Random thought on Life, Judo Olympics, Judo Self Defense, The Art or Judo Kata, Judo An International Sport. Things that inspire or annoy me or things that I just had to write down.
Steven Seagal's solution to Judo and wrestling (A comment on the No Leg Grab rule)
In the video below, Chadi discusses the importance of Judo as a martial art and the value it holds beyond just Olympic competition. He argues that taking away techniques, such as the "leg grab" rule in Judo, is not a solution to the challenges faced in the sport. I do not completely agree.
Chadi highlights the effectiveness of techniques like "morote gari" and "harai goshi" in countering attacks such as leg grabs or "shooting". He also demonstrates how "Tawara gaeshi" can be used as a counter to the "morote gari" technique.
Chadi believes that Judo has solutions and counters for everything and that the techniques and history of the martial art can provide valuable insights into the sport. He points out that even techniques from Judo, such as foot sweeps and reaps, have found their way into wrestling.
Although the video uses a humorous clip of Steven Seagal to illustrate its point, Chadi argues that there is a serious discussion to be had about the value of Judo and the importance of not taking away techniques. He concludes by inviting viewers to add their thoughts on the topic.
Whilst I agree with Chadi that we do have to be careful to make sure we continue to teach the whole range of Judo, I am convinced that it is perfectly acceptable to separate training for competition (Sheai) and Randori (competition without points) training.
In support of this argument, I point to Kata.
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Kata is always taught separately from Sheai training. There is therefore no reason why Randori can’t be the same. That is, if you are using Randroi for Sheai training you don’t include that forbidden techniques. But if you are training for training sake or even for self-defence then you can include those techniques.
I have made it clear that I am no fan of the no leg grab rule but as a means to the end of making Judo distinctive from other martial arts in the Olympics then I have no problems.
When the rule was first instigated the IJF did a very poor job of communicating the reasons. Had they done a better job of telling everybody that it was to distinguish Judo from other Martial arts they could have avoided a lot of controversy. In fact, they still don’t seem to want to avoid this particular controversy so the discussion goes on. But it is not that had to live with and still be true to the spirit of Judo.
I still teach leg grab throws in class. It’s not that hard to separate it out from Sheai.
With all the controversy surrounding the no-leg rule in Judo competition, one of the throws that people think suffer is Kata Guruma, here are two examples of a variation that works without grabbing the legs.
There have always been competition-compatible variations of Kata Guruma. The one I teach in class is a drop-to-your-knee type (Video 1). But the version in Video 2 is much closer to the original in that Tori remains standing (Video 2)
The beauty of the video 1 version is that you don't have to go to the ground at all. This means that you are in a far less vulnerable position if you are unable to complete the throw.
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The arguments will go on endlessly about the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the no-leg-grab rule. Particularly about how it affects and sometimes limits throws. I will admit to contributing to those arguments. But the reality is that Judo is so adaptable that someone will come up with a way to live with such changes sooner or later. These two videos are a perfect example of this type of adaption.
Stupid rules, including the "no leg grab" rule, are rules that are promoted as supposedly to make things safer for players when in fact they are not based on any data and actually do nothing to improve competition. But that is a discussion for another blog post.
Mind you it only does so because we have allowed grip fighting to develop to a ridiculous proportion of the contest. Something that can also be said for leg grabs that supposedly precipitated the introduction of the "no leg grab" rule.
Before the advent of the "two-hand" rule, I have been known to call out "Boring" from the sidelines over the top of others cheering for their fellow contestants. I can't understand why more weren't doing it. No one can honestly tell me that watching to Judo players play handsies, in the guise of grip fighting, on the mat is even slightly compelling.
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Grip Fighting
The first time I came across this "grip fighting" was after I came back to contest after a break from Judo for a couple of years due to studies. I could not believe that as soon as the referee calls "Hajima" my opponent ran away from me and then charged me and the ran away in order to try and get the grip they wanted. What was worse was that this persisted even though I was making no attempt to do the same.
