Issue 142

June 2016

Use judo to turn the tables on a wrestler with back control by using a reach-back harai goshi 

Jimmy Pedro Jr

The US Olympic coach and 6th degree black belt shows you, along with Aaron Kunuhiro, judo techniques that work for MMA

1 - Aaron has back control on Jimmy with his hands clasped. Jimmy tries to break Aaron’s grip but is unable to do so.

2 - Jimmy reaches back and grabs Aaron’s tricep with his right hand and lat with his left hand.

3 - Most wrestlers will engage their hips to pick their opponent up. Jimmy hooks his left leg around Aaron’s before that happens.

4 - Jimmy leans forward to making it harder for Aaron to lift him or push him back to the mat.

5 - Aaron steps his hips towards Jimmy to try and lift him. Jimmy counters this momentum by hopping forward with his right foot.

6 - Jimmy then kicks back with his right leg to finish the throw and land in side control.

TOP TIPS

WHITE BELT

Keeping a hold of your opponent’s arm as they hit the mat will give you the option for an armbar.

BROWN BELT

Establish a strong base when you land on your opponent to avoid being rolled over into bottom position in a scramble.

BLACK BELT

Standing up from the turtle position will give you an opportunity to use this throw.

JIMMY SAYS

“This was my go-to move in college when I wrestled. I wasn’t great at getting hand control when I stood up, but I was really good at throwing people once I got to my feet.”