This may be a difficult question to answer but here goes...
During randori I have a difficult time getting any kind of kazushi on my opponent. The main problem is the arm that is controlling my collar. I seem unable to get close to my opponent by either pushing or pulling because my opponent gives me a little push with that hand and I am unable to get anywhere near my opponent to attempt a throw. When I go for a foot sweep I feel that i leaning backwards to try to attempt it for the same reason. How do I defeat that arm so I can get in there to throw?
If anyone can shed some light on this for me or give me some tricks to try it would be most appreciated. Since I am somewhat a beginner I go for Ippon seoi nage and osoto gari the most.
Thanks,
Ian
You need to learn how to break your opponents grip off your lapel before attempting your techniques. I don't like to fight from a 50/50 grip situation like you describe. Control the gripping then shoot.
If you get an ironman that won't let go of your lapel, pretend like your trying to break his grip by grabbing his sleeve (gripping hand). Turn into a low Taiotoshi. If he doesn't let go, he will go flying because he's holding onto your lapel........:-)
Good Luck
Ian,
Movement and grip control.
Like Judodog said, you've got to break the grip off or control it. Controlling the grip is going to change depending on if it is righty vs righty, l vs l, r vs l. There are so many variables, that it is impossible to give you the best way, but a very basic way to break their grip on your collar goes like this(there are many variations and different ways to break a grip):
Say they are gripping you're left collar(chest level) with their right hand. (So they are a righty). Grab their sleeve right on the seam, about 3 or 4 inches up from the end of their sleeve (somewhere between their elbow and wrist) with your left hand. Now take your right hand, open it and put it on the top of their hand so you can push down on their hand to break the grip. Now basically what you are going to do is push their hand down, along your collar and away from your chest. Keep holding on with your left hand, because now you have their sleeve. It's VERY important that you don't bend over while you try breaking the grip. Keep your posture upright. Also, it will work better if you "pop" the grip off, meaning several short explosive pushes on their hand rather than just trying to push it with muscle. Don't give up at it, practice will make you better at doing it.
If they take a collar grip around your neck. Grab their wrist with both hands, and push up and away. Again if it is their right hand, grab the gi sleeve during or after the break on the seam with your left hand so you then have control.
If you are having problems, try moving to the side as you attempt your breaks.
Your judo instructor should be able to show you these breaks without a problem....
Sorry if this is really confusing to you.
You can try this book too: http://www.hatashita.com/books_grips.htm
There have been some good reviews about it on this forum.
Good Luck
RonB
Thanks for the responses.
Thanks Judodog I will give that technique a try.
Thanks Ron B. Your description was very clear and very helpful. I think I am going to order that book also.
I have been watching some higher level guys at my club and they seem to go for the 50/50 tie up as mentioned before and are successful at getting throws. I cant understand why I feel so awkward with it :)
I will ask my instructor more about it next class. This forum is great because often I think of questions after the class is over, so its nice to be able to ask them here and be prepared for the next class.
Thanks again for the help,
Ian
you feel awkard becuase you are a beginner. you have no clue how to move solidly yet, you dont understand the throws well enough that they are automatic in regards to "muscle memory", you dont understand body position or set-ups or gripping yet either.
that is why they can do it and you cant. give it time.. the only possible way to have success in judo is to be patient.
-resnick
I know that my main problem is my experience level. I am just trying to figure out problems as they come to help with the learning curve.
Ian
Toehold,
I would also recommend learning how to relax your shoulders and arms as you work on your gripping and movement. Beginners usually tense up way too much as they grip and move. Some of the funnest guys for me to play with are big, strong, white belt middle aged men because they have that "Old Man" strength and they use it as soon as they get the 50/50 grip. They haven't learned the essence of the gentle way yet.
Within 1 to 2 minutes, they have gassed out and can barely hold on. If and when they try a throw, I can see, feel, hear, and probably smell it coming seconds before it actually happens.
There's an old story that I have always used to help me remember to stay loose. Its the old story thats in the Kodokan Judo Text about how some student was doing randori with Kano. The student described the experience like fighting with an empty jacket.
Hold onto that image and I am sure it will help you relax and improve your gripping.
Best of luck to you!!!
Judodog