Yoshiyuki Hirano perfect in his technical and didactic presentation. He reminds us of the importance of etiquette in “Randori”.
On this, the second day of the 6th International Judo Summer Camp, we once more started, as scheduled, with Judo Master, Yoshiyuki Hirano, 5th Dan.
This morning from 7am to 8am, as usual, we studied floor work (Ne waza).
These morning sessions are always very stimulating and really get the attendees in the right mood to work for the rest of the day.
After the normal approach with instructive exercises and various modes to roll, Judo Master Yoshiyuki Hirano moved on to a study rich in detail on the arm lock Ude hishigi juji gatame.
The lesson on this control technique or arm lock was highly appreciated – not just for the effectiveness of the demonstration, but above all for a series of technical details that were extremely useful and which moved everyone a little closer to understanding “Kansetsu waza”, or arm locks in Judo.
The core of this study by Judo Master Hirano highlighted the strengths and weaknesses in the natural execution of this particular arm lock. Hirano was excellent and clearly explained the key technical points, from the movement of the hips to the correct contact of the legs and the proper rolling of the Uke, all in various situations.
What is surprising is that you think you know a technique and then, someone explains it differently and you learn it all over again. This is the beauty of study over time. If we are ready to learn, we can almost always discover things that we had not fully appreciated or even not even known.
Ude hishigi juji gatame is, without doubt, an arm lock well used in Judo, in the sporting world, and is seen in competitions with young judoka in right up to the highest levels, as well as being practiced daily in the Dojo. Hirano’s choice of technique was, therefore, perfect.
The programme continued at 10am with Judo Master Hirano starting the study of movement (Tai sabaki) and this moved into a series of exercises on the technique Morote seoi nage.
Hirano Yoshiyuki is a specialist in throws using the back and he was very good in showing the fundamentals to a correct and controlled execution.
“Seoi nage” are part of the “Gokyo” and are the throws most practiced by young yudoka. It is essential that the fundamentals are well understood:
Seoi nage offers, therefore, a complete series of challenges in our study.
Morote Seoi nage, in particular, this morning, not only required a good mastery of our bodies but hide elements of muscular “stress” as well as joint fatigue when executed carelessly. An incorrect practice creates issues in the form which are then difficult to eradicate.
The attention to the details regarding the opportunities for using these techniques, as explained by Judo Master Y. Hirano, made the entire session both fascination but quite challenging and difficult too.
Training then followed with “Randori” (free exercise as part of a Judo bout) which was always fun and highly enjoyed by the younger attendees.
At the end, Judo Master Y. Hirano and Judo Master H. Katanishi both underlines the importance of observing the role of correct behaviour in Randori which cleared any doubts.
Randori is an occasion which, very often, includes basic, important errors which need to be highlighted and explained to the young judoka. This exercise, or study, can be confused with another exercise which doesn’t have a place in Judo. In order to avoid misunderstandings between Randori and Shiai, we need to remind people that Randori is not an exercise where “anything goes” including kicking “the enemy”.
Judo Master H. Katanishi reiterated and stressed that, even in sporting competitions, a certain way of behaving is needed and this underlines each person’s Judo and is based on the sincerity of the attack and respect for your partner.