In the end, I gave up trying to approach my opponent and just stood there, preferring to take the penalty rather than continuing to play this stupid game. I could not comprehend why my opponent's action was not considered non-combativity. Eventually, he realised that I was not participating in whatever he was trying to do and stepped in to fight. "Judo at last," I said to myself. To be fair, he had never been taught to fight with whatever grip presented itself and without his favoured grip, he lost.
Has judo really come to this, that if you don't get your prefered grip that you have already lost?
Throw Specialisation
I am all for being an expert in a particular throw. In fact, I would expect it of any half-decent Judoka but do we really care so little about our own skill development that we can not fight without it and does that not apply event more so with taking a grip. Surely if you have a specialty throw, should you know how to do it from any grip that presents itself?
I am mystified that coaches are teaching grip fighting. I think it is detrimental to Judoka development and Judo as a whole.
Never-the-less as I have said in a previous post the new "two-hand rule" is a rule that I approve of because it helps to stops time-wasting. Even if that time-wasting should never have been allowed to develop.
Exploring Rare and Lost Throws in Judo: Insights from Kyuzo Mifune’s "Canon of Judo"
Kyuzo Mifune's "Canon of Judo" offers a fascinating exploration of rare and lost throws in Judo. This historical perspective sheds light on traditional techniques, revealing their unique applications and connections to modern throws. Here, we delve into some key moments and techniques highlighted in a video that discusses these rare throws.
Te Waza, a hand technique, stands out for its precision and elegance. This throw demonstrates the mastery of manipulating an opponent’s balance with minimal effort. Its relevance to traditional Judo lies in its fundamental principles, which apply to various throws. Practising Te Waza hones a judoka's ability to control an opponent’s centre of gravity, a skill essential for many other techniques.
Ganseki Otoshi: The Connection to Seio Otoshi
Ganseki Otoshi, a throw involving a dropping motion, shares a strong relationship with Seio Otoshi (drop Seio Nage). The point of kuzushi (breaking balance) in Ganseki Otoshi has direct applications to Seio Otoshi. Understanding this connection enhances a judoka's ability to execute Seio Otoshi with greater effectiveness. By mastering Ganseki Otoshi, one gains insights into the intricate balance and timing required for Seio Otoshi.
Tama Guruma: The No Leg Grab Kata Guruma
Tama Guruma is closely related to the no-leg grab version of Kata Guruma. This throw emphasizes kuzushi, which is crucial for executing the no-leg grab Kata Guruma successfully. Practising Tama Guruma provides judokas with a deeper understanding of the principles of leverage and balance. These principles are vital for mastering throws that involve lifting an opponent without grabbing their legs.
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Toby Goshi: The Counter to Hip Throws
Toby Goshi serves as a counter to various hip throws. While its execution is not highly unusual, it requires exceptional skill. Only a judoka as skilled as Mifune could perform this throw without risking being thrown themselves. Toby Goshi highlights the importance of timing and precision in countering an opponent’s hip throw. This throw underscores the need for judokas to develop quick reflexes and adaptability.
Ushiro Guruma: The Relation to Hane Goshi
Ushiro Guruma, though somewhat different, has a strong relationship with Hane Goshi. This throw involves a backward spinning motion, which shares principles with Hane Goshi. Understanding Ushiro Guruma provides valuable insights into the kuzushi for Hane Goshi. Practising Ushiro Guruma enhances a judoka’s ability to execute Hane Goshi with improved balance and control.
Historical and Practical Significance
The rare and lost throws featured in Kyuzo Mifune’s "Canon of Judo" offer more than historical curiosity. They provide valuable insights into traditional Judo techniques and their applications. These throws reveal the underlying principles of kuzushi, timing, and leverage, which are essential for mastering modern throws. By studying and practising these techniques, judokas can deepen their understanding of Judo’s rich heritage and enhance their overall skill set.
Incorporating these rare throws into regular training sessions enriches a judoka's repertoire. It also fosters a greater appreciation for the art and history of Judo. Kyuzo Mifune’s "Canon of Judo" remains a timeless resource, offering a treasure trove of knowledge for both practitioners and enthusiasts.
