DEVELOPING SPEED IN SHOTOKAN - PT. 1

Speed in Shotokan is developed through training methods like hitting with intent, proper body mechanics, relaxation, and drills focused on explosive power, while also using physical conditioning such as plyometrics and weight training. To improve hand and foot speed, use resistance bands, focus on the "knee drop" for lower body movements, and train with increasing speed and precision in your techniques.

Techniques and training principles

      1.) Hit with intent: Focus on hitting with power and purpose, not just going through the motions.

      2.) Relaxation and power: Stay relaxed until the point of impact, then explosively concentrate all your body's power into the technique. 

      3.) "Knee drop": Instead of pushing off your back leg, drop into your stance by bending your knee and hip to move faster, especially for stepping back or side-stepping.  

      4.) Slow and fast training: Practice techniques slowly and with precision to build a strong foundation, then gradually increase the speed. 

      5.) Use resistance: Use resistance bands on your ankles or hands to build strength and speed.  

      6.) Breathing: Proper breathing techniques are crucial for generating power and for maintaining speed.

Physical conditioning   

1.) Plyometrics: Perform exercises like plyometric push-ups and box jumps to improve explosive power. 

2.) Weight training: Incorporate weight training to build the explosive strength needed for powerful movements. 

3.) Cardio and flexibility: Improve your stamina with cardiovascular exercises like swimming, and increase your flexibility with stretching to allow for deeper stances and movements.

Drills

      1.)  Resistance band drills: Attach bands to your hands or feet while practicing to create resistance.

      2.) Speed bag: Use a speed bag to develop hand speed and coordination.

      3.) Lower body drills: Practice the "knee drop" drill by dropping in place or turning 90° or 180°.

      4.) Kata speed drills: Perform sequences in your kata at different speeds, from fluid to rapid.

 

A Son's Revolution: Yoshitaka Funakoshi's intense training forged modern Shotokan

Shotokan Tiger design by Barron Shepherd

Yoshitaka Funakoshi, also known as Gigo Funakoshi, played a transformative role in evolving Shotokan karate into the powerful, athletic, and technically advanced martial art practiced worldwide today. While his father, Gichin Funakoshi, emphasized karate as a philosophical way of life with a deep focus on kata and character development, Yoshitaka’s vision introduced a dynamic and combative edge. 

Yoshitaka is credited with major technical innovations including the development of longer, deeper stances; refined and powerful kicking techniques such as the mawashi geri (roundhouse kick) and yoko geri (side kick); and the promotion of full extension kicks that enhanced speed and striking power. Drawing influence from his study of kendo and iaido, Yoshitaka emphasized fluid, upright postures that allowed for faster attacks and more efficient movement.

Perhaps most revolutionary was his focus on applying karate in a competitive and combative context. Unlike his father, who approached karate with a more idealistic and philosophical mindset, Yoshitaka embraced free sparring, kumite, and a practical training methodology that stressed raw power and effectiveness. His classes encouraged students to generate powerful strikes that could “crack floorboards,” a stark contrast to the restraint promoted by Gichin.

The training philosophy: "Break the body to free the spirit!"

For Yoshitaka, martial arts training was not merely about performing techniques correctly but about forging an unbreakable spirit through physical hardship. Master Taiji Kase, a contemporary of Funakoshi's, recounted how training involved performing techniques hundreds of times until students were exhausted, pushing them beyond their perceived limits.

This mindset is best summarized by a maxim attributed to Yoshitaka himself: "Break the body to free the spirit!". This approach prepared students to face real-life confrontations with courage and resilience.

Technical innovations that defined modern Shotokan

Yoshitaka's changes were not just in intensity; he fundamentally redesigned the technical aspects of Shotokan.

Deeper, longer stances: He developed more rooted stances, such as kiba-dachi, zenkutsu-dachi kokutsu-dachi, which built leg strength and generated more powerful techniques.

Dynamic kicking: Yoshitaka expanded the Shotokan arsenal to include higher, more explosive kicks like the mawashi-geri (round kick) and yoko-geri (side kick), which were less common in older styles.

New kumite forms: He championed the use of sparring (kumite) as a central training method, introducing foundational kumite forms (gohon kumite, kihon ippon kumite, jiyu ippon kumite) to prepare students for real combat.

