated!! The McDonald Boys went and each brought home a Gold medal. As well as Jennifer. We had another young boy, Drew, bring home a gold. Plus a guy named RJ brought home a silver. Then Josh and Benton brought home a bronze medal. As for me I did not have anyone to fight in the Junior division. I just fought in the men’s. I had 2 matches, each did not last long. The first one I threw the guy for a wazari then pinned him for a win. The second fight I took my power grip right away and threw the guy for an Ippon. I also was asked to fight a competitor who was not in my division. He is a little taller and a little heavier. He had won his division but we had fought several months back and I beat him both times prior. He wanted to go with me again because we are almost the same height. I liked this final fight. I knew that this guy came from a good Judo club and he had strength. I had pinned him twice, once getting a wazari. Yet he was able to get out of my hold downs. Finally he tried to do a sacrafice throw. He did not get it right and since he was on the ground I pinned him. This time I was able to lock down the pin. I won. I was very happy with this fight. Okay now we have to go to College Station this weekend. Talk to you guys later. Thank you for all the support!!