Judo is a grappling martial art and sport from Japan. Created in 1882 by Kano Jogoro, judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964. Judo participants, called judoka, are awarded colored belts according to their proficiency in judo with the highest grade being a black belt. There are a number styles of judo that have developed as judo has aged, and new masters have influenced the sport. However, regardless of the variation of judo, the basic techniques learned by all judoka are broadly similar.
Rolling
When learning judo, a lot of time is spent initially on perfecting the judo roll. A judo roll is performed in a similar fashion to a regular gymnastic forward roll but instead of keeping your body square to your direction of travel, you roll your weight diagonally from a single outstretched arm, across your shoulder and down onto the opposite hip. This technique effectively dissipates some of the impact after you have been thrown. Learning to roll well will make judo practice sessions much less painful. You should be able to roll across either shoulder, as you never know how your opponent may throw you. A judoka should protect his head while rolling and be able to perform a roll on hard concrete, although it is generally practiced on the matted floor of a dojo or training hall.
Break Falls
Another basic but essential judo technique is the break fall. As judo is a grappling sport, judoka expect to be thrown to the ground a lot during practice. Even a simple trip throw can result in a very heavy landing -- usually onto your back. Break falls are designed to dissipate the energy of hitting the ground throughout your body to minimize your risk of injury. This is done by powerfully striking the ground with your arms and hands just before your body hits the mat. Although this technique usually results in stinging hands, it reduces the impact of your back hitting the ground to such a degree that, even after a powerful throw, you can get back to your feet and continue with your practice.
Uki-goshi
Uki-goshi is one of the 40 original judo techniques and is a basic hip throw that involves using your body as a lever and your opponent's weight against him. This throw is especially effective on taller, heavier opponents. In this technique, you roll your opponent over your outstretched hip by bending forward at the waist and pulling your opponent off balance. Once your opponent's feet are off the ground, you increase his momentum and the force at which he will hit the ground by rotating your shoulders and pulling hard with your arms. Despite being a relatively simple throw, uki-goshi is a powerful technique that can injure someone not able to perform a good break fall.
O-soto-gari
O-soto-gari is a leg sweeping throw which results on your opponent landing heavily on his back. One of the original 40 techniques of judo, this throw relies on speed rather than strength. By attacking your opponents' legs with a powerful sweeping action and pushing him backward, your opponent will lose his balance and can easily be thrown to the ground. This is achieved by piking your body as you simultaneously sweep your leg backward. Extra momentum is generated as you continue to push your opponent down and into the mat. If you are on the receiving end of this technique, it is important that you use a correct break fall to minimize your risk of injury, as you can land very heavily.
References
- "Mastering Judo"; Masao Takahashi; 2005
- "Kodokan Judo Throwing Techniques";Toshiro Daigo; 2005
- "Training for Warriors: The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout"; Martin Rooney; 2008
Member Comments