I'm a 1st-Keub rank in Tae Kwon Do but retired/took a hiatus in 2018-2019 before the pandemic, and while a studio affiliated with my former club university would allow me to continue to train towards my 1st degree, it's also mad expensive right now ($279 for lessons in my age and rank range, I suppose, being 30 year old deputy black belt).

Recently I looked into a studio in my area (I live in Maryland) that actually teaches adult courses and Judo (alongside Tae Kwon Do, BJJ and Muay Thai) for $175 and teaches under USA Judo. I'm still gathering details, but if it's relevant I'm 6'6" but unfortunately around 350 lbs (I'm navigating means of weight loss, diet and a better relationship with food and self-worth, just to be more diligent and efficient), so other than bodyweight, mobility, and cardio, my best means of fitness is returning to martial arts. I also have Stage 3 CKD, and want to lose the weight for my overall health.

Obviously just checking out the place would be effective than seeking answers, but I wanted to learn knowledge from other tall (and/or heavier) people who are experienced.

So I suffered a complete rupture (tear) of my Achilles a couple weeks ago. Almost exactly 1 week after the injury I had surgical repair using the Arthrex Midsubstance Speedbridge technique. I have a little over a week until my followup where I can ask more questions, but the surgeon seems very happy with the outcome of the surgery.

I know it'll be a long, frustrating road back to just walking normally, much less any athletic activity. But my question is about a future return to Judo or especially competitive Judo. I've searched the internet, Reddit, Youtube for any specific information or cases of athletes successfully returning to competitive Judo, or any Judo, after a complete Achilles rupture, but found nothing.

Does anyone here have any specific information on any athletes that returned to Judo after such an injury? Or are there any Orthos or other doctors here who have an opinion? I know Judo places an immense amount of dynamic strain/force on the Achilles at times, and I'm not sure if I'll ever do Judo again. If not competitive, will hard randori even be possible?

I'm mid-40s and active. A few old Judo friends of mine had inspired me to look to return to get my shodan but now I don't know anymore.

This injury sucks.

Hi there, anyone who has seen some of my previous posts over the last few years might remember that I am in the thick of a huge literature review regarding Budo, what it is exactly and the future of Budo as a wellness intervention. Many Judo, Budo, Aikido, Jujutsu books are available online, especially with sources like Annas Archive. However there are books I can't find digitally and are out of print, I would be extremely appreciative if anyone could help me acquire digital copies of:

Some books are extremely hard to get hold of:

• Ma Mathode Secrete De Judo by Mikinosuke Kawaishi
• My Judo by Masahiko Kimura
• Judo Inside Out, a Cultural Reconciliation by Geof Gleeson
• Born for the Mat by Keiko Fukuda
• Olympic Judo by Nicolas Soames
• Judo Magazines (I have the Budokwai digital archive)
• Truth of Daito Ryu Aiki, the story of Yukiyoshi Sagawa
• Fumio Hosotani's Newaza and Tachiwaza books
• A History of Judo by Syd Hoare

In the efforts of mutual welfare and benefit if I can help anyone out with books or anything else then of course people just need to let me know. At the minimum I have a digital Budo archive of approaching 20GB with almost no books on use of weapons. Almost completely philosophy and open handed techniques with Japanese Budo and contemporary culture.

It's not as fancy as /u/knobanious, but I got the points. I didn't think I could stretch like that for an O Soto Gari at my age (49). I won this match by an advantage and lost by an advantage. I was shocked to find out the IBJJF will score takedowns from the knees. He was in turtle, I was working on a turnover, he reached for double legs, and I went to open guard. They gave him points for that, but in my mind I was transitioning to guard. I think I was awarded the advantage because I was more active and attempted a choke that I couldn't lock in.

The IBJJF experience was top notch. A+ event. It's been many years since I competed in Judo. The NAGA event I went to last year was well run as well. I don't know if Judo has caught up to BJJ at a local/regional level. Perhaps they have. For this event I knew who I was fighting at what time a couple of days ago. I could see the brackets online days ago. I knew where to go, who to see. There was a pretty big Judo event I went to for a certification 5-6 years ago and I thought the check in process for the athletes was a disaster. I heard they got better the following year after I mentioned it on my podcast, but I'm sure it's all a coincidence.

