Setting up throws / takedowns...

[Bubble Boy]

It's heard all the time:
Set up your throw.
Last week at a Judo tournament it was like a mantra being chorused from coaches around the competition space: "Set up your throw!"
I started thinking about exactly what "Setting up a throw" means.
A few things have solidified in my thinking about this stuff:

• GRIPS: Grip fighting, breaking your opponent's grip, getting your grip. This is numero uno because it is the most important (IMO). Before you can throw, you MUST have a dominate grip. If you don't have a completely dominate grip, BREAK ALL GRIPS and try again until you do.

• HAVE A THROW (or two): Know what throw you're working for. Doesn't matter what it is, just have a go to throw, and maybe an secondary throw. Your throw determines your grips, not the other way around. You should have a very specific and precise grip for your throw / take down.

• ASHIWAZA: Foot sweeps, reaps, foot chops, etc. Having a potentially dangerous foot sweep in your arsenal is crucial. De ashi barai is at the top IMO, but it depends on the throw. Hack at the feet (with intention to throw), and the opponent will move their feet, hopefully into a position that is better for your throw.

• FAKES: Fake throws. Jukes and jives. The key to a fake movement (i.e. bluffing a throw or take down) is that your fake throw has to be a believable throw. A fake works well on your SECOND opponent if you actually threw your FIRST opponent with it. Or it you've already fought the guy once (as happens a lot in tournaments) and your matched up against him again, AND he was either threatened or thrown by a move of yours earlier.

• KUZUSHI: The way you move your opponent to get them into the position you want to throw them. If your opponent is flowing with you well, you'll never throw them. But trip them up a little, or get them hopping on one foot, or leaning just a little, and the opportunity to throw is suddenly there. I was hesitant to make Kuzushi a category of it's own, because for me it comes off of the previous 3 items already mentioned. I personally consider Kuzushi a sub-category of the combination of Grips, Having a Throw, and Ashiwaza.

Above all else, for me, fighting your ass off for YOUR grip and getting it, AND then having a built in throw is what it's all about. Getting dominate grips on someone is crucial.

I'd be interested to know what Wrestlers, Sambo stylists, and BJJ guys think of this stuff, and any ideas they might have.

[Flounder]

great post.

[Lopyswine]

Thank you.

I have a tournament coming up and I am going to focus on this stuff tonight at class.

[YeahBee]

You could almsot make Anti-Kuzushi a category of your own, not acting predictable when forced, or taking advantage of his force etc etc

[YeahBee]

I am not big on fakes but have backups and drill combos

[Frodo]

How did you do at the tournament? Kuzushi isn't just off-balancing your opponent. It is also about freezing your opponent so you can begin tsurkuri and kake.

[PhxJudoJujitsu]

Great post

excellent.

[ks1911shooter]

I feel the first 2 are so important, especially the part about letting your intended throw(s) dictate your grip. I have been actually doing this more lately, and it certainly does help with the setup.

[Q mystic]

Nice post.