Attilio Sacripanti

Kumi Kata

From Dojo to High Level Competition.

Pictures IJF Archiv by Tamas Zahonyi and Gabriela Sabau

Courtesy of IJF President
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Attilio Sacripanti

Kumi Kata Biomechanics and a survey of related researches

Forewords, by Nicola Tempesta VIII° Dan First Italian European Champion 1957, 1961.

Forewords, by Envic Galea, President of the Malta Judo Federation, EJU General Secretary.

Forewords, by Densign Withe, President of the British Judo Federation, Chairman of EJU
Men Coaches Commission.

Ist Part Biomechanics and a survey of related researches

1 Introduction 15
2 Basic Biomechanics of Grips 15
2.1 Muscles Involved in Power Grip Strength 15
2.2 Grip Musculature 15
2.3 Cylindrical grip in Judo 16
2.4 Grip’s Mathematical Model 18
2.5 Elbow Flexors 19
2.6 Kinetic superior Chain closed action push/pull 19
2.7 A Validated mathematical model 23
2.8 Thermal evaluation of judo pulling action 26
2.9 Whole-Body Movements 27

3 Sensor Motor response to power grips 27

IInd Part Kumi Kata in Standard Judo 31

Teaching and Coaching Field:

4 Kumi Kata- Classical vision 33

4.1 Guard position 35
4.2 Grips and their objectives 38

Coaching Field

5 Advanced Analysis for standard Competition 40

5.1 Technical Steps in Competition 40
5.2 Competition Invariants 41
5.3 Two “outmoded” grips 44
5.4 Relationship between Gripping Methods and Favorite Tricks in Judoists. 44
5.5 Gripping methods and Anterior cruciate ligaments damage 47

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 Time steps:

5.6 Before grips 48

5.7 Transitory phase: grip fighting 52
5.8 Starting Phase: First Contact “effective grips” 53
5.9 Stabilized situation: Grips domination 54
5.9.1 Effective grips and throws 54
5.9.2 Competitive patterns 54

IIIrd Part Kumi Kata and Throws in High Level Competition 57

6 Grips Fighting?
The right way of thinking: timing and Sen No Sen during Grip fighting. 59
6.1 Timing 59
6.2 A deeper Grip Concept 65
6.3 Timing : application of “JU” Principle during Grips Fight 70
6.4 Sen No Sen on Grips 70
Two steps
One step

7 High Level Judo Competition 73

7.1 ( Breaking symmetry) right unbalance concept 73
7.2 New concept of time and space 76
7.3 High level effective judo throws based on irrational solution 78
7.4 High speed, attack velocity, fast resistive reaction 78
7.4.1 Speed or Shifting Velocity. 78
7.4.2 Attack Speed against Fast Resistive Reaction. 79
7.5 Innovative throws same basic biomechanical principles, different grips 79
7.6 Innovative and Chaotic form of throws 80

8 Final remarks on Kumi Kata and Throws in high level competition 97

9 Bibliography 99
10 Appendix I Korean Champions gripping style: Eclectic 105
11 Appendix II Russian Champions gripping style: Strong Classic 109
12 Appendix III Japanese Champions gripping style: High Traditional 115
13 Appendix IV EJU and IJF Top Nations Statistics (Hans van Hessen) 121
European Countries Top Nations. (2006-2010) 123
World Countries Top Nation (2006-2010) 127
14 Appendix V Women’s grips Biomechanics and Statistics 131

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 Attilio Sacripanti

Kumi Kata :
From Dojo to High Level Competition.

5
6
 Isd Part

Kumi Kata Biomechanics

And
A survey of related researches

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Foreword

By Nicola Tempesta VIII° Dan

European Champion 1957, 1961

I accepted with great pleasure the invitation to write a forward to Attilio Sacripanti’s book on Kumi Kata.
However after reading the book, my pleasure changed to admiration for the deep analysis you will find in
this book. I lived both the start of Italian judo and the birth of European Judo with my opponent and friend
Anton Geesink, now I understand that Judo in old time depended on Kodokan Judo rules.