Long-range attacks: Moving away from the close-quarters Okinawan style, Yoshitaka focused on long-range attacks to maximize power and speed.

Influence of other martial arts: His innovations reflected influences from other Japanese martial arts, like Kendo and Iaido, contributing to Shotokan's explosive nature.

The generation gap: Father versus son

The philosophies of Gichin Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka Funakoshi represent a pivotal evolution within the Shotokan karate lineage, shaping the martial art into what millions practice worldwide today.

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, viewed karate primarily as a way of life dedicated to character perfection. His teachings emphasized kata—the formal patterns of movement—as a core practice, along with philosophical discipline rooted in humility, respect, and lifelong self-improvement. His approach reflected the deeper moral and spiritual dimensions of karate, encouraging practitioners to seek mastery of mind, body, and spirit as one integrated pursuit.

In contrast, Yoshitaka Funakoshi, while honoring his father’s principles, believed that karate also needed to embrace a more combative and competitive aspect. He advocated for emphasizing the raw power of techniques and an athleticism that prepared fighters for intense, realistic encounters. Yoshitaka’s vision brought a dynamic, modern, and sports-oriented dimension to Shotokan, a shift that appeared to contradict but ultimately complemented Gichin’s original teachings. 

Significantly, Gichin Funakoshi sanctioned these changes by his son, demonstrating openness to adaptation and evolution even when it challenged his traditional philosophy. This endorsement helped legitimize Yoshitaka’s approach and ensured his influence on Shotokan’s worldwide spread as a vibrant, athletic martial art.

Tragically, Yoshitaka Funakoshi died young at 39 in 1945 during wartime Tokyo, never witnessing the full global impact of his contributions. Today, Yoshitaka’s influence is undeniable. The intensity of his training, deep understanding of biomechanics, and focus on practical power forged Shotokan’s modern identity—a dynamic martial art balancing philosophical roots with combative effectiveness—continuing to inspire millions of practitioners worldwide.

The Modern Athlete's Approach to Kata Training

Over the years I've witnessed a fundamental shift in how we approach traditional martial arts training. The integration of evidence-based conditioning methods with kata practice represents one of the most exciting developments in modern athletic performance enhancement.

 

The Science Behind Traditional Movement

Recent research involving elite kata practitioners has validated what many of us in the sports performance field have long suspected: traditional martial arts forms, when programmed systematically, produce measurable athletic adaptations comparable to advanced strength and conditioning protocols. Over a comprehensive 16-week periodized program combining kata with strength training and high-intensity interval conditioning, researchers documented significant improvements in lower-limb explosiveness, upper-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and favorable body composition changes.​

These findings align perfectly with NASM's Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model, which emphasizes progressive adaptation through integrated movement patterns. Kata naturally incorporates multiple planes of motion, unilateral loading, and complex movement sequences that challenge proprioception, coordination, and muscular endurance simultaneously.​

 

Performance Enhancement Through Traditional Practice

From a biomechanical standpoint, kata training addresses several key performance variables that we target in modern athletic development:

Power Development: The explosive transitions between stances and rapid directional changes in kata create plyometric-like training effects. Research shows these movement patterns enhance rate of force development, particularly in the lower extremities, which translates directly to improved athletic performance across multiple sports.​

Metabolic Conditioning: When performed at competition intensity, kata challenges both the phosphocreatine and glycolytic energy systems. The intermittent high-intensity nature of kata execution mirrors the demands we see in combat sports and team athletics, making it an excellent conditioning tool.​

Movement Quality: The precision required in kata execution develops kinesthetic awareness and movement efficiency. This enhanced proprioceptive ability reduces injury risk while improving skill transfer to sport-specific movements.

 

Integrated Programming Approach

As a sports performance enhancement specialist, I view kata not as just an isolated practice, but as one component within a comprehensive training system. The most successful athletes will integrate kata training using periodized programming principles:

Phase 1 - Movement Preparation: Slow, controlled kata execution emphasizes stability, mobility, and movement quality. This aligns with NASM's stabilization endurance phase, building the foundation for more intensive training.​

Phase 2 - Strength Development: Kata performed with added resistance (weighted vests, resistance bands) or through isometric holds develops functional strength in sport-specific movement patterns.

