Thursday, 22 October 2009

Judo Gokyo

The Gokyo are the 40 throws of Judo. They are split into 8 sets of 5, hence "go" kyo.

There are about 100 throws in Jujutsu, some of which are variations on a basic theme.

40 of these throws made the Judo gokyo, the safe format that can be used competitively in randori and shiai. You learn the gokyo in Judo as your syllabus on the way to your black belt.

However Judoka pick only 2 or 3 throws to focus on for their use in randori, with 2 or 3 as backup. Nobody tries to perfect all 40 throws for daily use. In fact, most competitors don't start to really examine the gokyo until they retire from competition and start working on getting their higher dan grades.

In STMA we have picked the most applicable throws whcih work in randori and have combat application.

Judoka who train with us need to keep in mind that what we practice is Jujutsu not Judo and we are ultimately interested in combat throws not competition moves.

We also practice throws without the gi jacket, using the "wrestling concept" of collar and elbow tie up.

Finally, in a Judo match you will be against another skilled grappler fighting for throws. Your opponent on the street will not be a skilled grappler. He will also not be restricted to grappling and will be trying to strike you and maybe have a weapon. This is fine with us as we practice Atemi strikes "Blow before throw", such as HKE.