During that time you could only see only one grip on the European mats, the “Ki Hon Kumi Kata” with little
different styles. All throws were, essentially, the throwing techniques explained in the Kodokan Go Kyo.
Contests were 20 minutes long, and in case of draw, competitions were extended until there was a winner.
The mat was raised and going out of the competition area was impossible.

Kumi Kata was considered like a “steering- wheel”, a tool to drive our opponent in the right position to apply
personal Tokuy Waza (one or two) with connected effective renraku and Renzoku. Our aim was to find an
Ippon, with more moving tactics, than by grip fighting strategies like it is usual today. We did not fear to grip
and to be gripped, it was the best technique that prevailed, applied by means a strong entry as a train that
crashed into a car, as my friend Okano used to remind us.

In my time as National Coach, as judo changed in style, I too had to come to face the effectiveness of
fighting with grips. I studied for a long time with my students, how to control our opponents with different
grips. During the two training stage held in Sperlonga 1967-1968, with my friend Cesare Barioli, Sensei
Tadashi Koike and thirty more Masters , we laid the foundation of Italian Judo revival introducing, among
other, the first information on grips and using grips effectively in competition.

But Kumi Kata is still connected to the “steering wheel “idea in my mind, why? Because still today during
competitions it is important to take the initiative and drive the competition like a leading actor and not like a
follower, with a continuous attack till you find an opening into the opponent's defense to give us the victory,
preferably by Ippon.

I wish a great success to this book of my friend Attilio. He guides us not only in the Kumi Kata good
practice-teaching at club or at national level, but also in every fine point useful in high-level competition.

In this textbook, athletes, coaches and teachers will find a useful tool to increase knowledge and experiences
on Kumi Kata and High-level competition, with a clear scientific explanation in the matter.

M° Nicola Tempesta. VIII° Dan

First Italian, European Champion (1957, 1961 ) 6 times second and one time third.

Technical Director of the Italian National team, from the 1968 to 1976.

Napoli April 25 , 2011

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 [Type the sender company address]

[TYPE THE SENDER COMPANY NAME]

4/23/2011

Foreword
By Envic Galea
President of Malta Judo Federation

I have known Attilio as a Judoka, referee and a friend for many years, having met at one
of the refresher courses for refereeing in Italy. Attilio, today is an authority in Sport


[Type the sender phone number]  [Type the sender e-mail address]
Biomechanics and we are lucky that he specialised in his favourite sport, Judo.

His researches, contributed to produce some of the most detailed scientific books in
biomechanics. This book Biomechanics in Kumikata, is his last contribution to his
analytical expertise to grips in Judo, will be a great tool to our researchers and coaches
and Judoka all over the world, in their continued search for a better judo.

Envic Galea
President Malta Judo Federation
General Secretary European Judo Union

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Foreword

By Densign Withe VII° Dan

Chairman of British Judo Association
EJU Sport Director

The mastery of Kumi Kata is a critical component for any judoka who aspires to succeed in the
modern judo era. Without this skill being very well developed and understood in the deepest sense
it is difficult to see how any judoka can experience the thrill and the most exciting part of judo
which is the ability to throw ones opponent cleanly, effortlessly and with grace and beauty.

It is also important that the people who are responsible for coaching Judo have the knowledge of
good kumi kata, especially for those that work with young children as we all know that once bad
habits set in as a result of poor instruction from the beginning, it can be very difficult to correct
errors a few years on.

That is why Mr Sacripanti’s book will provide a necessary resource tool that every coach can use as
a great educational reference point.

Everyone in judo recognizes that our sport is incredibly technical and so it is surprising to me that
there are so few resources available that provide detailed analysis of judo techniques in a sport
science context.

We are indeed fortunate in the Judo world that Attilio Sacripanti a judoka and a scholar have
decided to write this important and unique book.

It comes at a time when there is a thirst for knowledge among the Judo coach community and when
sports science is becoming the cutting edge difference between those athletes that stand on the
podium and those who do not.

There is limited sport science research that relates to judo specifically and so this book will be a
must have treasured item for every serious Judoka in whatever capacity they are involved in our
sport.

