I learned this version of Juji-Gatame from Neil Adams. His accomplishments are well known to most judoka, some of which include 1981 World Champion, 1983 World Silver and in 1979 and 1985, World Bronze. He also is a two time Olympic Silver medalist, 1980 and 1984, 7 time European Champion and 21 time British National Champion!! His experience is amazing and further more, his ability to actually communicate and teach is extraordinary. I have been to two of his clinics in the past and it is an exciting and humbling experience. In this example we find our opponent in a vulnerable position. As I grab opponents gi behind his shoulder, I throw myself into a roll while simultaneously grabbing the collar with my right hand and "shooting" my right leg under my opponents torso. As I execute the roll, I must gain enough momentum to be sure my left leg gets behind my opponent at the end of the roll. Note that my left hand has not yet released it's grasp and position anchoring my opponent in place. All to common however is the fact that my right leg is now trapped. As a result, I firmly push down on my opponents knee, the objective being only to bring my knee out of the leg lock. The fact that my lower leg is still trapped will soon be inconsequential. As I "nudge" my knee free, I also bring my right foot as close to my opponent as possible. This allows for my foot to now be flat on the floor. This is key as I secure my opponents arm and literally stand up on my right foot (keep back straight for power) bringing my left foot across for Juji-Gatame. It is also important to note that my opponents right shoulder is leaving the ground indicating that I have control of the entire arm. Also, always bring legs together for maximum control of the arm. Have fun practicing this one!! Again, thanks Jeremy for being such an awesome uke!!
Juji-Gatame Commentary
I learned this version of Juji-Gatame from Neil Adams. His accomplishments are well known to most judoka, some of which include 1981 World Champion, 1983 World Silver and in 1979 and 1985, World Bronze. He also is a two time Olympic Silver medalist, 1980 and 1984, 7 time European Champion and 21 time British National Champion!! His experience is amazing and further more, his ability to actually communicate and teach is extraordinary. I have been to two of his clinics in the past and it is an exciting and humbling experience. In this example we find our opponent in a vulnerable position. As I grab opponents gi behind his shoulder, I throw myself into a roll while simultaneously grabbing the collar with my right hand and "shooting" my right leg under my opponents torso. As I execute the roll, I must gain enough momentum to be sure my left leg gets behind my opponent at the end of the roll. Note that my left hand has not yet released it's grasp and position anchoring my opponent in place. All to common however is the fact that my right leg is now trapped. As a result, I firmly push down on my opponents knee, the objective being only to bring my knee out of the leg lock. The fact that my lower leg is still trapped will soon be inconsequential. As I "nudge" my knee free, I also bring my right foot as close to my opponent as possible. This allows for my foot to now be flat on the floor. This is key as I secure my opponents arm and literally stand up on my right foot (keep back straight for power) bringing my left foot across for Juji-Gatame. It is also important to note that my opponents right shoulder is leaving the ground indicating that I have control of the entire arm. Also, always bring legs together for maximum control of the arm. Have fun practicing this one!! Again, thanks Jeremy for being such an awesome uke!!
Mitch