Ko Soto Gari to Seoi Nage

I was in two minds about whether to attend tonight's class.  I had a very sore Achilles from a long run I did on Sunday, I know its best to rest injuries but as I'm due to be away for work next week I really wanted to make the class.  So I went and bought myself a ankle support and vowed to take it easy.

I'm glad to say that as soon as I had warmed up the discomfort more or less disappeared and I was able to train without too much hindrance.  We began the lesson with some light Newaza and then moved onto some positional submissions and escapes.  The first was a rather complex reverse triangle submission, I'm not convinced I could pull this off during a sparring session, but it did give me some ideas that maybe I can use eventually.  We also practised an escape from side control, this would probably work again a Judo fighter but I'd probably run into problems against a BJJ guy.  We then did some Uchikomi in the usual sets of ten, but also walking in tandem up and down the mat.  I continued to work on my Uchi Mata but also tried the entry for Hane Goshi:



Again I haven't had any instruction on this yet, but practising the entry now will hopefully give me a head start later.

Racky then showed us a set up for Seoi Nage from Ko Soto Gari. When Uke avoids the sweep by pulling his/her leg back Tori then transitions to the hip throw.  I still have problems getting my hips below the level of my opponent due to my height but as always it's still worth practising.

We then moved into some Randoori.  I had the opportunity to train with Sean a 15 year Green Belt.  I'm bigger and stronger than Sean but I really wanted to avoid using my size during the sparring and rely on technique.  There is certainly a difference between a Yellow or Orange Belt and a Green Belt.  On the other belts I can usually pull of the techniques but Sean was tough, I managed a Ko Soto Gari a couple of times, but that was it.  When I went for a Tai Otoshi and Uchi Mata but he was able to counter my attempts with relative ease.  A reason for this was revealed a bit later on when I partnered with Stuart.  He said that I need to be more subtle in breaking the balance as it's actually a quick wrist action as opposed to a large full body movement.  So up until now I've probably been telegraphing a lot of my movements, something to work on.

We finished the class with some groundfighting, my anke held up well so I'm pleased I made the effort.

Ko Soto Gari and Sumi Gaeshi Review, Uchi Mata/Uchi Gari/Tai Otoshi Combination

Today we reviewed some of the techniques we've been drilling over the last few weeks.

The first of these was Ko Soto Gari - small outside reap.  Racky demonstrated the throw and pointed out the finer details. I've also found it vital to recap on previous lessons as it really helps to practise and cement the technique.  As if to prove my point I noticed that the hand which has the collar grip is incredibly important to the throw, it effectively helps to further break the balance of your opponent and was a detail I had not paid enough attention to.  Racky also demonstrated the throw from the other side of his opponent, i.e. sweeping the leg on the collar grip side.  This time the sleeve hand becomes vital in assisting in the breaking of your opponents balance.  I feel I've taken to these techniques quite well, so these extra details will hopefully see further improvement.

We also reviewed Suni Gaeshi and I'm pleased to say that the throw felt a lot smoother this time around.

I'm always looking for new ways to improve my Judo, just as I've always looked for new ways to improve my Jiu Jitsu.  One of the throws I have seen is Uchi Mata so I thought I would give it a go.  I haven't had any instruction on the throw but hoped that I would be able to pick the brains with one of the Dan grades. 

Well today I didn't get any instruction on the actual throw but I was able to practise the entry during several rounds of Uchikomi.  I was also able to attempt the throw during Randoori.  When sparring with Oswaldo, a Black Belt, he made a few observations.  He explained that if the Uchi Mata doesn't work I can switch to Tai Otoshi.  He also said the same transition works from Uchi Gari to Tai Otoshi.  This was a revelation to me as the transition felt so natural.  When I did Randoori with another student, it worked like a dream.

I also realised that you can transition from Uchi Gari to Uchi Mata, the possibilities are endless!



We finished the session with some Ne Waza which is always fun, another great class.