Densign White

Chairman British Judo Association

EJU Head Sports director

3 x Olympian

London 5/18/2011

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Biomechanics and a survey of related
researches
1 Introduction

Kumi Kata is an essential part of Judo fight, but very few scientific approaches to this problem are
born in this field. The definition of Kumi Kata is grip fighting. The word “grip fighting” means to
take a grip that will provide you with advantage over your opponent, but also to not let your
opponent take is comfortable grip in order to be able to counter.
The reason a fighter needs to take his grip of his opponent is because without the grip he cannot
throw. He cannot perform any effective attack without a grip.
But grips are not only hands and arms but also trunk, legs and feet.
This means that grips are a whole body concept and not only an upper kinetic chains dominium.
A good grip will assist in blocking attacks, but most important, will assist in enabling you to attack!
Goal of this work is to clarify some not well defined problems about grips, to in deep the
knowledge about fighting grips, evaluating both advantage and disadvantage of some empirical
information applied, and to find some new way to apply proper grips and connected throws in
competition based on a correct biomechanical approach, not discharging to enlarge the basic
teaching methodologies.

2 Basic Biomechanics of Grip

2.1 Muscles Involved In Power Grip Strength

There are 35 muscles involved in movement of the forearm and hand, with many of these
involved in gripping activities. During gripping activities, “the muscles of the flexor mechanism
in the hand and forearm create grip strength while the extensors of the forearm stabilize the wrist”.
There are four major joints of the hand, Carpo-metacarpal, Inter-metacarpal,
Metacarpo-phalangeal, and inter-phalangeal joint, with “9 extrinsic muscles that cross the wrist
and 10 intrinsic muscles with both of their attachments distal to the wrist ” These muscles
include the pronator radii teres, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulanris, flexor sublimis
digitorum, and Palmaris longus on the extrinsic layer and the flexor profundus digitorum, flexor
policus longus, pronator quadratus, flexor pollicus brevis, and abductor pollicus brevis on the
intrinsic layer. Each of these muscles is active during gripping activities.
According to German Sports Scientist Jurgen Weinick, “the characteristic structure of the
hand is related to its function as a grasping tool. Grasping ability is made possible by the fact that
the thumb can be opposed to the fingers. The fingers and the thumb act as a versatile pair of
pliers. They need the palm of the hand as a flat base, on which the object grasped can be held.”
From this statement, it can be concluded that the anatomy of the hand is more geared
toward flexion than extension.

2.2 Grip Musculature

You ever shake someone’s hand that had world class grip strength. You know they are strong. Grip
strength is a limiting factor in many strength based activities as the load that the low back extensors
or legs can maintain may be far greater than the load potential of the forearm flexor musculature.
The forearms contain 23 different muscles, “”of flexors and “” of extensors.
Each of these plays a critical role in sports as

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Forearm Flexors Forearm Extensors
1. Flexor Digitorum Superficialis 1. ExtensorDigitorum
2. Flexor Digitorum Profundus (4 heads) 2. Extensor Pollicis Brevis
3. Palmaris Longus 3. Entensor Pollicis Longus
4. Flexor Pollicis Longus 4. Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
5. Flexor Carpi Ulnaris 5. Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
6. Flexor Carpi Radialis 6. Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
7. Extensor Digiti Minimi
8. Extensor Indicis
Brachioradialis

2.3 Cylindrical Grip in Judo

Fig.1 The Three Types of Power Grips: and judo examples

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 From the previous figure we understand that in judo Cylindrical power grip (a) is the most
common. Round power grip (b) is applied by Russian style on the back, or during Sode Tsuri
Throws,, And Lifting power grip (c) is applied during the obi grip.
A recent study on the torque and grip forces on male and female cylindrical power grip, has shown
that maximum grip forces is applied with minimum cylinder diameter.

.
Fig.2 different diameters forces applied

This means that stronger grips need to grasp less amount of judogi, as shown in the next table.

