Issue 089

June 2012

Pete Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert. Master judo hip throws and put yourself in position to finish the fight every time.

Judo throws are both visually spectacular and very effective in gaining dominant positions cleanly. A high-amplitude, fast throw can seriously injure an opponent or sap their energy by knocking the wind out of them.

Adapting the grips of the gi, as used in pure judo, to wrestling tie-ups for use in MMA can make for some less orthodox but highly effective techniques for application in the cage. Students of the Gene LeBell/Gokor Chivichyan school such as Ronda Rousey, Manny Gamburyan and Karo Parisyan have used their judo to great effect in mixed martial arts.

BASIC HIP TOSS FROM UNDERHOOK (O GOSHI)

The opportunity for the o goshi presents itself fairly often in clinch situations, making it one of the more regularly seen judo moves in MMA.

1 Emma has an underhook on Pete. Pete is tying up Emma’s biceps to prevent her from striking, so Emma controls Pete’s forearm. '

2 Emma backsteps, turning her hips in and level changing to get under Pete’s center of gravity by bending at the knees. 

3 Pete falls forward over the barrier Emma’s hips have created as Emma slightly straightens her legs, propelling Pete higher. 

4 Pete falls to the ground. 

5 Emma takes side control ready to advance position, work for submissions or throw strikes.

INNER THIGH REAP (UCHI MATA)

Known in wrestling as a ‘mule kick,’ the uchi mata can be executed from an underhook or overhook.

1 Pete and Emma tie up. Pete has an underhook with his left arm and biceps control with his right hand. 

2 Pete backsteps his leg to the center of Emma’s stance.

 3 Pete kicks his leg through Emma’s center. 

4 Pete leans forward as he kicks back, elevating Emma off the mat.

5 Emma spins and lands on her back.

OUTER THIGH REAP (HARAI GOSHI)

Japanese welterweight legend Hayato Sakurai (UFC, Pride) was famous for his harai goshi throws.

1 Pete and Emma tie up. Emma has an underhook with her left arm. 

2 Emma backsteps, placing her leg past Pete’s. 

3 Emma leans forward at the waist and starts to kick. 

4 With a slight twist of the hips Emma’s kick starts to spin Pete. 

5 Emma straightens her legs and rotates the upper body. 

6 Pete spins over the leg. 

7 Pete lands on the mat with Emma in a dominant position.