Ni Dan Ko Soto Gari and Seoi Otoshi

In earlier posts I explained that I had had some success with Ko Soto Gari.  I've found that timing is incredibly important in pulling of the sweep but it can be countered by your opponent stepping back and establishing or re-establishing his/her base.  To counter this defence Racky illustrated Ni Dan Ko Soto Gari which is essentially executing the outside trip to the rear leg.  I drilled this with Simon and found it fairly effective, it's certainly one to add to my dictionary of throws.

I also explained that I had some problems getting low enough to execute Seoi Nage.  Racky illustrated an adjustment called Seoi Otoshi which is a similar technique but the feet are staggered. This really worked well for me so again its one to drill.

I've often said that I've been very grateful for the way the club has accepted Simon and I, not just as new Judokas but also Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grapplers.  Racky introduced a flip over throw called Sumi Gaeshi, but before this he asked Simon and I to demonstrate a similar throw from Jiu Jitsu.  I demonstrated a standing butterfly sweep and Racky then drew parallels between this and Sumi Gaeshi.

We ended the class with continuous rounds of Randoori and Ne Waza, a good class.

More Ashi Waza

Racky took the class tonight and we began the session with some wrestling drills.  I've done a bit of wrestling in the past and considered focusing on it instead Judo.  But I predominately train Gi Jiu Jitsu so felt that if I'm going to train a stand-up art it makes sense to incorporate the Gi, Judo was therefore the best option.

We also did some more foot techniques but this time the emphasis was placed upon sweeping the leg which is furthest forward.  So instead of breaking the balance sideways, Uke is 'pulled' forward and the foot is swept a momemt before it hits the ground. The foot which is swept is the sleeve side, the balance is broken by both a pushing annd pulling motion with the sweep momentum accentuated with the hands on the lapel and sleeve.  I liked this sweep, definately one to work on.

Tai Otoshi Adjustment

If you've been reading my blog you'll now that I haven't exactly been the biggest fan of Tai Otoshi but today I had a breakthrough.  We did Stuart's Uchikomi interval training and as I had vowed to work on my Tai Otoshi this was the entry I decided to work on. My partner was one of the Dan grades, Oswaldo, and he gave me some really useful advice.

I hadn't realised it but my the placement of my feet had not been correct, instead of stepping to the outside and taking a wide stance and I had been stepping between my opponent's legs and taking a narrow stance.  I had also not been pulling my partners sleeve hand enough, therefore compromising my ability to break his/her balance.  These adjustments may appear small but they made a huge difference to my execution of the technique. 

Stuart's Uchikomi interval training.  In an earlier post I explained that I found this relatively easy, not today.  Implementing Oswaldo's adjustments certainly helped me refine the technique, but man was it hard work, I guess now I'm doing it properly.

Of course there is still a ton of stuff I still need to work on, particularly the placment of my bent leg, neverthelss I'm just glad to have seen a significant improvement.

Tachi-Waza, Ne-Waza

Today was a tough class, there wasn't much in the way of technical instruction, instead we went from the gound to randoori back to the ground and so on.  I love these classes, there's nothing like a really tough session on a Saturday morning to kick start the weekend. 

It feels as if my Randoori is improving week by week, I just need to try and refine what I'm doing and keep working at it.

Drilling

Todays lesson was fairly relaxed, I was able to work on my grading techniques along with the guys who were due to take the test, which meant more Morote Seoi Nage and Tai Otoshi, plus the gound-work.

I enjoy these classes as it gives me the opportunity to slow things down and analyse what I'm doing.  Although far from perfect I can really see a significant improvement in my technique.  Not much more to add other than I just need to drill them as much as possible.

Ashi Waza, Randoori Progression

Today we were introdcued to some foot techniques.  In a previous lesson I was shown Osoto Gari which is a basic foot technique.



I didn't have any strong feelings about the technique, I seemed to be able to execute it well enough but didn't fall in love with it.

However, today we practised a variation of the technique called Ko Soto Gari, small outside reap.  Now this is liked, to the extent where I pulled it off multiple times during randoori.  This is the first time that I felt comfortable with a technique and I was actually able to compete effectively during the sparring section of the class, hooray!



We also did a variation of this technqiue where the weight of Uke is pulled to the lapel side rather than the sleeve side.  I'm not sure why I've taken to these techniques easier than the some of the others I have been shown, perhaps its because they do not involve as much movement after the balance has been broken.  Whatever the reason, I'll definately be practsing the ashi waza techniques a lot more.

