Learning Judo in Japan, at least at the Koyokan Dojo in Tokyo, comes with many practices that are structured to continuously give students basic repetitions. I have stopped counting how many times I’ve completed the Uchi Komi practice of Osoto Gari, Tsurikomi Goshi, and Seoi Nage. After 6 months of training, I am around 3000 for each throw. Also, there are the Ashi Waza drills that happen at least 3 different times during the Judo training class. The point is when we are practicing Judo, we are gaining a lot of experience in the basic techniques. Oh yes, let me not forget that there is also Nage No Kata that occurs during the lesson that gives me the chance to work as the Tori and also as the Uke. All basics; all the time. The sensei will point out details that can be improved while other times some phrase is sent your way.
Some of the best instruction that I received so far in Japan came after the Sensei pointed to the photo on the wall of Dr. Jigorō Kano (The founder of Judo). He just points and says, “From Kano.” The very simple concept of pushing and pulling or pulling and push was demonstrated a few months back from the time of this writing. After the lesson, I thought of the many times during the last 25 years when discussing what Jiu Jitsu is to someone that says, “Isn’t that the Martial Art where you use the person’s strength against them?” I always just said, “Well, this is one concept of the Art that is used. There are many.” Nonetheless, when Sensei pointed to Kano’s photo and said, “From Kano,” all he did next was demonstrate how to apply when I think of now “Meaningful Movement.” The example during the presentation saw Uke pull Tori. Sensei acting as the Tori when pulled stepped into Osoto Gari. I had to give the English translation of the word: Diagonal. At any rate, Sensei learned how to use the English word diagonal in his teaching to an American, and I took home the concept of meaningful movement of pushing when pulled by Uke. In the next example, Uke pushed Sensei. Acting as the tori, Sensei when pushed stepped to the side and pulled Uke into a great position to be thrown. This strategy of stepping out and pulling Uke almost in a circular way was excellent. After this, I looked at the push/pulling concept of Jujutsu much differently as highlighted in Judo.
If you are stepping in or stepping out to counter Uke’s push or pull, this concept will help you find a moment to throw. However, when the timing is available to execute the technique, it has to be finalized without thinking. All of the basic repetitions of practice during the Judo lessons will pay off for you. The weak point of uke is that his push or pull had no true meaning. It was only aggression. Take this aggression and use it to off-balance Uke for the perfect throw. The ippon!
To The Reader
The author will be most happy to receive your comments, including criticisms and suggestions. Noteworthy comments may be included in future editions or books on this series.
Photo adaptation from, visit www.simonbjj.com
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– Prof. “little” Tony Pacenski
Yokota Air Base – Tokyo Japan
www.tonypacenski.com
