Judo adventures - Summer session 08

[yuuago]

Attending: Me and C. Instructing: F.

Small class today, but that's all right! I don't mind at all.

Today, we mainly concentrated on variations of osoto-gari.

First, we practiced setups of the regular form. Nothing new there; just review.

Then, first variation. You pull your opponent down sharply, then reach over and grab their belt; then you go in for the osoto-gari. Basically it surprises + unbalances.

Second variation: Used when you're reaching. You do osoto-gari, but from a non-ideal distance, and hook higher than typical; then hop in and toward, while driving your opponent back. I'm not a fan of this one, but I can see the practical application.

Thirs variation incorporates the first - the reachover. But instead of following through, you use the osoto-gari for a setup. Reach, osoto-gari, and then rather than following through (or rather, if in a situation where they are too strong for you to follow through) you use the position to go in for an uchi-makakomi instead. I really like this - it's a combination of things that one wouldn't typically expect, so it's a possibility to catch someone off guard.

Class today was kind of ridiculous - it was way too hot in the dojo, and I kept needing to take a break because I was getting gassed out real easy. Enjoyed the instruction, though.

Regluar class starts next week!