Phase 3 - Power Application: High-velocity kata execution combined with plyometric drills maximizes power output and anaerobic capacity.

 

Evidence-Based Programming Recommendations

Based on the research, I recommend the following programming parameters for kata-based performance enhancement:

Frequency: 3-4 sessions per week, integrated with traditional strength and conditioning work

Intensity: Varying from 60-95% perceived exertion depending on training phase

Volume: 15-30 minutes of kata-specific work per session

Progression: Systematic increases in complexity, speed, and loading over 4-6 week training blocks

The key is treating kata with the same scientific rigor we apply to any other training modality. Heart rate monitoring, power output measurement, and objective performance metrics should guide programming decisions.

The Future of Traditional Training

The research validating kata as a legitimate performance enhancement tool represents a broader trend in sports science: the recognition that traditional movement practices, when properly understood and systematically applied, can produce elite-level athletic adaptations.​

For martial artists seeking to maximize their physical potential, the message is clear: embrace the marriage of ancient wisdom and modern sports science. When kata training is integrated within a comprehensive, evidence-based performance program, it becomes not just a cultural practice, but a powerful tool for athletic development.

The traditional and the scientific need not be at odds—they can be powerful allies in the pursuit of human performance excellence.

 Transform Study Findings into Practical Training

Drawing from the scientific research on kata performance and conditioning, the following are practical, evidence-based recommendations for karate practitioners who wish to transform their kata into a powerful training tool.

1. Train Kata at Multiple Speeds

Research shows that alternating tempo during kata training develops different energy systems and muscle fibers.​

Perform kata slowly once per session to build control, posture stability, and endurance through isometric tension.

Execute kata at full speed to enhance fast-twitch muscle response and anaerobic conditioning.

Blend slow-to-fast transitions for cardiovascular conditioning and combat rhythm awareness.

 

2. Use Kata as Functional Strength Training

Studies emphasize the high mechanical load of deep stances and rapid directional changes in kata.​

Treat stances such as kiba-dachi (horse stance) and zenkutsu-dachi (front stance) as static holds for lower-body strength.

Integrate plyometric-style kihon movements to develop explosive hip power and improve punch and kick velocity.

Focus on core engagement during transitions to protect the spine and optimize force transfer.

 

3. Apply Interval-Based Kata Conditioning

Physiological studies of elite kata athletes confirm that kata alternates between short power bursts and controlled breathing phases, making it ideal for interval conditioning.​

Create short circuits by performing two to three kata rounds with 60-second active recovery.

Combine kata bursts with push-ups, squats, or shadow sparring to mimic competition intensity.

 

4. Reinforce Kata with Strength and Mobility Sessions

Research on elite performance reveals improved results when kata evolves alongside resistance and flexibility work.​

Supplement kata days with kettlebell squats and medicine ball rotations to enhance hip drive and stability.

Incorporate yoga or dynamic stretching for joint preservation and posture alignment during stance practice.

 

5. Integrate Deliberate Practice and Feedback

Borrowing directly from sports-science-informed training approaches, deliberate repetition with feedback accelerates technical and physical gains.​

Record kata sessions to analyze balance, timing, and breathing consistency.

Use mirrors or partner observation for real-time correction.

Apply targeted corrections—like lowering stance depth or enhancing snap—in isolated drills before reintegrating them into full kata.

 

6. Prioritize Recovery and Variation

Kata’s repeated patterns can cause muscular imbalances or overuse if not cycled properly.​

Alternate kata emphasizing different stances, directions, and intensity levels throughout the week.

Integrate rest or mobility days to sustain longevity and prevent hip, knee, and lower-back strain.

 

7. Structure Training Like an Athlete

Modern conditioning for kata aligns with periodized athletic training.​

Design training cycles with specific focus phases: technical control, strength building, speed power, and recovery.

Evaluate personal performance periodically using metrics like heart rate recovery, stance duration, and explosive movement time.

In essence, turning kata into a conditioning system requires blending tradition with science: varying intensity, deliberate technical feedback, strength support work, and intelligent recovery. When practiced this way, kata not only refines technique—it transforms the body into a durable, adaptable, and powerful instrument of martial purpose.

