What is periodisation? Periodisation is a technique of planning the process of training and competition so that the annual training plan is a succession of "periods", each of which has a different style of activity. In the basic model of periodisation, there are three kinds of periods: a Preparation period, a Competition period and a Transition period. The most important competition of the year is usually planned for the final part of the competition period. An annual training plan may consist of one of each such periods; in Judo, experience has led to the use of a so-called "Double periodisation": a "Preparation period I", a "Competition period I", then a "Preparation period II", a "Competition period II" and finally a "Transition period". Why periodisation? The basic idea underlying this concept is the recognition that it is impossible to have an athlete to be continuously at peak readiness, top athletic shape or form - always to be able to deliver his best performance. You can train for such athletic shape, if you do it correctly you will achieve it; then, it can be maintained for some time, but finally you must "let go", rest, losing some of that peak ability so that you may "recharge your batteries" and, hopefully, go through such a cycle again, if possible - at a higher level. Periodisation claims to be the procedure which will cause you to be at your best level, to have your highest form at the time of the most important competition of the year.