It has been considered to be a competition version. I don't really know why. I think that it may be because you didn't have the delay of reaching through to the leg and therefore you could perform the throw better.
Now with the advent of the stupid no leg grab rule, competitors are looking for ways to exploit other action.
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The entry into the throw is quite difficult to achieve in a contest. You have to be quick. In fact, if you are not quick you could end up with a penalty in your set up phase because you are not allowed to hold on to the same side of the label for more than a few moments and you must be clearly attempting a throw in order for it to be allowed at all.
Basically, this is a great competition throw if you can pull it off.
Morote-gari Used To Be A Fantastic Competition Throw
Perhaps I'm just being nostalgic after all life moves on but Morote-gari used to be a fantastic competition throw. Now that it is not able to be used in competition, however, I can't shake the feeling that the effectiveness of Morote-gari as a Judo throw was the real reason that you can't grab the legs now in competition.
I remember, before that advent of Facebook, being on an email list where there were a number of competitors that used to complain about how stupid this throw was. I was never able to follow their reasoning except, as far as I could tell, they had no defence against it so they thought it should be banned.
Of course, I'll never know for sure but I do know that some of those people eventually got onto the International Judo federation board and it is suspicious that a few years later the no leg grab rule came about. The official reason was given, at least the only one that is defendable was that we were under threat of being removed from the Olympics because we looked too much like Greek-o-Roman wrestling so they removed the leg grabs. I'll leave it up to you to decide but I have never managed to get anyone to officially confirm this.
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As for the lack of defence, if you are going to walk into (pun intended) someone grabbing your legs you deserve to be thrown.
I only managed to throw a few people with this throw when I was doing competitions. Only because I didn't know it was an option until I had almost stopped fighting. Up until then, all I had learned were the 40 throws of the original Gokyo and this is not one of them. It is from the extended version of 66. But it was very effective once I did.
I did, however, discovered the hard way that you don't make it obvious what you are going for the legs because the natural reaction of an opponent is to jerk their legs up in order to pull them away. Why is that the hard way? Well if ever you have had your nose take the brunt of the knee jerk you will know what I mean.
No Knee Jurk Defence
Despite its effectiveness, it is not the knee jerk that is the best defence against Morote-gari and it could end you up with a penalty as well as a bloody nose or worse. The most effective defence is O-uchi-gari or Ko-uchi-gari or even if you catch it early enough Uchi-mata or Tai-o-toshi.
You could use Sumi-gaeshi or even Tomo-nage but it is very difficult to convince the referee that you were the one initiating the throw, so you could lose anyway.
You should be able to tell that I am not convinced that there is no defence against Morote-gari so I was never persuaded by those who wanted it banned from competition. But it is a great throw to practice, although I do tend to use a crash mat these days as it is a had fall.
Phenomenal Self Defence
It is also a phenomenal self-defence throw so it is worth practising if self-defence is a consideration for you. But like I said, it is a hard fall so try to make sure you don't kill you attacker by mistake because they don't know how to fall.
Kuchiki-taoshi - Sort Of Translates As Heal Drop Judo Throw
Kuchiki-taoshi (Koochi-Ki-Ta-Oshi). When you say it, it starts out like you are going to talk to a baby with Koochi Koo but it finishes differently. This is another throw that is part of the extended Gokyo and you cannot use it in competition because of the no leg grab rule. You will see a version of this throw in the Go Shin Jitsu Kata.
It looks like a throw that kids use on each other in the playground or even something a rugby player would use to put another player on the ground. Disregarding the legalities of such activities it is kind of amusing to watch people fail at it, despite its apparent simplicity. It doesn't always fail, which is why people persist in trying it. But when it does fail it is because the thrower has assumed that the Kuzushi (balance breaking) is in the lifting of the leg and it is not.
Kuzushi
You should pay special attention to the position of Tori in the video below when they throw is executed. The Kuzushi is is actually when Tori moves the arm behind Uke.