Kata is far more than a rehearsal of forms—it is a functional conditioning system encoded within karate’s tradition. When practiced with focus on biomechanics, speed variation, and physical adaptation, kata builds explosive strength, muscular endurance, and mental discipline. Its fusion of technique and training proves that traditional movement, when properly understood, remains one of the most efficient full-body conditioning systems in martial arts.

The Difference between Cross training and Cross Ranking

 

As someone who has researched and trained across multiple martial arts, I’ve learned that cross training and cross ranking are fundamentally different and most importantly that one martial art doesn’t automatically transfer to another.

For me, cross training means stepping outside your core system to study additional arts, which builds versatility but doesn’t grant one rank in those new styles. For example, taking boxing lessons to improve my striking mechanics helps me become a more complete fighter, but it doesn’t make me a ranked boxer.

On the other hand, cross ranking, where someone receives an equivalent or honorary belt in a different martial art, doesn’t always reflect genuine skill or technical mastery. It's my believe that ranks should represent years of committed study and formal testing within each art’s unique standards, not a shortcut based on achievements elsewhere.

The techniques, biomechanics, and tactical demands of every martial art are specific to its context. Mastery in judo, for example, doesn’t mean I’ll automatically excel in karate or boxing because each system has its own rules, skills, and ranking process. Real proficiency and legitimacy come from earning my place within each distinct discipline—not by transferring titles or experience between arts. 

As someone deeply invested in researching and practicing multiple martial arts, I see a clear distinction between cross training and cross ranking and I’ve learned firsthand that expertise or rank in one art doesn’t automatically carry over to another. When I cross train, it’s about broadening my skills and understanding by studying techniques outside my main system, like picking up boxing fundamentals as a judoka. This builds versatility and helps me adapt to different situations, but it doesn’t give me a recognized rank in that secondary art.

Cross ranking, on the other hand, is when someone tries to use achievements or a belt from one style to claim an equivalent status in another, often without going through the formal challenges or curriculum that the new art demands. For me, that shortcut doesn’t feel legitimate; proficiency in martial arts is specific to each system’s techniques, tactics, rules, and ranking standards. 

Rank should reflect dedicated study and testing in the discipline itself, not just transferable athleticism or experience. That’s why I believe in truly earning my place within each distinct martial art I pursue.

DYNAMIC KAJUKENBO YELLOW BELT TECHNIQUES PART 1

The time it takes to go from white belt to yellow belt in Kajukenbo depends on many factors, including training time, attitude, skill development and the instructor or school. There are a lot of skills to learn in Kajukenbo at even the yellow belt level, these include punches, kicks, throws, take downs, joint locks, parries, counters, footwork, head movement, to name a few. 

Kajukenbo combines a variety of techniques from which many different combinations can be performed. Combinations allow you to attack and counter your opponent while protecting yourself. By working on different combinations that involve various strikes, throws and footwork patterns, you can develop more varied and effective attacks. This can be especially important in a real fight, where the ability to mix up one's techniques and confuse one's opponent can be a major advantage. 

Important requirements for a yellow belt in Kajukenbo is a focus on proper form, mastering basic striking, blocking and throwing techniques. Yellow belt level emphasizes correct technique and proper body mechanics. Basic combinations are taught at this level, learning and utilizing basic blocking, striking and throwing/takedown sequences is crucial. Practicing proper footwork, the ability to step offline of an incoming strike/evade a punch and stance transitions is also essential at this level. 

In the following yellow belt combination you will find some of the basic yellow belt techniques; these include inward block, hammer fist, forearm strike, a right cross and basic Ippon Seoi Nage (back carry throw) commonly referred to as a shoulder throw. 

1.) The attacker is in a right foot forward fighting stance and you are in a right foot forward fighting stance.      2.) The attacker throws a straight right punch. Pivot counter clockwise on the lead foot. The rear foot slides or steps back toward three o'clock (this moves the head offline of the incoming punch) as you execute a right inward hammer fist to the attacker's right bicep.    3.) From the exact point of contact of the downward hammer fist to the opponent’s right arm, pivot back clockwise on both feet to twelve o'clock and execute a right hammer fist to the opponent’s jaw or side of neck. Your left hand remains chambered at your right shoulder.

