Lecture Notes: Grip Fighting in Judo

Introduction to Grip Fighting (Kumi Kata)

• Grip fighting starts before making contact with the opponent.
• Important aspects to focus on before grip fighting:
  • Stance: Determine opponent's stance (right on right, left on right, etc.).
  • Posture: Analyze opponent's posture (good upright judo posture or bent-over posture).
  • Motion tendency: Identify opponent's natural movement direction.
• The stance and posture determine the sequence used in grip fighting.

Basic Fundamentals of Grip Fighting

Posture

• Maintain an upright posture for better defense and grip reach.
• Low posture limits grip reach.

Sleeve Grip

• Types of sleeve grips:
  • Behind the elbow grip
  • Grip towards the end of the sleeve
• Turn the grip out to remove slack and prevent slipping.
• Grip with the last three fingers for strength.
• End of sleeve grip preferred over grips behind the tricep.

Grip Striking Techniques

• Methods to increase grip success rate:
  • Strike the whole arm instead of just reaching for the material.
  • Use different striking methods like overhand or double hinge.

Grip Feeding

• Techniques to feed and secure grips:
  • Pull off and feed into your sleeve.
  • Feed the lapel into the power hand.

Sequences for Advantageous Positions

Same-Side Gripping Strategies

• Control opponent’s power hand (hand on lapel side).
• Avoid reaching with the power hand when the same foot is forward to prevent throws.
• Ideal scenario: Control opponent's power hand with your left and then secure your power hand grip.

Counteracting Opponent's Movement

• If opponent pulls away, post immediately.
• Control inside space with elbows, forcing the opponent to go over the top.

Opposite Side Stances

• Same-side risks (e.g., foot sweeps) are minimized.
• Getting the grip first provides a significant advantage.
• Control of the inside space is crucial for control over the opponent’s upper body.

Strategies for Losing Inside Space

• Prevent opponent's hand from going high past your collarbone.
• Break down the opponent's arm using top pressure or reach behind.
• Counter with two-on-one grip or straitjacket maneuver.
• Utilize quick attacks like Seo Nage when the opponent pushes back.

Conclusion

• Controlling inside space gives more throw options.
• Losing inside space limits throw techniques and makes them predictable for counter.

Key Techniques Mentioned

• Ippon Seoi Nage
• Tai Otoshi
• Sumi Gaeshi
• Uchi Mata
• Ouchi Gari
• Koshi Guruma
• Osoto Gari

Summary

• Grip fighting in judo involves analyzing opponent's stance, posture, and movement.
• Maintaining good posture and using effective grip techniques are fundamental.
• Control over the opponent’s power hand and inside space is critical for dominating the grip fight and setting up throws.