Chapter - 04

Judo

The origin of Judo can be traced back to the original art of Jiu Jitsu. In actuality, the word Judo was adopted by the late Professor Jigoro Kano, founder of Kodokan Judo, for his special methods. During his youth, Professor Kano made a careful study of the art of Jiu Jitsu and developed from it his Kodokan Judo, which is the one universally recognized throughout Japan today.

Judo is taught by Kodokan instructors to the army, navy, police and college students throughout Japan. Members of the older schools of Jiu Jitsu which still survive in Japan frequently join the Kodokan to gain greater proficiency and higher standing in their own art.

Falling (Ukemi)

The  technique  of  falling  should  be mastered in order to avoid injury from violent shock or impact when being thrown on the ground. The art of falling should be practiced on a mat. However, falls may be taken on hard surfaces once you have fully mastered the art of falling. But as a beginner never attempt this practice except on a mat or soft ground.

In taking a fall, the impact should be absorbed by the slap of the hand and foot upon the ground, which will prevent injury and unpleasant jarring.

Figures 94 through 96 illustrate the back fall from a sitting position. In executing this fall note that both hands and forearms must hit the mat the instant your back touches it, with the arms at a 45° angle from the body. Be sure to raise your head so that it does not hit the mat at any time.

Falling from the standing position is illustrated in figures 97 through 99. In starting to fall from this position, try to sit down close to your left heel. When you are as close to the ground as you can get, roll back with your arm raised. At the moment your back touches the mat, slap the mat in the same manner as you did the sitting position.

Figures 100 through 102 illustrate falling to the side and backwards. In this fall bring your arms level with your shoulders and across your chest, and as you fall back twist your body slightly, then slap the mat with your hand and forearm as your back touches. This can be done from the standing position as illustrated in figures 103 through 105.

Throwing

One of the most potent Judo throws is known as O-soto-gari. Figures 106 through 109 illustrate the execution of this throw. Break the attacker's balance by pulling him to his right. Then, place your left foot in back and to the left of his right foot. Instantaneously move your right leg forward and past his right leg. Then, sweep backwards and outwards near the middle of his thigh as forcibly as you can with the same part of your thigh. At the same time pull down his right arm with your left hand, and push back his left shoulder blade with your right hand. The attacker will fall directly backwards. A variation of this may be executed by thrusting the heel of your right hand under the attacker's nose the moment of throwing.

Another very useful Judo throw is known as Tomoe-nage. Figures 110 through 113 illustrate this throw. Gripping your adversary by his left lapel with your right hand, and his right elbow sleeve with your left hand, pull him forward and off balance. At the same time, raise your right knee so that you can place your right foot in your attacker's mid section. Continuing to pull him forward with both hands, start to sit down close to your left heel and roll back. Pull your attacker onto your right foot, swinging your foot so that the antagonist passes over and away from your body, completing the throw. Note that if the throw is done correctly the leg is not straightened out, but instead moves in a bent position and in a circular motion.

Figures 114 through 117 illustrate the Ippon-seoi-nage throw. Grasping your attacker's left lapel with your right hand, and his right elbow sleeve with your left hand, pivot your body around so that your left foot is in front of his left foot and your right foot is in front of his right foot. At the same time, reach under and around the attacker's right arm with your right arm—as illustrated. Squat down slightly so that your hip is in front of your adversary's loin, and pull your attacker down with your left hand loading him onto your back. Complete the throw by twisting your body and springing up, thus straightening your legs.

Koshi-guruma is illustrated in figures 118 through 122. Break your opponent's balance by pulling him directly toward you, or toward your right, and place your right hip in front of his right loin. Move your right hand around your adversary's neck or shoulder. At the very moment that your hip makes contact with his right loin—and using your hip as an axis—revolve your body so that your opponent will land around and to the front of you, completing the throw.

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