Jiu Jitsu Knoxville TN, A Great Training Method For Your Takedowns

A Great Training Method For Your Takedowns

February 1st, 2015

Many bjj students also supplement their training with judo, and many bjj blackbelts also hold advanced ranks in judo.
During my last training trip to Gracie Barra in Rio de Janeiro, every class included some training in standup techniques.

I learned a terrific training method from my first judo coach, Sensei Kojiro Mukai, called sutegeiko.

Sutegeiko: Randori throwing practice against a higher level judoka
My Japanese instructor described it as throwing away the opponent.

In this practice, all of the students would line up against the wall of the dojo.Then a single student would stand in the center of the mat and throw each of the other students in turn.

In my own classes, we use a thickly padded crash mat for the softest landings.With the crash mat, you may throw with 100% commitment to the throw and use full power without danger of injuring your training partner.

Some spectacular, high amplitude throws can be witnessed as students find confidence and really let their techniques go! One of the reasons this is such a beneficial training method is that the thrower gets to execute the takedown technique against a wide variety of body types.

In a recent class I taught we had a wide variety of sizes and body types. It is very different to execute your favourite throw against an opponent who is 65 kilos / 145 lbs. and one who is 120 kilos / 265 lbs.
Similarly, trying to get underneath the defensive arms of a 5’5/ 165 cm height is very different than a much taller 6’3 243 / 90.5 cm

You learn valuable information on how you must adapt your technique to the different types of opponents.

A few tips on how to use the Sutegeiko training method:
1) Make sure the person being thrown knows which throwing technique will be used so that they may prepare to breakfall correctly.

2) Do one slow throw first to ensure that the person being thrown will actually land on the mat!

3) Although it is important to commit 100% to your takedown, be careful not to land with your elbow or shoulder in the face of the person being thrown.
Remember, they are placing their safety in your hands by allowing you to throw them!