Torque direction
Torque (N m) Grip force (N)
Male
Handle diameter ¼ 45.1 mm
Grip – 3347129
Outward 6.372.3 2697106
Inward 7.072.7 213768
Handle diameter ¼ 57.8 mm
Grip – 179754
Outward 5.371.3 176743
Inward 7.271.7 212799
Handle diameter ¼ 83.2 mm
Grip – 75744
Outward 4.972.1 71726
Inward 6.071.9 60729
Female
Handle diameter ¼ 45.1 mm
Grip – 2047129
Outward 2.371.5 1557128
Inward 2.972.5 1337104
Handle diameter ¼ 57.8 mm
Grip – 100790
Outward 2.271.5 108791
Inward 2.972.5 1157101
Handle diameter ¼ 83.2 mm
Grip – 48738
Outward 2.471.4 70752
Inward 2.372.0 24720

Tab1 Experimental results

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2.4 Grip Mathematical Model
Buchholtz and Armstrong proposed in 1992 a mathematical model of grip that were connected to
the distance from the grip centre:

The X-position of the object ( judogi) centre of grip may be specified or it can be estimated
using the following empirically derived equations for power grasp of circular cylinders.
The independent parameters in these equations are hand length (HL) and cylinder diameter
( centre of the amount material of judogi ) (CD).
The first equation predicts X-location for transverse grasps of circular cylinders (amount of
judogi’s material):

X judogi = O.32HL - 0.16 CD + 0.03 CD2 ±Error

and the second equation predicts X-location for diagonal grasps of circular cylinders
(amount of judogi’s material):
:

X judogi = 0.37HL - 0.59CD + 0.06CD2 ± Error.

In 2003 Sancho bru and co-workers proposed a new 3D model more useful connected to force
developed by hand The model considers a contractile element (CE), which is the basic component
that generates force, a parallel elastic element (PEE), which is responsible for the passive force
generated by the muscle when it is stretched, and a series elastic element (SEE), the muscle tendon
unit, which has been considered to be inextensible. The force the muscle exerts (F) can be written
as:

F 5 = F max (F CE +F PEE ), (1)

where F CE and F PEE are the normalized forces delivered by the CE and PEE, respectively.

Fig. 3 Parameters used to scale the model: HL .hand length. and HB .hand breadth. (Buchholtz and
Armstrong)

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2.5 Elbow Flexors

Any sport that involves controlling an opponent, or pulling an opponent toward you will involve
activation of the low back, mid back, and….. the elbow flexor musculature. The elbow flexors play
a critical role in these sports as they allow for generation/transfer of pulling forces from standing
position and controlling forces from laying down positions.
With all the pulling motion that occurs in grappling sports, it can be easy to see why many
grapplers can develop rounded shoulders and slightly flexed elbow musculature. A combination of
tightness in the elbow flexors and weakness in the elbow extensors, in other words, an imbalance in
the structure of one’s upper arm musculature can occur. For that reason, elbow extensor training is
highly critical for grapplers in order to avoid structural imbalances which may lead to potential
injuries.
Modern study were conducted in the US about the endurance and strength of power grips in
different elbow position
This last study contradict the results of Mathiowetz et al. who found that stronger grip strength
measurements were obtained with the elbow in 90_ flexion.
Higher grip strength in extension of the elbow was also reported by Balogun et al. in a study
involving 61 subjects. They also found that a greater strength was obtained when the subjects were
standing compared to the sitting position.
In this study Kumar et al. showed that the mean endurance in flexion (90°) was 71.0 N (SD 22.9)
and in extension was 68.7 N (SD 27.4).
The mean peak grip strength in flexion (90°) was 262.8 N (SD 73.1) and in extension was 264.1 N
(SD 82.0).
T test analysis showed no statistical significance for elbow positions for grip endurance (P = 0.67)
and peak grip strength (P = 0.93).The practical implications of this study can also be utilized in judo
where grip endurance training may be achieved with the elbow fully extended or in 90° flexion.

