Firstly, anyone seeking to utilize upper body throws should get the basic "forward footwork" drill down as practiced in Judo clubs worldwide and demonstrated by Dave Camarillo is his Guerrilla JJ book. The key here is to make sure you are stood on the balls of your feet and that you develop your speed and co-ordination. Get down to your local judo club as well in the beginning, as you will see judoka's constantly practicing their footwork (crossing their feet) and lifting their opponent high with the Gi.
Secondly, buy some rubber resistance bands so you can practice this same movement more intensely and build endurance in your hands, forearms and upper body. I know a number of Judoka who use these bands daily to land hundreds of virtual throws even when they cannot make the gym or dojo.
Thirdly, develop the gi game for a while. The sheer quality of players in Judo clubs should not be underestimated and the sparring practice will give a tough workout for even experienced freestyle practitioners.
Fourthly, start to practice throwing off the underhook, whizzer, and neck control. In no gi practice, I try and get a grip as quickly as possible, all things being equal (i.e. defending the leg shot, not allowing my opponent any control, etc. ) Then I hit my favored throws.
Which throws for no gi? This can be contentious. I am tall so I throw uchi mata off all three grips, neck, under and overhook. I do the same with harai goshi as well. Tai otoshi - always off an underhook or whizzer, it does feel secure off the head/neck and really can give the back away. I also like kouchi gari, and sumi gaeshi, the latter of which is probably my highest percentage take down. Although its falling to the back, I find that I either land with a heel hook on my opponent at worst, or side hold with an underhook when it works.
Short guys have another advantage again; they don't have to work as hard to get their hips under to throw. Which throws: just grip and go. Its common to see seionage and tomoe nage recommended but I personally feel that if you just lock in a grip and attack, you can't go too far wrong in No Gi. You will find your throws easily.
The key for me is to not fear throws going wrong. They will in the beginning. But as my Judo has developed and I always tried to attack, my throwing skills have improved dramatically. I strongly recommend attacking with throws all the time, once you have started to get a basic level of comfort. I rarely ever land in bad positions now against non-judokas when attempting throws. This is not being brash or over-confident; its just a fact as many no gi players fail to really attack in the clinch. Look at the success of Couture (greco I argue is very similar to Judo), Parisyan, Filho, Henderson, Lindland, Yoshida, etc, against world class MMA opposition. They take down at will. Any recreational martial artist can enjoy the same advantages in no gi by following the basic outline above and developing upon it.
Secondly, buy some rubber resistance bands so you can practice this same movement more intensely and build endurance in your hands, forearms and upper body. I know a number of Judoka who use these bands daily to land hundreds of virtual throws even when they cannot make the gym or dojo.
Thirdly, develop the gi game for a while. The sheer quality of players in Judo clubs should not be underestimated and the sparring practice will give a tough workout for even experienced freestyle practitioners.
Fourthly, start to practice throwing off the underhook, whizzer, and neck control. In no gi practice, I try and get a grip as quickly as possible, all things being equal (i.e. defending the leg shot, not allowing my opponent any control, etc. ) Then I hit my favored throws.
Which throws for no gi? This can be contentious. I am tall so I throw uchi mata off all three grips, neck, under and overhook. I do the same with harai goshi as well. Tai otoshi - always off an underhook or whizzer, it does feel secure off the head/neck and really can give the back away. I also like kouchi gari, and sumi gaeshi, the latter of which is probably my highest percentage take down. Although its falling to the back, I find that I either land with a heel hook on my opponent at worst, or side hold with an underhook when it works.
Short guys have another advantage again; they don't have to work as hard to get their hips under to throw. Which throws: just grip and go. Its common to see seionage and tomoe nage recommended but I personally feel that if you just lock in a grip and attack, you can't go too far wrong in No Gi. You will find your throws easily.
The key for me is to not fear throws going wrong. They will in the beginning. But as my Judo has developed and I always tried to attack, my throwing skills have improved dramatically. I strongly recommend attacking with throws all the time, once you have started to get a basic level of comfort. I rarely ever land in bad positions now against non-judokas when attempting throws. This is not being brash or over-confident; its just a fact as many no gi players fail to really attack in the clinch. Look at the success of Couture (greco I argue is very similar to Judo), Parisyan, Filho, Henderson, Lindland, Yoshida, etc, against world class MMA opposition. They take down at will. Any recreational martial artist can enjoy the same advantages in no gi by following the basic outline above and developing upon it.
By Glyn Powditch
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