1. Long Held Traditions
Judo, which translated means gentle ways, was patterned after the ancient Japanese fighting form called Jui Jitsu. While employing the throws and moves of the fighting martial arts program, Judo also incorporates mental and spiritual components. These additional techniques serve to maintain the fighter's inner focus and balance, while helping to psyche out the opponent with mental games.
2. Throw for the Take Down
Many techniques in Judo are utilized to take an opponent down. Getting them down will earn you points in a competition and may save your life in a street fight. You can sweep the feet out from under the opponent or grab around the waist and toss him down like sack of potatoes. More advanced Judo martial artists will throw their opponent over their hips or shoulders for a takedown. Some of the moves used in Judo competitions in the past are now illegal in many tournaments. For instance, it is illegal to grab your opponent by the end of his shirt or just above the wrist.
3. Take Advantage With Nagewaza
Throws in Judo are called nagewaza. Approximately 67 different kinds of throws are practiced in this particular martial art style. The throws are practiced in the dojo between two sparring partners during randori, or sparring time. They do not have to be evenly matched to be competitive because the size of the opponent should have no bearing on the Judoko's ability to throw him. Leverage and timing are critical however. Knowing when the opponent is weakest and placing your own body into a position to take advantage of that weakness can give a superior position to the person who can master these watchful and disciplined techniques.
4. Get in Shape
Doing Judo takedowns with throws involves a solid core and strong legs, in addition to the momentum of the opponents lunge. Training in body discipline will help you to find the stance that will give you the best balance for instituting and following through on a throw. Also, being able to land on the floor without being hurt should also be part of your training. One of the most important rules in Judo when practicing takedowns is not to tense up, but go with the flow. Roll with the throws and ease back up.
5. Clean Throws in Judo
Judokas learn to take down their opponents with clean throws that merely stop the attack rather than go in for the "finish," like some martial arts practices. In mixed martial arts competitions, which are becoming increasingly popular, the Judo practitioners sometimes are at a disadvantage, especially if they are new to the sport.
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