Around Many Circles, Boxing is known as the "sweet science". And as a person who is involved in close quarter combat, I can certainly admit that there is a "sweet" science to boxing, however such candied-coated conversation is not exclusive to the art of boxing. The sweet science of pugilism also exists in the sport of Judo.
Judo, like boxing, is highly dependent on sharp hand-eye coordination, the proper placing of the hands and feet, quality and precise movements and expert rhythm and timing. Without these essentials, becoming a high level judo player is almost impossible. Even though without those skills it is 'almost impossible' to become good, without the skill of gripfighting it is IMPOSSIBLE to become good.
The art of gripping or grip fighting in judo is an art which is part of the sport, yet all together separate. Proponents of grip fighting understand that it is a necessary part of judo. Opponents of gripfighting believe that it is a negative part of the sport and art and should not take place because it promotes 'negative judo.'
Negative judo is described by some as defensive or inactive judo or the type of judo where one is trying not to be thrown instead of looking for opportunities to attack. Unfortunately some individuals who categorize grip fighting as negative judo seem to lack the understanding that the martial art of Judo and the sport of Judo are two different things. One has a desired end result of mutual benefit, the other....well... WINNING. Plain and simple.
In order to win at judo, one must be able to apply and employ quality gripping and grip fighting strategy in order to be successful. This means that gripping must be done in order to be offensive and done in order to be defensive, but always done in order to control the match so that one can be successful.
4 Time Olympian and 1999 World Judo Champion Jimmy Pedro said it best when he said, "I grip fight so that I can determine the pace, tempo, rhythm and outcome of the match. Being able to grip provide me with control."
What sporting environment do you know of where one opponent isn't trying to be in control? I don't know of one. Controlling the match or the environment is a key to being successful. Understanding where to put your hands, when to put them in a certain place, how to place them, and why is key to being a quality pugilist and a good judo player.
If you don't believe me, just think about how good it would feel to compete in a judo match and be in control. We don't have to think about what happens when we lose control. If you do judo, like I do, you know exactly what happens when you lose the control....you end up with your head in the place where your feet should be and your feet in the place where your head should be. This is not ideal and more than a good reason of why you want to become a more seasoned gripper and grip fighter.
Whatever you do, take time to practice but also take time to learn the 'sweet science' of gripping and gripfighting.
By Dr. Rhadi Ferguson PhD Judo, like boxing, is highly dependent on sharp hand-eye coordination, the proper placing of the hands and feet, quality and precise movements and expert rhythm and timing. Without these essentials, becoming a high level judo player is almost impossible. Even though without those skills it is 'almost impossible' to become good, without the skill of gripfighting it is IMPOSSIBLE to become good.
The art of gripping or grip fighting in judo is an art which is part of the sport, yet all together separate. Proponents of grip fighting understand that it is a necessary part of judo. Opponents of gripfighting believe that it is a negative part of the sport and art and should not take place because it promotes 'negative judo.'
Negative judo is described by some as defensive or inactive judo or the type of judo where one is trying not to be thrown instead of looking for opportunities to attack. Unfortunately some individuals who categorize grip fighting as negative judo seem to lack the understanding that the martial art of Judo and the sport of Judo are two different things. One has a desired end result of mutual benefit, the other....well... WINNING. Plain and simple.
In order to win at judo, one must be able to apply and employ quality gripping and grip fighting strategy in order to be successful. This means that gripping must be done in order to be offensive and done in order to be defensive, but always done in order to control the match so that one can be successful.
4 Time Olympian and 1999 World Judo Champion Jimmy Pedro said it best when he said, "I grip fight so that I can determine the pace, tempo, rhythm and outcome of the match. Being able to grip provide me with control."
What sporting environment do you know of where one opponent isn't trying to be in control? I don't know of one. Controlling the match or the environment is a key to being successful. Understanding where to put your hands, when to put them in a certain place, how to place them, and why is key to being a quality pugilist and a good judo player.
If you don't believe me, just think about how good it would feel to compete in a judo match and be in control. We don't have to think about what happens when we lose control. If you do judo, like I do, you know exactly what happens when you lose the control....you end up with your head in the place where your feet should be and your feet in the place where your head should be. This is not ideal and more than a good reason of why you want to become a more seasoned gripper and grip fighter.
Whatever you do, take time to practice but also take time to learn the 'sweet science' of gripping and gripfighting.
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