4.) Push off the rear foot raising the heel off the ground as you strike the left side of the opponent’s neck with the outward boney area of the forearm. Your right hand chambers at your chin.   5.) Immediately, execute a right punch as your feet shift position. Your right foot shuffles back and pivots counter clockwise as the left foot moves forward toward the direction of the ten o’clock position. Follow through with the punch by turning your hand over.   6.) Push off the left foot and step forward with the right foot (toes should be pointing toward the twelve o’clock position). 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.

7.) 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 right foot straight to the inside of his right foot.  8.) Pivot on your right foot counter – clockwise and bring your left foot back between your opponent’s feet. Simultaneously pull the opponent forward and bring your right arm up under his right arm. Pinch his right bicep between your right bicep and forearm. 9.) Straighten your legs and bend at the waist popping your hips up and lifting him into the air (this is an explosive movement). Keeping your grip on the opponent, bring your left elbow downward, twisting your upper body toward your left hip to finish the throw.

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KAJUKENBO: Drilling Combinations Builds A Stronger Foundation

Kajukenbo is a hybrid fighting system specifically designed for real world combat. Kajukenbo encompasses the precision strikes of karate, the powerful throws of judo, the fluid movements of kenpo and the raw power of boxing all combined into a single unstoppable force. Training in Kajukenbo is an intense endeavor. Practitioners develop striking techniques that can incapacitate opponents with rapid fire speed and precision. High level Judo throws have been incorporated in my personal method of Kajukenbo. These variations can be utilized to hit throws with more versatility and effectively from many more angles than the more conventional variations of throws. 

The goal in Kajukenbo is to seamlessly transition between striking, throwing and grappling in combinations. These combinations are important because they increase the odds of landing your strikes and setting up your throws. When you throw punches in combinations, your opponent has to deal with attacks from different angles, making it more likely that some of your punches will land as well as create opening s to enter into throws. 

It also makes it harder for your opponent to counterattack. When you attack or counter in combinations, your opponent has to deal with attacks coming from all directions, making it harder for them to counterattack. By changing the angles of your techniques and attacks, you can keep your opponent guessing about what combination you'll throw next and create more opportunity to incorporate hitting someone with the good old planet earth. 

Throwing a few combinations in a row can help you feel more confident and establish dominance. Couple this with the fact that hitting a judo throw in the ring or in a fight sends the message loud and clear that this person is highly skilled at what they do. 

Drilling combinations is important because it helps you build a strong foundation. A strong foundation includes learning the foundational strikes and throws, moving in all directions, and evasive maneuvers. Drilling combinations helps you develop the building blocks of technique that you can use to create and develop effective techniques. It also helps you perform in any situation. A successful combination is one where you can land your shots, protect yourself, get out of your opponent's reach but most importantly overwhelm the attacker. Lastly it helps you perform when the pressure is high.

In Kenpo Karate there are what has come to be known as the Master Keys. MASTER KEY MOVEMENT(S) are defined as being a move or series of moves that can be used in more than one predicament with equal effect. MASTER KEY TECHNIQUES entail sequential arrangements of movements (combinations) that can be applied to a number of predicaments. The concept and art of Master Key Techniques is to eventually be able to use any and all techniques as a BASE MOVE and to see how all other techniques are formulations of it. This should lead you not only to the next technique but to the next level of spontaneity. 

In the case of a MASTER KEY TECHNIQUE it is a single technique that may be used as a BASE MOVE. Other similar techniques may then be perceived as formulations of it. As an example the below combination ends with the step pivot variation of Ippon Seoi (shoulder throw) however other formulations of the shoulder throw can be interjected, IE the split step entry or the back step entry, see previous previous article HERE.

1.) The opponent is standing in a right side forward fighting stance and the defender is standing in a right forward lead.   2.) The opponent throws a left round house punch.  Push off the rear foot and step forward with your right foot shuffling forward. Block the incoming punch with a right outward Hammering block. Your left hand comes up covering the right side of your face and head.   3.) The defender pivots counter clockwise simultaneously bending at the knees and dropping his hips and striking the opponent’s right arm with a right downward hammer fist.

