Often times judoka who feel they have been proficient enough with their nagewaza would take a leave presuming that indeed they are proficient. They get bored with the repetitive training imposed by the dojo. After a period of time they come back again presuming that the skills they have acquired would be available when called for when a situation demands. Of course, these judoka end up discovering that the skills they have acquired are not available on demand simply because the skills have not been diligently maintained. When called for the skills seem "frozen" in the mind of the judoka and is manifested by the seemingly "frozen" body unable to execute the appropriate waza for the situation.
The situation brings to mind the lesson of Kaizen - "continuous improvement". It also brings to mind the meaning of our dojo's name "seijitsu" which translates as "honest; sincere; faithful" and is composed of the kanji (read as "sei") meaning "sincerity; truth; fidelity" and (read as "jitsu") meaning "truth; reality". The point is that a judoka who comes to our dojo must seek continuous improvement by constant training and must approach such training with sincerity in his/her heart. Afterall, this is what martial arts is all about - sincerity. Thus, be sincere with your dealings; be sincere with your training; and when situation demands - be sincere in facing the battle. For such is the meaning of Seijitsu Judo.
What is the secret then? Simply put - the secret is training. Therefore, meet every training with sincerity of intent that you may bow and say - Osu! Push and persevere!