The secrets of good ne-waza (groundwork) are very much the same as in tachi-waza: relaxation, balance, timing, effective use of body weight, and knowing how and where to move. There are three major groups of techniques: osaekomi-waza (hold-downs or immobilizations), shime-waza (strangles and chokes) and kansetsu-waza (armlocks). In order to apply these techniques a multitude of methods have evolved for getting past the opponent's defense or for turning him over into a disadvantageous position.
The classic situations which ordinarily occur in combat are with uke on his hands and knees after a failed attempt at a throw, uke on his back with tori entangled between his legs or tori on his back with uke between his legs. The problem in ne-waza is in managing to apply the techniques against frantically resisting opponents and the interplay of technique and counter-technique can be quite fascinating, indeed it is often described as physical chess by many judoka. Because experience and strength count for more than reflexes and daring in ne-waza than in tachi-waza older judoka can continue to enjoy competition with younger, fitter opponents in randori for quite some time after standing practice becomes one-sided.It is a vital for competitors to practice methods to keep the opponent on the floor in randori, for when he attempts to stand up in contest.
HOLD-DOWNS
These techniques are the backbone of judo ne-waza and, while lacking the flair and instantaneous gratification of a well-applied arm-lock or strangle, are effective important techniques which decide a great many contests, particularly in the kyu grades. The Japanese regard good osaekomi-waza as the basis for groundwork, and tend to regard the hold-down as the surer option, less spectacular perhaps, but also less risky than an arm-lock or strangle where you may have to roll underneath your opponent.
As ne-waza is physically demanding and very tiring it is vital to learn to keep the body relaxed to conserve energy when holding an opponent; the trick is in ensuring that the hold is secure at the same time. The beginner often squeezes as tightly as possible, hoping to force a submission from his opponent, and then finds himself lifted bodily and turned over on to his back. It is important to grip tightly, but in a relaxed way so that the body does not become rigid and easy to move. Keep a grip with the hands, and feel how your opponent struggles; grip more or less tightly depending on how secure your hold feels, but keep the legs relaxed and springy, ready to move if there is a sudden surge of power from uke as he tries to escape. Try to control him with body positioning, pinning him where he is weak, moving away from where he is strong.
An important component in developing effective osaekomi-waza is that you link them to standing techniques and try to make the transition from standing judo to groundwork as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Certain throws link more easily to particular hold-downs than others, and whatever your favorite throws are you should train to follow up with the appropriate hold. Harai-goshican lead very easily into kesa-gatame, ko-soto-gari into yoko-shiho-gatame, drop ippon seoi-nage into kami-shiho-gatame and sumi-gaeshi into tate-shiho-gatame. It is important to experiment and above all to practice with co-operative partners to find out the best combinations for your favorite techniques. If you like ouchi-gari throw your partner, but study how to follow up immediately if you only score koka, yuko or waza-ari. Work out a fast, safe way to bypass his legs and slip into a hold; the appropriate technique will inevitably vary from individual to individual.
As well as needing to study hold-downs as combination techniques resulting from throws begun in standing judo, it is necessary to practice linking techniques on the ground. A well-applied hold-down is extremely difficult to escape from, but often people fail to get the hold on in the first instance because their general movement skills on the ground are lacking. In ne-waza randori practice moving from technique to technique and consider 'what if scenarios. Perhaps you are stronger than the person you are currently holding and he cannot turn to his left, but what if he were much stronger, what would you do then, how would you move, where would you go? You need to discover the answers to these questions in randori , not suddenly be confronted by your lack of awareness in the heat of contest. Bigger, heavier players in particular should keep in mind that ne-waza randori is training, not an excuse to take a rest.
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Tony is leading Entrepreneur and great martial art enthusiast, where as deals in supplying Martial Art accessories in United States.
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