Disciplined judo competitor started at young age

Disciplined judo competitor started at young age

Disciplined judo competitor started at young age

By Jim SheahanPoughkeepsie Journal
Judo has played a big role in preparing Michael Janelli for the rest of his life. Discipline. Sacrifice. Humility.
In qualifying for the Empire State Games, however, Janelli entered into a possible scenario that nothing could have prepared him for: squaring off with his older brother for ESG supremacy.
Janelli, 17, will represent the Hudson Valley at the ESGs in the 162-179-pound weight class. The defending ESG champion in that category is Bobby Janelli, his 20-year-old brother.
Bobby is living in Ithaca this summer while he completes an internship — he failed to qualify for the ESGs out of the Central Region.
Michael admits he's relieved.
"I'm glad, almost," Michael said. "He's my older brother. I don't know if I could ..." as his voice trailed off.
The awkward situation averted, Michael Janelli can focus on his first visit to the ESGs. A 17-year-old resident of Red Hook, Janelli is a brown belt in judo — most ESG competitors are black belts. But Michael's recent third-place finish at the prestigious international AM-CAN tournament has bolstered his confidence.
He's been active in judo since age six and competitive since age eight.
Different attributes
On the sport, Michael says that there's a balance that needs to be struck between strength, fitness and technique.
"Each tournament you go to, you need to be in shape," Michael said. "But as you get into harder competitions, the ratio between technique and strength changes. It helps to be stronger, but you need to have great technique."
He'll need to be in shape for the ESGs, because he'll be taking on five guys in one day. He'll square off against one competitor from each of the other five regions - including the guy who kept his older brother from qualifying.
And it's not the last you've heard of the Janellis. Bobby and Michael can still compete in the years to come. Mark, 13, the youngest of the siblings, could be next.
Jim Sheahan can be reached at (845) 437-4845 or at jsheahan@pough keepsiejournal.com

Fonte: Poughkeepsie Journal - Poughkeepsie, NY, USA - http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/