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Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Benefits of Judo Uchikomi


The Benefits of Judo Uchikomi
copyright © 2008 Ed Thibedeau, all rights reserved



Uchikomi – embodies the idea of invading one’s space or territory. From the game of GO - An invasion is a play made inside an enemy framework with the intention of living or escaping. In the context of judo uchikomi means to invade the space of the other player forcefully and take it over in an attempt to throw or otherwise control or submit the other player; an attack. Uchikomi are drills performed for skill development.

Static and Dynamic Uchikomi

The argument has been around for years that static uchikomi is not relevant and specific enough for competition judo. By definition, uchikomi is not and should not be considered static. If in fact an invasion or attack of someone else’s space is to occur movement is necessary.

Most judoka view static uchikomi as uke just standing in one spot while tori enters his space to perform kuzushi and tsukuri. This may be the way to teach a brand new white belt how to do his first few throws. But then it’s over. Dynamic uchikomi comes into play by tori moving and making uke move his body. Depending on the type and force of the attack uke may simply be unbalanced or forced to take a step or two during the kuzushi phase of the uchikomi. If uke doesn’t move the kuzushi by tori was not forceful enough. Uchikomi done correctly has to have movement by tori and should induce movement of uke, but it is not necessary to move around as much as is done during randori.

The Purpose of Uchikomi

Uchikomi is done in order to afford players the chance to repeat a technique many times in a relatively short period of time, as well as, to reduce wear and tear on uke from taking falls. The primary purpose of uchikomi is skill development. Uchikomi drills ingrain gross motor movement so it becomes an automatic action. Uchikomi allows judoka to practice the correct technical moves for any given technique to ensure efficient movement by tori and correct reaction of uke.

Skill Development

Repetition is a proven method of practice that allows the acquisition of needed skills quickly. Some of the individual skills aided by uchikomi drills are developing taisabaki, kuzushi and tsukuri, while increasing the attack speed and force. It is not necessary to perform kake to call uchikomi a skill. Uchikomi is in fact a set of several skills without the need to finalize the throw by uke hitting the mat. Performed correctly and with proper instruction from a knowledgeable teacher uchikomi should expose the players to the most efficient biomechanical movements required for the technique being practiced. Any skill practiced as a drill is in reality uchikomi.

How To Practice Uchikomi

Start with slow and very controlled movements when first learning a new technique. Once the correct movements are achieved the speed and force of the movements can be gradually increased. Uchikomi for each technique should be repeated 3-4 times and then the kake or final execution of the technique should be completed.


UchiKomi With Partner


UchiKomi Without Partner



Bibliography

1.Kata and Butsukari or Uchikomi by Gunji Koizumi in Budokwai Quarterly Bulletin, October 1952, pp 14-15 ©1952 from Electronic Journal of Martial Arts and Sciences - Journal of Combative Sport – Dec. 2005 http://ejmas.com/jcs/jcsframe.htm

2. Judo Formal Techniques by T. Otaki and D. Draeger © 1983

The author of this paper is a certified judo instructor, national referee, national kata judge and instructor. He is the chief instructor at Arkansas Goshinkan http://www.ArkansasGoshinkan.org/


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Seijitsu Judo Ryu Oath

  • "Without permission of the Authorities of Seijitsu Judo Dojo, I will not teach or divulge the Knowledge of the Art I shall be taught.

    I will not perform the Art in public for personal gain.

    I will lay no blame on anyone, except myself, in the event of accident, even if it should result in my death.

    I will conduct myself in such a way as never to discredit the traditions and honor of Seijitsu Judo Dojo.

    I will not abuse, or misuse, the Knowlege of Judo.

    I shall push and persevere."


Copied from the original Kodokan Oath and adapted by Seijitsu Judo Dojo; Judo - The Basic Technical Principles and Exercises by G. Koizumi (7th Dan), Founder of the Judo Movement in Great Britain and Europe, July 1958

About Judo


The Purpose of Judo Discipline

According to Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo:

  • "Judo is the way to the most effective use of both physical and spiritual strength. By training you in attacks and defenses it refines your body and soul and helps you make the spiritual essence of Judo a part of your very being. In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is the final goal of Judo Discipline."

Anyone who intends to follow the way of Judo must above all instill this teaching in his heart.

Judo in Action; Kazuzo Kudo, 9th Dan; Japan Publications Trading Company, Tokyo, Japan; January 1967

On Judo and the Changing Times

  • "As thoughts on any subject advance, there is the danger that people will tend to regard past ideas as no more than empty academic theory. Such an over-prejudiced attitude must not be condoned."

Tetsuya Sato and Isao Okano, Vital Judo, Japan Publications Inc., 1973


On the Value of Continuous Scholarly Study in Judo

  • "We live today and die tomorrow but the books we read tell us things of a thousand years."

Yamaga Sokō (September 21, 1622 - October 23, 1685) was a Japanese philosopher and strategist during the Tokugawa shogunate. He was a Confucian, and applied Confucius's idea of the "superior man" to the Samurai class of Japan. This became an important part of the Samurai way of life and code of conduct known as Bushido
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On Judo and its Lifelong Pursuit