Issue 112

March 2014

Jimmy Pedro is one of the word’s top judo coaches. His ex students include UFC star Ronda Rousey. With the help of former US champ Bobby Lee, the USA Olympic head coach shows the best judo moves for MMA

1. Bobby (blue gi) shoots for a double-leg takedown (or morote gari), but Jimmy defends by sprawling hard, pushing his left hip into his opponent and keeping the tops or sides of his feet flat to the floor.

2. Now Jimmy attacks by first sliding his left knee tight to the top of Bobby’s right shoulder and gripping Bobby’s belt with his left hand to help him pull his right foot around and under Bobby’s left shoulder, ensuring he touches the heel to his left knee.

3. To get leverage, Jimmy has switched his grip on Bobby’s belt from his left to his right hand and grabs Bobby’s right elbow with his newly freed left hand.

4. With his grips, Jimmy rolls onto his right side. He simultaneously hooks Bobby’s right arm with his right, then straightens his right leg and tucks his left foot under his right knee to lock a triangle (or sankaku jime).

5. From this position Jimmy can tighten the hold and attempt to choke Bobby out, or push Bobby’s left wrist back toward his head for a modified kimura submission.

6. Jimmy grabs Bobby’s right wrist with his left hand and creates a figure-four by grabbing his own wrist with his right hand.

7. Jimmy sits up and torques Bobby’s shoulder by pushing the wrist away and up toward Bobby’s head for an alternative kimura.