KAJUKENBO: BASIC SHOULDER THROW

Don't let the word basic fool you, there is nothing basic about this highly effective variation of the shoulder throw (Ippon Seoi nage). It is indeed an advanced fighting application of the technique and the most effective. Be it in competition or the street! 

Judo throws are athletic, explosive and dynamic in action and are adaptable, flexible and practical. How well one can control the movement of his own body and the movement of his opponent's body determines if his throw will be successful.  An important factor in controlling your opponent’s movement is how well you can maximize both your speed and power and are able to transfer it efficiently to your technical skills. Being able to utilize judo and its principles in a street encounter requires more attention to the technical aspects of throwing an aggressor not wearing a judo gi (uniform).

The Split step entry

The split step entry is the most effective of the three entries into judo as well as the most versatile if mastered. It allows one to be able to execute throws from any angle. Unlike the more traditional step and pivot type entries, the split step allows for the thrower to step extremely deep between to opponent’s feet and get under his hips making it extremely difficult to counter even if the opponent tries to move back and away from the throw.

Footwork

1.) Step forward with the right foot to the top of the triangle. 2.) Bring your left foot up next to your right foot. 3.) Step forward between the opponent’s feet with your right foot through the triangle and pivot on the left foot. The toes of both feet should be pointing in the direction of the top of the triangle as the lead foot touches the ground. 4.) The left foot moves back next to your right foot between the opponent’s feet. As the left foot moves back his feet should lift up off the ground.

Punch in your Grip Like a Boxer Throwing a Punch

The United States military has been doing judo sans the gi since WWI and there is probably no better method for the effective application of judo in an urban environment. The simplest and most direct way is to target the area at the pocket of the shoulder just above the arm pit. Elite Judo players often “punch in” their grips like a boxer throwing a punch, a jab or a cross. This tactic of striking that area as a means of off balancing coupled with the split step entry makes for a high percentage and more effective throwing technique. 

There is a strategy in judo. ”First grip. First attack. Finish.” Judo players often “punch in” their grips like a boxer throwing a punch, jab cross, uppercut etc. This concept blends in nicely with any striking combinations and can be interjected into your combination without any disruption of flow.

Ippon Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw) – Split Step Entry

1.) Both you and your opponent are standing a right foot forward lead fighting stance. 2.) Push off the left foot and step forward with the right foot. As if throwing a rear hand straight punch, strike your opponent’s right shoulder with a left heel of palm strike and grab his clothing at the area struck. This strike should be hard enough to disrupt his posture and rock him back on his heels. 3.) With a short quick jerk with the left hand, pull the opponent into you. This should rock him to his front and off of his heels. Simultaneously step your left foot next to your right foot, your knees should be bent and your belt line should be lower than his belt line.

4.) Bring your right hand up under the opponent’s right armpit. Your right foot steps forward between the opponent’s feet pivot counter clockwise on your left foot and continue to pull with the left hand. As the right foot lands between deep between the opponent’s feet the toes of both feet should be pointing straight in the direction of the throw. Pinch the opponent’s right arm at his arm pit between your right forearm and bicep. Rotate the palm of the right hand toward your head (this creates a tighter clamp on the opponent’s arm). 5.)  Step back with your left foot next to the opponent’s left foot (as you step back with the left foot between your opponent’s feet they should start to raise up off the mat). 6.) Straighten your legs quickly and pop your hips upward into the opponent. Continue to pull and twist your torso to the left, taking your right elbow toward your left knee and drive the opponent to the ground.