Judo Grading

The Judo grading system very stuctured with each school under the British Judo Council following a universal syllabus.  As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialst I've become used to very informal gradings, Jiu Jitsu is famed for its informal structure but as a beginner its easy to get 'lost'.  As a Judo white belt I know what to do to progress and what techniques I'm expected to execute.  Not only that but each student recieves a booklet which maps out the various techniques and competencies from white belt to black belt.  In Jiu Jitsu this is unheard of. 

Tonight some of the guys were preparing for their grading so I was able to get an insight into what is expected.  I'm pleased to say that two of the throws I've been working on, Morote Seoi Nage and Tai Otoshi, are part of the grading for yellow belt, this makes it even more imperative that I get to grips with these throws.  A leg technique is included as are a variety of gound technqiues which are incredibly similar to some of the Jiu Jitsu techniques I've been using for years.  I'm not ready to be graded yet, but its really useful to know what I have to do to get to the next level so early on. 

Having seen both a formal and informal system, I really think Jiu Jitsu could do with more structure, I feel it would have helped my progression to have some form of road map to progression, in this respect Jiu Jitsu could learn a lot from Judo.

Improving My Uchikomi

Over the last week or so I've been given the opportunity to work on two core throws, Morote Seoi Nage and Tai Otoshi.  Today we did quite a lot of ground-work which is always enjoyable.  I find it to be a great supplement to my Jiu Jitsu sessions, as I said before I just love to grapple, be it standing or kneeling.

However, today we focussed on Uchikomi and I was intent on working on my entries to these two throws.  True to form my Morote Seoi Nage entry is quite good for my level, but I really need to work on bending my knees and getting my hips under my partners.  My Tai Otoshi needs a lot of work, but at least I've set myself the target of working on it.

Stuart, who was taking the session, set us some Uchikomi inrterval training.  I can't recall the exact timing but I believe it to be:

30 seconds slow Uchikonmi
30 seconds fast Uchikomi
30 seconds slow Uchikomi
1 minute fast Uchikomi
30 second slow Uchikomi
1 miunte fast Uchikomi
30 seconds slow Uchikomi

I must admit that I didn't find this too hard, whilst most of the class seemed to be gassed out.  I'm not convinced that I'm that much fitter then everyone else so maybe I need to put more into the technique or work harder.

Stuart really is an excellent instructor, he explains the technique clearly and concisely and ensures everyone understands what is expected of them.  This might not sound revolutionary but having practised Jiu Jitsu under various instructors I've come to realise that being a great grappler does not make you a great instructor, I'm taking notes.

Tai Otoshi

Much like the Tuesday class today we focussed on one particular throw, and today it was Tai Otoshi.  Now in my last post I was explained that I found the mechanics of Morote Seoi Nage relatively easy. However, I also explained that I found the execution of the throw more difficult due to my height.  Theoretically Tai Otoshi should be a better throw for me because it is less reliant on the hips and more reliant on the manipulation of the hands, in fact it is considered a hand throw.  Longer legs also help, which of course should be great for me.  But despite all that I had real trouble getting the mechnanics right, it just felt awkward. This is what it should look like:



The Dan grades are adamant that this is a throw a should utilise, so I bow to their greater wisdom and resolve myself to work on it, I'm glad I've this blog the 'Judo Journey' as it could take me a while!

Morote Seoi Nage

I've attended a few Judo lessons now, enough to know that I really enjoy the sport, but not nearly enough to really start developing some throws.  So I was really pleased with today's lesson as I had the opportunity to work on one particular throw, Morote Seoi Nage.

To my surprise I actually took the mechanics of the throw rather well.  Morote Seoi Nage translates to 'two arm shoulder throw', the below video was a good find as not only does it illustrate the throw, it also provides some really useful hints and tips.



Now the one problem I did have with this throw is due to my height, I'm 6"2 and the throw works best if you place your hips below your opponents.  Most of the guys in the class are not as tall as me, so this does present a problem, but I'm sure I'll have lots of fun trying to figure out how to pull it off!