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Just because someone is standing on one leg does not mean that they are off-balance. Even lifting the leg may not put Uke off balance. I have seen incredibly flexible people have their leg lifted above their head and still remains standing. If you do not move behind Uke after you have lifted the leg or lift Uke off the ground and backwards, they may remain on balance forever.
One final point: This is a hard throw, so be kind to your Uke.
Judo is a dynamic martial art that combines physical skill with mental discipline. Below are two videos to help in your understanding of Judo. The second Video is by Mark Gilston, a 4th-degree black belt in Judo from Cleber Luciano, who teaches judo techniques for use in judo and BJJ. The First video is "A Quick Guide to Judo by the International Judo Federation." It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand the basics of this fascinating sport. Presented by former World Champion Neil Adams, it covers essential elements such as rules, scoring systems, and judo etiquette.
Every judoka wears a judogi, which consists of a jacket and a belt. The judogi is designed to withstand the rigours of training and competition. It is crucial for practice sessions and tournaments alike. Competitors must wear the correct judogi to adhere to international standards during matches.
Scoring Techniques in Judo
Scoring is a fundamental part of judo matches. The highest score, known as ippon, leads to an immediate victory. A judoka can achieve ippon through various techniques, such as throwing their opponent onto their back. Hold-down techniques require a competitor to control an opponent on the mat for 20 seconds, while strangle techniques force the opponent to submit. Understanding these scoring techniques helps spectators and participants appreciate the sport's complexity.
The Golden Score Rule
In judo, matches that end in a draw can enter a "Golden Score" period. During this time, the first judoka to score wins the match. This rule adds exciting tension to closely contested bouts, making every move crucial. Competitors must stay alert and strategic in the Golden Score phase to secure a victory.
Judging and Penalties
Judging in judo is objective and based on specific criteria. Competitors earn points for effective techniques, and the judges evaluate their performance accordingly. Conversely, penalties like shido (minor infractions) can impact a judoka’s score. Familiarity with judging criteria helps athletes navigate their matches successfully.
Emphasizing Judo Principles
The "Quick Guide to Judo by International Judo Federation" emphasizes the importance of respect and fair play. Participants are encouraged to show respect to their opponents and officials. Adhering to these principles enhances the spirit of judo and promotes a positive training environment.
Whether you are a beginner or someone with experience, understanding the basics of judo through this guide can significantly enhance your appreciation of the sport. Dive into the world of judo and discover the discipline and excitement that awaits.
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From The Mark Gilston Video:
What is Judo?
The second Video (below) is by Mark Gilston, 4th degree black belt in Judo, and BJJ black belt under Sean Cooper and Cleber Luciano, who teaches judo techniques for use in judo and BJJ. The video showcases judo's importance in both judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
Key Moments:
Key Points
Description & Time Stamp
History
Judo has a rich history that emphasizes its development as both a martial art and a competitive sport. @ 0:34
Olympic Judo
Judo is featured in the Olympics, showcasing both individual and team competitions. @ 1:48
Standing Throws
Techniques focused on throwing opponents from a standing position. @ 2:59
Entry and Execution
It is important to enter throws effectively and execute them properly. @ 3:36
Hand Throws
Techniques specifically involving the use of hands during throws. @ 3:47
Hip Techniques
Throws primarily utilizing the hip to leverage physical strength. @ 4:07
Leg Techniques
Techniques that incorporate the legs in throws, offering different strategies for takedowns. @ 4:26
Sacrifice Techniques
Methods that involve sacrificing one's position to achieve a throw or submission. @ 4:50
Pinning Techniques
Techniques used to immobilize opponents on the ground. @ 6:26
Hold Downs
Keeping an opponent in a controlled position to score points or gain control. @ 6:59
Joint Locks
Techniques focused on immobilizing an opponent through joint manipulation. @ 8:39
Corrections
There are some corrections that I think should be mentioned, to the Mark Gilston video: Grabbing the legs was, according to my understanding, not removed from Judo competition (called sport judo in the video) because it gave an advantage to players with experience in other grappling sports. It was removed because the Olympic committee were looking at eliminating Judo from the Olympics. To them, with the leg grabs in the contest, it looked too similar to the Greeko-Roman wrestling that was still in the Olympics at the time. It was therefore decided that the best way to distinguish Judo was to eliminate the leg grabs. Ironically, I am now told that Greeko-Roman wrestling itself was almost eliminated from the Olympics because it was not popular enough outside the USA.