Its me from this thread. I am alive and well.

You guys weren't wrong when you say Mongolians are human, but that being said he ippon'ed everyone in the round robin. I wish I recorded it all, it was glorious.

That being said I should have worried about the 90kg yellow belt though. I managed to diet down to 82kg from 87kg, so it looked like a physical mismatch. A terrible experience mismatch too, since this was to be my very first Judo match ever. Lets just say that I really need to work on my Tani Otoshi- pulling that much weight onto myself. Oh and my sensei says to cool off on the foot sweeps.

The Mongolian was a very stocky dude. I like to think I wasn't being completely ragdolled at least, but it was hard. He injured himself trying a drop throw on me and I tried to do a turn over- probably wasted my time with that, but oh well. We got up, he got an ippon... except that he grabbed my pants apparently. So I'm still in it... but I lost via o-uchi gari anyway. Sensei said to cut it out with the footsweeps again.

So I did just that against my next opponent and it turned out to be a great idea. Won by quick ippon with a Harai Goshi against an orange belt who had to move up to the 90kg division. I definitely plan on going to the 81kg division next time. Still, I am very happy with this result.

Fourth fight was for the bronze medal against an orange belt. I came in with the idea of hitting a big throw again... but I really fumbled with finishing the throws. We got shidos and then after fumbling more attempts he got me down and I lost by ippon.

Overall it was a great learning experience and I want to do this again. I got footage too- wouldn't mind getting some feedback from you guys if you care to see some quick low grade matches.

Google drive- I'm the frumpy Asian guy.

I'm a 19 yo male, had an ACL and Miniscus Tear (70%), and surgery was done around 1.5 years back. I have my Miniscus stitched up. The injury was due to randori, and that time, I had just spent 1 month in judo (rejoined after 6 years).

I really miss it, and want to go back, but my knee hasn't really been the same, stiffness pain is there and it's not easy to bend it fully, only after some warmup. I'm bit scared of this, and don't really know how post injuries one should deal with it.

Please advice!

Have been drilling morote seoi for sometime. I wasn't able to do it in my 1st year judo as my elbow and shoulder couldnt tolerate the pain, but now I can do a lot of uchikomi without wrist /elbow issue.

I put this together as those are little pieces of tips that finally allowed me to perform standing morote in a “healthy “ way. Perhaps a 20 year old athletic beginner doesn’t need this but I imagine there are some older guys out there might benefit from this.

this is a good video IMO for morote seoi basic frame work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQiMDXaVVHs

Points:

1. ⁠first penetration step is far away from uke, if you are too close, you jam your wrist/elbow

2. ⁠ tori didin't aim his elbow into uke's armpit, the ending position is elbow to elbow.

here's another video about this issue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVhw_UyUKUc&t=18s

Elbow infront of tori's head, not sideway or behind to prevent injury

3. there's a back step before the turn finishes, Tori did it a bit in this video but he tried to simplified it to 2 steps.

here's another two videos illustrating the back step for seoi

https://youtu.be/A1G8xRN5Rq4?si=8yvEeDa-U_7orBsy&t=258

https://youtu.be/f0cpuM_hY-8?si=Thkvv2K7svJJZxqX&t=376

Not every club explicitly teach the backstep but I found it helps with getting more turn and it's easier to coordinate my backstep with my lapel hand. I was told it might be that I have inflexible hips so 2 step turn is too hard for me whereas 3 step turn can compensate that hip inflexibility. Eventually the 3 steps blends into 2 steps so the end result is same.

4. Heads up

https://youtu.be/twq_NfiBA2E?si=p2Bdo3OGJZScK1hJ&t=146

Choi Ming ho taught this concept as well. it can be applied to both standing and drop. It basically teaches tori to relax hip and get belly closer to uke before turn(also helps if tori has inflexible hips)

I have had a weird - tennis elbow thing going on in my right dominant arm for a lonnnnng time, and it persists even as I've been off since December due to ACL surgery. I am under the impression that it's been caused by the uchi komi and how I throw forward, or by pushups, because it is there when I do those even on a slant. Anyone know anything about this?