2.6 Kinetic superior Chain closed action push/pull

To analyze the push pulling action of superior kinetic chain in kumi kata, both or during shifting on
the mat, or during kuzushi-tsukuri phases, it is a very complex matter.
The kinetic chain is called closed if they take contact by the grips on the adversary’s body, normally
the forces applied to the adversary’s body are more often proportional to the GRF (Ground Reaction
Forces) produced on the basis of third principle of Dynamics.
Till now no specific study are performed in this field, some data are obtained by French researcher
of Poitiers University, during the studies on Suwari Seoi and Uchi Mata.
Not formal model was presented for the Kuzushi –Tsukuri phases, on the basis of the difficult
phenomenon that is very far from easy modeling.
In each contest sports, interaction is founded on two separate phases, a common one (shortening of
mutual distance) and a specific one (application of permitted ways to seek advantage: strokes or
throwing mechanisms) the common part is comparable to a classic "two body problem in central
field “.From mechanics we remember:
a) Instead of studying the motion of two athletes, it is possible to analyse the equivalent more
simple motion, in the centre of mass reference system, of only one sham athlete gifted with a
"reduced" body mass:
mm  1 1 
µ = 1 2 =  +  (2)
m1 + m2  m1 m2 

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 b) b) In the centre of mass reference system, motion can be described by a two dimensional
trajectory on the ground (mat) making use of the coordinates: r e θ.
c) c) Instead of solving the integral of motion by differential equations, it is better to use for the
solution the Lagrangian of the system that is potential and kinetic energy.
To single out the general class among many potentials which will describe the common part of
interaction, it is better to study the simplest kind of motion with constant angular momentum.
In this case the bi-dimensional trajectory can be treated as one-dimensional because:

l
θ= (3)
mr 2
And the interaction force F(r) will be function of distance between sham athlete and Centre of mass
of Couple of Athletes system, that is of the sham potential with :
l
V ' = V (r ) + (4)
mr 2
With

V (r ) = − Kr −α (5)
And the ά parameter a will take integral values 0,1,2,3 ...
The sham potential V'(r) will belong to one of subsequent classes of attractive potentials

Fig 4 Attractive Sham Potential

This example shows very clearly that only attractive-repulsive potentials as V’(r 1 ) will be useful to
describe the common part of interaction during contest.
The general potential which will describe the interaction will have the general exponential form:
V ' = r −α + r −2α (6)
From previous considerations, it is possible to declare that the common part of interaction can be
described by the curves family showed in a generalised Morse's potential:
( )
V = D e −2α (r − r0 ) − e −α (r − r0 ) (7 )
Obviously V' is a particular expansion of this expression.

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The specification of a general form of interaction potential is able to give us a lot of useful
information:

1) r o is the equilibrium distance (grip distance in judo ).

2) D is the mechanical potential energy in the equilibrium point equal to mechanical mean energy
valued in terms of oxygen consumption as ηO 2 ( Sacripanti Relationship).
3) It is possible to evaluate the constant a expanding the potential near the minimum point. We get
in this case the connection with the harmonic term of expansion or

1 Ec
Dα 2 (r − r0 ) = E c α=
2
or (8)
L D
To know the potential let us go back to the Algebraic expression of force
(
F = ma = 2αD e −αr − e −2αr ) (9)
To single out the common part of the interaction as a " two body problem in the central field"
allows us to utilize an important result of classica1 physics about the mean time value of a few
variables (Virial's Theorem); both for motion and interaction it guarantees that, if the generalized
force F is a sum of friction and central forces, the mean kinetic energy of the system in time is
independent from friction forces
Most interesting is the analysis of motion bounded by grips of one athlete around his opponent.
In particular it is possible to show a powerful theorem that gives us information about the central
forces that lead to closed orbits.
For every given l this will occur if the equivalent potential V’ will have an extreme point
(maximum or minimum) at a determined point r 0 and if the Energy E is just equal to V’(r 0 ) .
In r 0 if V’ have an extreme point this means that f’ is equal to zero and the force in r 0 will be,
remembering the equation
. 2 l2
f ' = f + mr θ = f + (10)
mr 3

l2
f (r0 ) = − (11)
mr03

Which give the information that the orbit will be closed (pseudo circular) for attractive forces.
Energy can be also evaluated as:

 l2 
E = V (r0 ) +  2
 (12)
 2mr0 

These results give for maxima or minima of V’ studying hits second derivative if it is concave up
V’ positive there is a bounded orbit: stable (closed circular) or for V’ concave down the orbit is
unstable and unbounded.
Normally the Bertrand theorem assures us that closed orbits are possible for forces with the
dependence like 1/r2.
However if the energy is greater than the energy of a circular orbit, the orbit could be either with
open recurrence or also closed, under some conditions. For example developing the force in
expansion of Taylor f(r) will be function of a parameter β arising from the question that however
the motion is harmonic in 1/r 0.