Still, the no-leg grab rule remains in force. Partly because it is argued, that its elimination has made Judo more spectacular visually. As a traditionalist, I have misgivings about this but it is what it is and it in no way stops coaches from teaching all the other techniques in the club. As long as competition players know they cannot use them in a contest.
Chokes Across The Windpipe And Standing Arm Bars
From my perspective chokes across the windpipe and standing arm bars were always rare in contests. Honestly, they were always hard to get and the time spent going for them can be more efficiently spent in other ways. It's not like an MMA fight where you have rounds. In Judo you only get one round of 4 minutes. No one wants to waste time. Even in MMA standing armbars are rare because they are so hard to get.
I like some of the new Judo Competition gripping rules
I like some of the new Judo Competition gripping rules because they help to stop competitors behaving like idiots standing in the middle of the mat playing Patter-Cake instead of playing Judo.
Not to mention the humiliation judo experiences when other Martial Arts try and figure out why grown-ups are playing kids games on a judo mat.
This is a stupid modern innovation by judo players and coaches worldwide, who were under the delusion that there was some sort of advantage in getting your desired grip and at the same time stopping you opponent from getting theirs. In fact, all it did was make judo look stupid. It had to be stopped.
If judoka are to continue being people who learn the most advanced fighting system in the world instead of a laughing stock, then they have to learn to fight no matter what grip they or their opponent takes. Judo fights are won by good judo, not by good grips. Always has been, always will be. If this were not so why do you see so many videos of judo fights where the person with the perfect grip losses. I could never work out why coaches and players didn't see that. If the grip was so all-important why doesn't the person with the best grip always win?
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I took a break from judo competition
Some years ago I took a break from judo competition. When I came back I was staggered to see the development of this fighting for grip rubbish. Fight after the fight I would stand there, sometimes getting a Chuie (old low for of penalty) whilst waited for my opponent to come and take their grip. I'd stand there and hold out my sleeve and open my arms for them to grab my jacket in any way they wanted just so we could get on with the fight.
And you know what? Most times I beat the pants off them. Why? Because they had no idea how to fight someone who wanted to do judo instead of chess. Tai Kwon Do is a chess game and whilst I respect those that practice it, I find it boring to watch. Judo should never be that boring.
I like chess and whilst I concede that there is an element of chess in judo, it's something you do in your head. Your body should respond to your mind with its own muscle learned to control. You should not be thinking about your throws or your grips, that just slows down your reactions and sets you up to lose. Your mind is there to pass on a strategy to your body but it should let your body do the rest. The best Judo players I've ever seen, just do. They are so fast because they don't overthink things and that's why they win.
The following video explains
The following video explains the latest rules changes. I think it is pretty clear that I approve of most of these. The complaints coming from a section of the Judo community are not valid because despite the title of "New" most of these rules are not new but a clarification of existing rules that were so poorly understood or ignored previously. All of these new changes in my opinion have been desperately needed for such a long time. They should not have been necessary I agree because non - commutativity is fairly obvious to some of us. But it seems that the need to win is so pervasive that technique, integrity take a back seat and players will manipulate rules that are not specific as to leave the referees debating what is legal and what is not. Well, now there is no doubt. Live with it those who object to it probably created this situation.
This is not in the spirit of judo
To the charge that this is not in the spirit of judo. Wake up! The spirit of Judo is "Maximum efficiency for minimum effort and mutual welfare and benefit". The grip playing game can in no way be described as "Maximum efficiency for minimum effort". In fact, as I have stated in my example of losing a fight despite it, I have shown that it is inefficient. And because it creates false perceptions of efficiency all those who are taught it do not benefit; so there is no "mutual benefit". In fact, it is the people who have been playing this stupid game that is getting most upset and the reality is they are the ones not in the spirit of Judo.