It's not the worst thing in the world, but it clearly shows that something I was doing was not right. Let me know what y'all would recommend.

When I get back to Judo I'm going to spend a lot of time learning throws from my left, as well as learning a proper Korean uchi mata and whatnot.

I tore my ACL about a month back and am having a reconstruction surgery quite soon. I would love hear input from fellow judo practitioners as to which graft type did you get and how has it been serving you. Im not entirely sure that my surgeon understands how the art works, so it would be very valuable to hear some first hand experiences as to for example whether you've found certain deficiencies in ability to do judo with your graft.

The surgeon said they could perform any of the 3 common autografts (quad, hamstring, patellar).

Thanks in advance for replies!

hello

can I get some tips on how to do throws I'm not familiar with

like my judo revolve mainly on ashi waza

but I feel like this isn't enough

I want to add seo otoshi and uchi mata but whenever I try a new technique I hesitate and can't even do the starting motion of the technique in randori

I move my opponents and create a chance but when it's time to hit the move I just can't and my body won't move even though I always practice these moves in uchikomi and nage komi
plz help me how can I overcome this problem?

Hello I have a question I'm lost on how to properly condition my body for judo (I'm 20 years old with a weak body tbh) Like do I need to train cardio or power lifting or what I need both endurance and strength right? So how can I train both at the same time? Is it even possible to do so?

I'm 29, and I've started judo 3 months ago.

I would like to play judo at professional level. Could I have any chance to do so? Or do I miss any requirement?

I just want to share some thoughts on judo for beginners as a beginner (practicing for about a year and half). I know there are these few months at first where you feel like you suck and it is painful. You will also feel like you are never getting better, and that you seem to be the dumbest person in the room where even a dude start later can beat you (don’t I know that one…)

But stick with it! It will be fun! It will be so fun that you will think about the moves day and night, and maybe doing crazy stuff when walking down the street, and people stare at you. You will watch the comps like the best time killer.

It still kills me to train after a long day of studying and working, and I do get cheat days. However, it is still much fun. I just want to assure you that it will happen if you give yourself time.

I have been trying to do o-uchi during randori but haven't been able to do it successfully. Everytime I try to do it after my legg is wrapped around his I dont have the power to get him to the ground and usually I fall down on my own or if he pushes me back slightly. If any one knows out of what position ouchi is best and how to get the other person in to that position, or any videos explaining it please tell me and thank you in advance.

OK, so while chatting with my coach, he mentioned to me that due to some rules in this country, I can at most compete once a year if that. I just started judo a few weeks ago (20 yo), so I wasn't really expecting to go on tournaments any time soon anyway, nor was I crazy about going to one. So I told him that it's whatever and that I'm just really enjoying just training judo, which is true. Will I be missing a lot by not doing any tournaments? Because I see that it's a very common thing in judo.

Its too late to train for this guy, so instead I'm just wondering if any of you guys have ever tussled with them and what you're experiences have been.

I'm honestly thrilled, he's my age and even if he's just a yellow belt I can only imagine he's been doing all sorts of bokh or something. Or maybe he's like the runt of his people, who knows. But either way I am surprised by how many Mongolians have come to some Judo tournament in Australia. I don't think I've ever seen a Mongolian in my regular life and it amuses me that the ones I'll meet are all grapplers.

EDIT: Didn't come here asking for advice at all, just experiences with Mongolian opponents. But ty for it all anyway, I'll send footage of myself getting rekt tomorrow hopefully!

I am sorry, but the technique sasae-tsurikomi-ashi, at least the way it's explained, makes zero sense. They say you have to "lift and pull" your opponent, but that just means you are pulling them onto yourself, rotating them midair while falling and hitting the ground with their body under yours; but it's not supposed to be a sacrifice technique. The kuzushi (at least the "tsurikomi" part) is so strange and uneffective. Can someone elaborate on it? Why do I feel like we are all pretending it makes sense but in reality nobody knows what is going on? Why would a technique so basic be so complicated and strange? It drives me insane how everyone just pretends this issue doesn't exist and instead focuses on their newly modified kata-guruma drills to post on tik-tok. I really want to resolve this issue but nobody gives a shit and it makes me wanna quit. Even the official kodokan youtube explanation (i didn't found any better official one) makes no sense, they are describing the same thing using different words. I can't sleep because of this

Just if: I am sorry if this post anyhow violates the rules or basic etiquette of this subreddit, I am not really used to this place.

