The te-waza or hand techniques comprise some of the major contest techniques such as seoi-nage, tai-otoshi,and various leg grabs, as well as some of the most difficult of all judo throws such as sumi-otoshi and uki-otoshi. The inclusion of eminently practical techniques alongside others considered by many practicing judoka with years of experience to be extremely difficult is no accident.
This technique is arguably the most difficult of all the foot sweeps and requires excellent timing as well as the confidence to make the deep entry and the big step necessary to throw the opponent. It requires considerable balance and a flexible back and is almost impossible to force. Realistically, if it is to work at all, the opponent must be moving and the timing must be perfect.
Kesa Gatame is the Japanese name for a position used in Judo that is also used in Brazilian Jiujitsu where it's known as head and arm or the scarf hold. Many practitioners of Brazilian jiujitsu criticize this position as having a major flaw because you are left vulnerable to your opponent taking your back. This can be prevented if you are careful and aware about proper foot placement as well as remaining balanced and in control.
Judo is little more than a hundred years old but derives directly from a much older martial art, that of ju-jitsu. Ju-jitsu is a generic term which describes a number of traditional Japanese martial arts systems. It has its roots in the samurai past of Japan and was originally conceived as a system of close quarter fighting techniques that could be employed with or without weapons in hand to hand combat.
Tai-sabaki, or body movement, involves taking a grip and moving to set up the opponent to be thrown. There are two basic methods of walking: ayumi-ashi, or normal walking, where one foot is placed in front of the other, and tsugi-ashi, or following footwork, which involves advancing or retreating on one foot and then drawing the other foot level. These footwork skills combine with three basic footwork patterns that allow tori to turn in for or attempt the various throws.
Students sometimes have difficulty with throwing techniques because they haven't properly taken their opponent off balance. This problem can even affect more advanced Judoka as well even though they understand the importance that Kuzushi plays in applying the techniques and throwing or sweeping their opponent. It obviously plays a vital role in performing the techniques in Randori.
This is really an outstanding book for the way it focuses on the various aspects of grappling with an opponent while on the ground. I was particularly impressed with the layout and design of this book. Very easy to follow and understand. Here are some of the key points that this book focuses on.
Judo is a system of self defense, a physical and mental discipline, and an Olympic Sport. It is designed so that it can be practiced by all ages, both male and female. Judo is safe and does not involve any kicking or striking techniques. It is an excellent activity to increase physical fitness, self-esteem and self-defense.
It is clear that your opponent in judo will possess a great deal of power against you if he is able to use his lower extremities to throw you off. It is therefore necessary for you when you learn judo to know how you may immobilize his lower extremities to gain the upper hand. There are a number of ways to do this, and five of these methods are outlined in this article. All these methods are very effective and should be used when the case requires it. Remember that practice makes perfect. |
