Combat (no-gi) Judo
Combat (No-Gi) Judo
By Tim Callen
From its inception, Judo was intended to serve many purposes: a form of physical activity, a competition sport, and as a form of hand-to-hand self-defense. Over the decades, as competitive judo has emerged and flourished, much of the self-defense elements of judo have been underplayed and diminished by many practitioners.
In a street defense scenario, no one will be wearing a gi and clothes easily tear when grabbed and pulled. However, many judo throws, and techniques can still be performed even without a gi. Therefore, we train in the initiation and execution of judo throws and techniques in a no-gi situation. (We’ll discuss natural “grab points” in a future blog post. Part 2)
Moreover, knowing how to deliver a strike (legs, knees, feet, hands, and elbows) is essential in knowing how to defend against strikes. Also, being able to deliver a counter strike can either neutralize an opponent, or, optionally, be used to set-up a subsequent grappling action should that benefit your defensive strategy.
Orange County Judo Training Center is one of the few judo dojos that includes training that integrates judo into self-defense practices. As a true mixed martial art (MMA), our Combat (no-gi) Judo Class integrates striking with no-gi grappling. Students learn to defend against strikes, deliver counter strikes, and follow through with grappling techniques through a combination of skills training, drills, bag work, and sparring.
This is not an aerobic kick-boxing class. It is, however, a hands-on self-defense class that incorporates elements of traditional Japanese Karate, Muay-Thai kick boxing, Collegiate-style wrestling, American boxing, Sambo leg locks, and Judo throws, chokes, and armbars. The class is a great place to learn new skills, enhance cardio, and take your judo to a new level with practical applications.
Reach out to Sensei Juan or Sensei Tim for more info. Hope to see you there.