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!