To the claim that the grip escapes are good self-defence. They are; if you need to run away but if not you knowing how to fight regardless of the grip is surly better self-defence. Practice them in the club and train for the Judo competition.
For those in MMA and UFC that are complaining about the rules, can I just say, Huh? If your training for MMA or UFC then the judo completion rules are irrelevant to you. What are you on about?
All in all, these are the good rule "Changes"; some of the best. Unlike the stupid leg grab rules.
Judo Throws: Rare and Unorthodox. Just Grip and Throw
I was enormously pleased with the last competition I attended, that there was virtually no grip fighting. There was still little grip and throw technique but it is to my mind a huge step that grip fighting has been relegated to the back burner.
I am a lowly Ni Dan and my opinion is therefore never going to carry the weight of Olympic coaches. But I have for a long time argued that Grip fighting is nonsense. Whereas many Olympic coaches argue very strenuously in favour of it.
Such coaches maintain that it is the person that gets their preferred grip first that is most likely to win the fight. In contrast, I have never seen any evidence of that.
Now I have read technical articles that have maintained that they have watched hundreds of hours of video and the conclusion to all that watching was categorical that the first Judo player to get their preferred grip is most likely to win the contest. But I still say it's nonsense
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How can I dare to make such a claim in the face of such huge evidence?
Simple! I only need to ask, "Where was the control?
I am a mere Telecommes technician and not a researcher. But I have been in enough science studies and done enough market research to know that, if you don't have a control your results are meaningless. Your results are at best anecdotal. They are prone to produce the results you set out to prove. In contrast to posing a hypothesis and testing it with proper controls, To see if it is true.
Having said that, Clearly, I am in no better position to prove my argument than those who claim to have put in hundreds of hours of study but I am in a position to say their opinion is no better than mine. To that end, I encourage all my students to avoid grip fighting and instead attempt to grab and throw.
What Do I mean by Grab and Throw?
I mean that a Judo competitor should, in the first instance, go for their preferred grip but accept whatever grip they can get, preferred or not and just go for a throw.
It is my contention that a good Judoka should be able to throw some sort of throw from any grip.
Grip fighting is not only, in my opinion useless, but it is also boring, bad Judo and in a very real sense kinda insulting to the tradition. It's like two warriors standing on a battlefield and playing, patter cake, patter cake, bakers man. It's stupid! Aside from probably not doing any good.
My Point of The Video
To the point of throwing from whatever grip you can the video below give some excellent anecdotal evidence to support my point.
The video calls these throws rare and unorthodox and many of them are. I would not have, however, thought that they were all rare and unorthodox though many are. Some are now illegal in competition. Particularly those that grab the leg. But they are certainly all spectacular, often very gymnastic and if nothing else, show that it is possible to throw from some of the most unusual positions and grips.
Watch the video and enjoy the spectacle. But most of all pay attention to the wide variety of grips.
Some of you who are reading this may be champions one day and like I said I am a lowly Ni Dan so I have no doubt that you can and probably will get there without any of my advice. Yet wouldn't it be nice to have champions who are not only fantastic athletes but are also known for being creative in their Judo as well?
My first thoughts where that Obi Tori Gaeshi is another version of Sumi Gaeshi because of the leg going through between the legs of Uke. But that does not mean that it is the same.
Remember that the definition of a throw being different from other throws is not what your body does but whether you break the balance of your opponent differently.
A close look at this throw does show that the Kasushi is quite different from Sumi Gaeshi so I'm inclined to suggest that it is not a variation but something quite different.
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You Are Certainly One Of The More Adventurous Judoka
It's an interesting throw but if you are planning on using it in competition then you are certainly one of the more adventurous Judoka. I can see it as being very effective if you are prepared to risk the referee not getting confused about you going on your back first. Of course, you would have to do it without grabbing the leg or you will be disqualified.