4.) From the exact point of contact of the downward hammer fist to the opponent’s right arm, pivot back clockwise on both feet and execute a right hammer fist to the opponent’s jaw or side of neck. Your left hand remains chambered at your right shoulder.   5.) Immediately pivot clockwise as if corkscrewing yourself into the ground and execute a left corkscrew punch to the side of the opponent’s jaw. Your right hand rechambers at your chin.   6.) Shown at a slightly different angle, your hips and shoulders torque back pivoting slightly back counter clockwise as you strike with a right shovel punch to the opponent’s body. You left hand rechambers at your right shoulder.

7.) Push off the rear foot raising the heel off the ground as you strike the left side of the opponent’s neck with the outward boney area of the forearm. Your right hand chambers at your chin.   8.) Immediately, execute a right punch as your feet shift position. Your right foot shuffles back and pivots counter clockwise as the left foot moves forward toward the direction of the ten o’clock position. Follow through with the punch by turning your hand over.   9.) Step your right foot forward toward the twelve o’clock position and bring your left foot moves back toward the seven o’clock position and pivot counter clockwise toward nine o'clock. The knees bend and your hips drop as you an execute a right downward hammer fist to the groin.

10.) Immediately contour up the opponent's body and deliver a right vertical elbow under the opponent's chin.   11.) Pivot on both feet clockwise toward twelve o'clock and 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.   12.) With a short quick jerk, pull him into you. This should rock him to his front and off of his heels. Simultaneously step your right foot straight to the inside of his right foot.

13.) Pivot on your right foot counter – clockwise and bring your left foot back between your opponent’s feet. Simultaneously pull the opponent forward and bring your right arm up under his right arm. Pinch his right bicep between your right bicep and forearm.   14.) Straighten your legs and bend at the waist popping your hips up and lifting him into the air (this is an explosive movement).   15.) Keeping your grip on the opponent, bring your left elbow downward, twisting your upper body toward your left hip to finish the throw.   

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KAJUKENBO: Necessary Concepts for Effective Judo Throws

In order to become proficient in judo throws, be it for sport or for self-defense, it is of the utmost importance to understand the concepts behind the throws. There are very necessary concepts or elements to a judo throw. Understanding these concepts and how they impact a particular technique, you can improve your performance.

First and foremost, a judo throw requires the establishment of a strong grip. An offensive gripping strategy can help keep the opponent or adversary on their heels both literally and figuratively. Not having a solid plan for your grips can leave you vulnerable and at the mercy of your opponent.

The second concept is off-balancing the opponent or adversary. The best judo throws often look of almost effortless and your opponent/adversary doesn't even realize what has just happened.  Though no techniques are actually effortless, being able to effectively off balance the opponent can make a technique appear to be so. If the off balancing is not present the throw will not be successful.

The next step is getting into position to do the throw. Once you get your opponent off-balance, the next step is to get yourself into position for the throw. This must be executed as a coordinated and fluid movement. This requires speed as well as not releasing the pressure that keeps your opponent off-balance.

Then there is the execution of the throw. The most effective throwing movements are performed in an explosive manner. The simultaneous and explosive movement of the different parts of the body in a coordinated way allows for greater speed and force, which will end in a successful and effective throw.

 

Off Balancing

You can off balance your opponent by pushing, pulling on his clothes and arms, bump or crash into him and striking. Stepping in and striking his shoulders with either one or both of your hands. Crashing into him with your elbows or shoulders is an excellent means of disrupting his balance. The objective is to take over/occupy and destroy the opponent’s center line while you maintain a good athletic posture.

Picture your opponent standing square with you. Now imagine a rectangle imposed on the opponent’s body. The two top corners of the rectangle are at both of his shoulders (Upper Quadrant) the two bottom corners are at both of his feet (Lower Quadrant). Look at all four of the corners as the legs of a table, disrupt one and the table is primed to fall. Attacking any of the corners with hard strikes effectively disrupts the aggressors balance and posture.

Getting the head beyond the plane of the feet (Lower quadrant) by pushing, pulling or striking in any direction is an extremely effective point of disruption.

 

Punching in the grip

Blue looking like a boxer, parries White's grip attempt with his left hand and punches in his grip.

