We didn't do a follow-up. I went for their help because it annoyed the hell out of me for not having even considered those kinds of questions (e.g. how the hell would I confirm my theory). Symposium was to familiarise us with the format, and for staff to get the gist of what us PhD freshmen could do on our own in two months/how are we handling it. This week, I spent all of my free time in the experimentalists building trying to get myself up to speed with their methodologies. The gap between theoretical and experimental physics is almost comically wide in some respects, and I definitely should be putting more effort to bridge it. We already got new assignments, though. I'll get to see if I improve/learn my lesson in February. As I said, we shall see about Sambo. I'm not a fan of sparring with guys who likely have my entire bodyweight in muscle, but the interest both of you showed makes me intrigued enough to try it at some point.
Unless the gym spars at a real high intensity, you shouldn't have an issue because people will take your size and weight into consideration. If the gym does spar at a real high intensity, especially frequently, that's a big red flag that the gym is an unsafe environment because that alone greatly increases the risk of injury. When it comes to things like learning techniques and running drills, you can easily work with people who have twenty to fifty pounds on you, because the focus shouldn't be on overcoming the person working opposite from you, but learning the body motions and the theories behind the techniques. Case in point? One class I had a judo partner who was over a foot taller than me and had me by at least fifty pounds, if not more, and they worked with me so well and were so helpful, I didn't even notice the size difference. No pressure though. You gotta do and worry about what feels safe and comfortable for you.I'm not a fan of sparring with guys who likely have my entire bodyweight in muscle, but the interest both of you showed makes me intrigued enough to try it at some point.