It is an unfortunate reality that many competitive players will not do sacrifice throws because of the concern that even though they initiate the throw the referee may score against then because their back hit the mat first.
But unless you plan on competing in Elite tournaments, this throw may be worth the risk. If for no other reason than the pure fun of trying something new. And there is certainly no reason why you can't practice it in the club.
In fact, if you do plan on trying this in a contest please do practice it well first. I have some significant concerns about Ukes head being rammed into the mat if this is executed poorly.
Oh and remember that you only have less than 5 seconds after you grab the belt to complete the throw or you will get the penalty.
I mean I've never seen it performed in any situation other than a counter to another Judo throw. In fact, most of the referees that I know consider the throw as a takedown and won't score it when you get your opponent to the ground. I wonder if there are any judo players that practice Ushiro Goshi from their own entry rather waiting for Uki to move in first?
It can be done. All you have to do is preemptively enter from the side of Uki rather that waiting for Uki to step into a throw position. It could be a good throw to use instead of a leg grab which is now illegal in competition.
That said, when I was competing, this used to be one of my favourite throws. But not as a counter to Koshi-Guruma but as a counter to Uppon-Seionage and Uki-Goshi. Especially against those who have only learned those throw in the traditional way. By that I mean if Uke arches their back as they enter the throw.
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If Uke has not broken your balance correctly (Kuzushi) as they enter they are wide open to be thrown with Ushiro-Goshi. If it scores its a bonus but I always prefered to take the fight to the ground anyway so if all I got was a take down and no score I was more than happy.
I have included two versions here. The last one is the latest version from the Kodakan and is included becasue of it's clarity.
The first version of Ushiro Goshi does not show the above entry but it is a nice example of it as a counter and does it in slow motion.
A Judo Throw By Any Other Name Is Still The Same Throw
I had a very interesting discussion online one time, with a bunch of Judo people and other martial artists about failed Judo Throws and Why Some Have Names And Others Are Variations.
I had posted a video of a practical application of O Soto Gari that had been applied by a police officer on the reality TV Show "COPS".
It was a failed throw in that the officer did not complete the reap but he still took down the culprit. The thing that surprised me was how vehement was the discussion was that insisted that the throw was no longer O Soto Gari.
A Very Strange Way Of Thinking
This was and still is a very strange way of thinking. If every failed judo throw has to be renamed because it has failed we would have a very large collection of names for them.
The thinking also fails to take into consideration throwing variations. If failed throws should be renamed then so should variations.
Of course, there are those that would like to see just such a thing because they love to name every little change of hand, leg or body position but it really is very impractical and whats worse, means that there is a significant number of Judoka(judo students) out there that do not have a good understanding of what makes one throw different from another.
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The reason why some throws have their own names is because of Kusushi(breaking of balance). A throw is different from another throw and gets its own name when you have to break your partners (uke) balance differently from another throw. Otherwise, it is a variation.
For example; Lots of Judoka have difficulty understanding the difference between Tsuri Goshi and Uki Goshi. Many have decided that the difference is that you put you hand over uke's shoulder and reach down to grab the belt. The problem with this belief is that there is a variation of Tsuri Goshi that allows you to reach around uke's back as you would in Uki Goshi. The confusion is compounded because many grab their Uke's belt to perform Uki Goshi.
Grabbing Of Uke's Belt
In fact, it is the grabbing of Uke's belt that makes Tsuri Goshi different from Uki Goshi. The moment you grab Uke's belt you change the way you break the balance of Uke because you tend to be lifting with the hand that is holding the belt. In contrast, Uki Goshi should be performed without grabbing the belt because it is a different Kusushi.
So a Judo throw has it's own name if it breaks the balance of Uke, differently from other Judo throws. If it breaks the balance in the same way it is a variation of a throw. Hence an incomplete or failed O Soto Gari is still O Soto Gari.
Random thought on Life, Judo Olympics, Judo Self Defense, The Art or Judo Kata, Judo An International Sport. Things that inspire or annoy me or things that I just had to write down.