There is a strategy in judo. ”First grip. First attack. Finish.” Some elite level Judo players often “punch in” their grips like a boxer throwing a punch, jab cross, uppercut etc. (Modern Olympic judo competitors look almost like boxers, circling each other while jabbing and probing their opponent's defenses, punching their hands in for a perfect grip. The perfect grip being the one that allows one to immediately initiate a successful throw or takedown.) This concept blends in nicely with any striking combinations and can be interjected into your combination without any disruption of flow. Meaning any punch or check that you execute can conceivably also be a throw.

It can be utilized very effectively at long or medium ranges and even pre-emptively. As a preemptive technique, just before the attacker gets within striking distance. It can also be used when the attack is picked up early and done to intercept an incoming strike. Most importantly it can disrupt an attacker’s balance, rocking him back on his heels or affect his posture forcing him out of a good athletic position.

The lead in for the entry can be executed with either foot stepping forward while striking either one of the shoulders. An added benefit is that it has the potential to stop the rotation of the attacker’s torso at his shoulder, basically short-circuiting the power of the attacker’s incoming punch at the root of its motion. This one-handed style of entering into judo throws is very effective and allows for great adaptability and the ability to execute various throws from multiple angles and directions. You can step directly you’re your opponent or off line to create various angles.

Being able to throw with either foot forward as well as having the ability to throw to both the right and left side leaves your opponent questioning from which direction you will attack. Pictured below is a example of punching in the grip in a judo situation followed with an example for possible use in the system of Kajukenbo.

1.) Judoka in white is standing in a right foot forward lead stance. The judoka on the right is in a false lead stance with knees bent and center of gravity low. His feet are shoulder width apart. He turns his upper body clockwise bringing his left hand and shoulder to the front closer to the opponent. The left hand is the attacking hand and is positioned closer to his opponent. The right hand acts as the defensive hand. 2.) Much like delivering a straight punch in boxing, punch in with left hand and grip your opponent’s gi right above the armpit at the pocket of the shoulder. 3.) Both are standing in a right foot forward lead stance. 4.) Push off the rear foot and step forward toward one o’clock with the right foot. Simultaneously punch the grip in striking the opponent at the pocket of the shoulder with an open hand hard “check”. This check should be hard and ballistic enough to rock the opponent back onto his heels and disrupting or breaking his fighting posture.

NOTE: In setting up your throw you want to create a whiplash effect by striking the shoulder with enough force to rock him back on his heels and then suddenly jerking him forward to bring him up on the balls of his feet and to his front. When rocked back on his heels he will automatically and instinctively try to correct his posture. He may either take a step backward or try and lean forward to retain his balance. A sudden quick jerk toward you will cause him to rock forward onto his toes.

OSOTO GARI – Major Outside Reap

1.) From a right foot forward fighting stance or non-violent posture.  2.) Push off the left foot and step in with the right foot shuffle forward to twelve o’clock and STRIKE your opponent’s right shoulder hitting with a straight left heel of palm strike rocking the opponent backwards. Upon impact immediately grab the clothing with your left hand at the area struck.

(Notice that upon impact the opponent’s lead foot is off the ground. The STRIKE to your opponent’s shoulder should be delivered hard enough to knock the opponent off balance, rocking him back on his heels and disrupt his posture.)

3.) Push off the right foot stepping forward with your left foot to the outside of the opponent’s right foot toward eleven o’clock. Immediately pull with your left hand as you step to eleven o’clock with your left foot. Your weight shifts to the left leg and maintaining the hold on his shoulder and your right hand under hooks and grabs his right arm at the triceps. Pull the front of his right shoulder hard into your chest. (The pulling actions break his balance to his right leg.)

4.) Pulling with your left hand bring your right knee forward and up in between your left leg and the outside of your opponent’s right leg. Your right thigh should be raised until it is parallel with the ground. 5.) Swing your right leg downward and back without letting your right foot touch the ground. The back of your calf should make contact with the back of your opponent’s calf. Continue your pull with your left hand bringing your left elbow to your left hip. 6.) Continue with the sweep taking your opponent’s leg upward. Sweep his leg high. While sweeping your opponent’s leg drive his shoulder downward to the ground by continuing to pull your left elbow to your left hip.

(To do the takedown to the opposite side substitute the word “left” for “right” and “right” for “left”.)