While working with a novice this week, I noticed that he kept coming in for (seemingly) Tani Otoshi, but each time I ended up straight on top of him. Although initially I was countering, this kept happening even when I went into ‘limp uke’ mode.
Finally worked it out. He was just dropping straight onto his back with his leg out, as opposed to the backwards direction that Tani Otoshi relies on! So obvious in hindsight but it was puzzling at the time.
I’ve mentioned before that I try to encourage upright judo. Sutemi-waza can be exceptionally effective but they can slow development, as I found out to my own cost. However, with seniors I feel to a certain extent you have to coach with what works for them, and it is more of an advising role. So I was happy to point out what needed to be done to fix the problem, as opposed to stating “THOU SHALT NOT DO SACRIFICE THROWS”.
I later worked with a junior squad player. I took a dominant grip, to the response of, “There’s nothing I can do, you are too strong, I can’t break your grip”. Advice here is the classic MOVE AND ATTACK. You should be able to do this from any grip as if you just stand still helplessly then in shiai it is not going to end well for you. Once she started moving, using speed and change of direction, I lost the so-called ‘unbreakable’ grip that I had.
You must always assume that your opponent in shiai is stronger. And that you may not be able to get your perfect grip. Movement is so very much the key, and I am looking forward to my toe being fully healed so I can exploit this!
BRAVO!
I do wish more coaches would look at sutemi waza and just go “hang on, that’s just suicidal, don’t do that!”
Thanks! I know it is preaching to the choir here, but randori is certainly where things should be pointed out and corrected where appropriate. Should not just be a ‘bit of a punch-up’ as I have heard it explained before…
Some coaches have a view that randori is not the place to give such advice. I don’t personally agree. While you can correct technique in uchikomi and so on, sometimes the bad stuff only appears in randori itself.
I 100% agree… good teachings & details are part of a success. I personally think that some clubs do not emphasizing enough on uchi-komi. I do believe that it is during uchi-komi where one can break the movements down and work on timing. Moving uchi-komi is important also… this is where you can improve your grip…something that is not getting enough attention now days… in my humble opinion. I see many people playing muscle-judo… where you become prone to unnecessary injuries…fatigue… developing bad habits… I like to play with minimum power and maximum technique…but it is so difficult to maintain the proper balance between the two. I find it very helpful to play older & experienced judokas because I’m forced to play lightly…that way I’m using more techniques less power… and when a throw is coming… I can see better how I’m being thrown.
nice