Edit: I don't want this to come off as spam, so: yes, I've read most of the previous posts regarding this topic. I hope to get better answers or re-open this topic.

I have experience in striking and I am interested in how atemi can set up throws. Although strikes are not allowed in competitive Judo, they can complement throws for self defense or MMA.

What are some effective combinations of striking to throws that you know? What strikes are effective for setting up forward throws? Are there any kicks that set up throws? When you already have a standard or opposing grip, how do you incorporate an elbow or knee strike into a throw?

We all know you can strike someone on the ground, but my focus is on using atemi to set up tachi waza. It surely seems easier to throw someone if they're reeling from a strike.

For example, a straight punch can set up an Osoto Gari, or a jab cross can lead into a Kosoto Gake.

I’d love to hear your insights and any favorite combinations you want to share!

It’s less than 100 days till the Olympics, any news?

I am considering getting a wrestling style throw dummy (not the bjj style grappling dummy) for me to drill a few specific throws.

The one I used in the past was similar to Suples Dummy *Power (Stump), and I am looking for something similar. I personally prefer the no leg version. The problem is I don't see many good options online. Most dummies online are clearly for ground work, not for throwing. I'm in canada so shipping is also an issue.

Any brand recommendation?

I've also considered buying a cheap one from Aliexpress, and fill it up by myself. but I have no idea how to properly fill up the dummy to make it stiff and properly weighted. The ones I used before were factory pre-filled and it was very stiff, which was perfect for a few big hip throws. I want to avoid situations where the dummy was too soft or baggy.

Hello! I've never practiced Judo in my life but I've become interested in watching it as a spectator and perhaps one day trying it myself. For those who have been watching pro Judo for some time, I'm curious - is there anything or anyone I should be especially looking out for? Any context about the current narratives that excite you would be great! Thanks!

Who is in the Portland area and can sell me a size 6 white judo gi today . I have a competition tommorow and I am scrambling to get one and not make an ass of my self by coming up empty handed. Message me

I’m 43 and taking Judo at a local club with my 15 yo son. We are having a blast. I love the attitudes, I love the people, the techniques and exercise are wonderful. Everyone is so kind and helpful! I have lost weight while gaining endurance and flexibility. My son, who had a terrible bullying experience, is growing in capability and confidence. I am back at it after 20 years and he is new to it. I am not stopping again!

Hi I am currently an orange belt and have trained for one and a half year. I have a dilemma since I naturally tend to counter hip throws with an uranage, but I am worried that my judo gets to one dimensional, if I always go for the same throw. Do you guys think that I should focus on other techniques other than spamming one I am most comfortable with.

Beginner here. Weight 60 kg, heigh 5 feet 8.

I go for three classes per week. For the past month I've been trying hard to learn Tai-Otoshi because I saw this one video compilation of it once and got enamoured by it. I keep picking another black belt as an uke to practice Tai-Otoshi with me and they have been extremely helpful.

Unfortunately, I keep failing to execute it. Even during kata it seemed hard for me.

Out of frustration I somehow ended up transitioning to ken-ken uchi mata.

I found ken-ken uchi-mata much easier to setup and execute during randori sessions.

So should I just switch to practicing and perfecting my uchi-mata instead of Tai-Otoshi?

Sorry if this seems to be a stupid question, I just remember watching this one martial arts movie where the sensei told his students to work on their weakest techniques and wondered if that lesson holds any weight irl.

My judo journey has been a unique one. Imagine five years of dedicated training without earning a formal rank. I have made mistakes but I have tried to learn from them and use them as stepping stones in a growth oriented mindset. Now in my seventh year of training, I am learning to value the knowledge, skills, and personal growth that I have achieved, independent of the color of my belt. While I continue to seek rank for credibility validation, I remain confident in the real progress I have made since the first day I stepped onto the tatami.

Feel free to share reflections of your own martial arts journey below.