Judo for Jiu Jitsu Gripping Strategies and Uchikomi Drills

Here at Nova Gyms we believe it’s important to prepare our BJJ students to be proficient on their feet as well as on the ground. Nova Gyms would like to share with you a couple of Uchikomi (step-in) drills and grip breaking strategies that you may like to incorporate into your training.

Grip Breaking Strategies 

The Y grip break. This is a basic strategy that can be effective at removing a strong grip on the sleeve. In this video we are using the strategy to remove a lapel grip. However, the Y grip break is much more effective at removing a sleeve grip rather than a lapel grip. It is a perfect strategy to use against a BJJ practitioner because of the way he/she grabs/grips the very end of the Gi sleeve. Removing a Judoka’s grip at the elbow and/or lapel with the Y strategy is not the best option. 

The Elbow Swim grip break. This strategy is a far superior to the Y grip break when dealing with a strong lapel grip. Warning: This grip break can cause injury to your opponent’s wrist and/or fingers if he/she continues to hold on to the lapel. It is important not to injure your training partner(s). It is advised that you let your trainer partner know to let go of the grip when your practicing this grip break.

Uchikomi (Judo Step in)

The Hamburger Drill. This drill will give your students a different way to practice their throwing technique and positioning, as they go from one training partner to the next.  You will need three people to do this drill. Each of the three students will rotate throughout the drill. In addition to working on Judo techniques student will also be improving their cardio and stamina.

Power Uchikomi drill. This drill allows students to use all of their explosive energy without completed the throw each time. During this drill students will recognize/feel improper kuzushi, improper foot placement etc. This drill is very dynamic. It provides students a great way to work on the first two parts of a Judo throw Kuzushi (off balancing) & Tsukuri (entry) without the Kake (throw). This drill can be used to practice many types of throws. The way that it was demonstrated in the video, was for a forward throw.

Judo for Jiu Jitsu Takedown & Turnover

Here at Nova Gyms we believe it’s important to prepare our BJJ students to be proficient on their feet as well as on the ground. Nova Gyms would like to share with you two techniques that you may like to incorporate into your game. The first technique is called Te Guruma which translates to Hand Wheel. The second technique is Sankaku Jime which translates to Triangle Strangle from the turtle position.

Te Guruma:

Te Guruma is a technique that can be used offensively or defensively. We will be sharing one defensive variation for you. The objective of this variation is to stop your opponent from throwing you using a hip style technique (Koshi Waza). Basic breakdown of the technique: You must anticipate the opponents attack, as he/she is turning into you you must drop your hips below your opponents, reaching deep through his/her legs, controlling the inner thigh, as you begin to lift you have to push his/her hips forward with your hips as you began to lift. Hold he/she tight to your body as you lift straight-up. Once both feet are off the ground pull down with your lapel grip causing he/she to turn onto their back as he/she is thrown to the mat.

Sankaku Jime with a Keylock submission:

The objective of this turtle turnover is to defend a single leg attack and get your opponent off his/her base and regain a dominant position and look for a submission. Basic breakdown of technique: Typically an opponent will turn to his/her knees to avoid certain situations and grab for a single leg to regain control. When this happens, use your free leg to hook in behind his/her armpit and bring your heel to your opposite knee creating a triangle. With one hand grabbing the belt and the other controlling the elbow of the arm on the outside of the single leg. Sit to your hip opposite of the single leg side. When opponent is turned on his/her back secure the Key Lock and close the triangle. Once you have the position secured work on the submission i.e. Sankaku Jime (Triangle Choke), Gooseneck wrist-lock,  Ude Garami (Coil Arm lock/Kumura), or transition to the back.

Judo 101 - Drills & Techniques We Can Use In Jiu Jitsu.

In this martial arts video you'll see how to use judo principals and judo basics to combine into your bjj and mma training. Although we do not offer Judo full time we do offer a weekly 50/50 class for kids and adults that focuses on half judo basics and half jiu jitsu basics.

Techniques and Drills -

Ukemi Waza (Break Falling Drills)

For Jiu Jitsu Rolling Fall Drill Tai Sabaki (body movement drill using belts)

Kuzushi Drill (Off balance drill)

Uchi Komi Drill with Power Uchi Komi

Throwing

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