Judo class was really great last night.  We worked a bit with various standing moves, just refining our style.  It was really good.  I tried to focus on getting my style down instead of relying on size and strength.  I spent a fair amount of the time working on a left handed Osoto Gari.

Additionally, you might recall my write up a few days ago on a really nasty pin/submission hold.   Well, this week we working on getting out of that.  Basically, you plant your elbow against the attacher’s face, and then use your other hand to push against your own first, thus driving your elbow into the side of their head and forcing them to loosen up so you can slip your arm out.  I found this to be vey effective… except against Sheldon.  Sheldon has a grip like a vice, and it was really tough trying to break it open.  Another nice escape that Sheldon showed me however, is to kick your feet up, and grab your own leg.  Then kick back down and try to sit up.  This seemed to work pretty well as also.

My favorite part however, was Randori.  I really worked on thinking more about my judo and my setups rather than just trying to overwhelm the person.  One thing I found that I did not expect is how effective “switching it up” can be.  What I mean by this is attaching left handed, then right handed.  I tried a couple of left handed Osoto Gari attacks, and although they did not work my opponent (Steve in this case) began to shift his body such that his right side was forward more in order to protect his left from my sweep.  This allowed me a great opportunity to go from the left handed Osoto Gari into a right handed head throw.  It worked really well.  I will be doing a lot more left and right switchups in the future, and focussing a lot more on technique rather than aggression.

Also, I like to periodically touch on details about my class in case anyone is interested in joining us.  It is at about 9450 south, and jest west of I-15 ( I’m not sure if that is Sandy, West Jordan, or West Valley.)  The class is 3 days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) for 2 hours per class.  The cost is $35 per month (I know… a STEAL for 6 hours per week!)  You can find them at their website here.   My favorite part by far though is the attitude of the instructors.  They are very talented, and very knowledgeable… but also very approachable and friendly.  I really like these guys!

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