It was supposed to be one of the best training opportunities to prepare me for the upcoming international judo competition in France. Little did I know this fateful randori (Japanese term for ‘fight’) would cost me not only my knee, but also my pro career as a Judoka.

When I received the invitation to the World Randori in Munich I was beside myself with joy. The best fighters from all over the world were participating in this judo training camp immediately following the annual World Masters Championship in Munich, Germany. Needless to say, I had never missed watching the World Masters and was extremely excited about the privilege and honor to learn from the top fighters in my weight division. Only one year prior, I had made it into the “Judo Bundesliga,” which is the national league of Judo in Germany. At the end of my last outrageously successful year in the youth league, I was scouted by several pro teams and finally chose the one that offered me the most fighting opportunities and financial gain. My sponsors provided all my judo gear and clothes. I was paid cash for every fight and even received bonuses for my victories. It was like being in heaven. All I dreamed about was competing at the Olympic Games in Barcelona. My coach believed in me so intensely I could not help developing a clear vision of myself fighting on the German National Team. It was not all about the glory though. My heart and passion were all about judo, because I simply lived and breathed it every single day of the week. It was my life as much as it was a way of life; it gave me drive and determination. These two attributes proved to be very beneficial later on in my life.

Back on that fateful day in Munich I was not even afraid to get whooped by the world champions of each weight division. Not because I thought I was invincible or even better than them. The truth is, that I thirsted for knowledge. I could not wait to drink from the cup of wisdom these great fighters were offering me. Any opportunity to learn is an amazing gift that I have never taken lightly.