Last Thursday we spent a lot of time working on the Harai Tsurikomi Ashi , which is a type of foot sweep. It was really interesting to me however. When I picture a footsweep I tend to think of someone dropping clear down into a squat, and spinning around, hitting an opponent in the leg and tripping them. Not so with this move. This is done from a standing position. In fact, you actually pull your opponent even more upright.

The key is to hit the trailing foot. So imagine this… you and someone else have a grip on each other, and are trunign this way and then, preparing to do combat. As you both take a step, they step wit their lead foot first, then follow up wit the trailing foot. The key to this move is that the trailing foor is suceptable to getting kicked off course if you catch it right before they set it down. The brain seems to not handle this vey well. If you try to kick the foot as they lift it, or while it is in mid-step, recovery is not that tough. But catch it right before it lands, and the brain and body have already accepted it as a given that it can be depended on, and weight begins to shift there. Srew with that, and down they go.

This is what I find really fun about Judo. I constantly learn vulnerabilities that make me just step back and say “wow”. It is funny how many weaknesses we all have that we don’t realize.

On another note: UFC this weekend. I am really looking forward to watching the Dan Henderson vs Anderson Silva fight. Talk about a couple of absolutely tough guys! As a side note: I have to admit that I am definitely hoping for Henderson on this one.

But the fight I am really excited for?? Check out my post asking for fight between Wanderlei and Jardine. It’s happening! I am positively giddy. Why? Because I am not convinced that Jardin is the real deal. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a very tough dude. But I don’t think he is nearly as world class as he believes. I think Chuck Liddell has too much confidence in his standard game plan and was not willing to change it up, even to the point of getting a beating. But I think Wanderlei will give Jardine a trouncing. I am dying to see it.

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