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1 1
= + A cos βθ (13)
r r0

Where the amplitude A is connected to the Energy deviation from the circular orbit, and β come
from the Expansion in term of Taylor of force about the circular orbit around r 0 and substituting
into the force equation we have:

r df
β 2 = 3+ (14)
f dr r = r0

If the radius r goes around the plane, the quantity 1/r goes around β cycles of its oscillation.
One important consideration can born now. It is well known in physics that if the attractive force is
represented by a power law F=-krα , then only α = -2 and α = 1 admit closed orbits. It is quite
attractive that a Sundman theorem provides a correspondence between solutions to a non linear
problem (Newton law) and a linear problem (Hooke Law). He showed that every orbit under
Newton Law is image of a Hooke Law orbit under the transformation z z2
Hooke law is more connected to the push/pull action, and then Couple of Athletes system can be
modeled as two masses connected, not by gravity force, but more understandable by spring with no
gravity force ( because the mat stop gravity action) in presence of friction between feet and mat
(under push/pull forces actions).
The projection of the Centre Of Mass (COM ) trajectory on the Tatami will be a closed planar orbit.
The orbits produced by this duality are shown in next figure.

Fig 5 a Newton’s Orbit (F=1/r2) of the projection of COM Attacker around the Opponent with
Energy deviating slightly (greater) from a circular orbit β=5; b, c, Same orbits for Hooke law
(F=-K r ) at 1G and 0.1G;

These results are valid with good approximation in two dimensions, like the projection of COM of
Athletes on the Tatami. Considering the more real and complex 3D problem it is possible, coming
back to mathematical application, to find also a general solution for the shortening distance action,
that we call General Action Invariants (GAI).
Considering the infinite situations arising during a competition we are very far from an analytical
solution, but the geometrical view makes some light on this very difficult problem and the solution
could be accepted considering the still system connected to Athletes Couple, taking in account that
for the techniques of physical lever groups Couple must stop for a while.
Very often, with good approximation, the motion for the Athletes Couple System applying
techniques lying in the couple of forces group could be considered uniform both linear and circular,
in these cases with a right change in the reference system ( Galilean Relativity) we are able to bring
back the system in still position.

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In term of trajectories the first class of General Action Invariants are almost right lines with
specific direction, normally the best right inclination is, in direction of both adversaries’ sides,
because human body structure is less skilled to resist in such direction. For example into the group
of couple of forces, this means couple applied in the frontal plane: like sided O Soto Gari, or Okuri
Ashi (harai –barai).
For the other two classes based on rotations, some interesting remarks come from the Poinsot
geometrical description of a free forces motion of a body, in such case in fact the motion is like a
rolling of the body inertial ellipsoid (without slipping) on a specific plane, remembering that the
curve traced out by the point of contact on the inertial ellipsoid is called polhode, while the curve on
the plane is called herpolhode.
In a case like judo player, the body is cylindrical symmetrical and the inertial ellipsoid becomes an
ellipsoid of revolution, then the polhode is a circle around the Athlete symmetry axis, and the
herpolhode on the plane (Tatami) is likewise a circle.
These results in the judo player reference system are real only in the case of free force motion, (it is
true considering the couple motion as a whole) but in our case INTERACTION into the couple, as
already remembered, there are the push/pull forces and the friction forces acting on.
The problem is almost not analytically solvable for his complexity. However the gross indication
(likewise circular trajectories) available for our analysis by Poinsot description is quite acceptable
as indication for real situations The judo movements have very complex 3D trajectories, and then it
is very difficult to calculate the forces time evolution in space.
The resultant mean push/pull force during shifting motion was already evaluated in the first
Sacripanti model as:

ΔF(t-t’) = µΔv δ( t-t’) (15)

In fact there are more cashed complexities, like geometrical adaptation of structure of muscles
involved that change the amount of contraction force, which make the problem analytically
insoluble.

2.7 A Validated mathematical model

Few researches were performed to investigate the impact of changes in muscle geometry and the
length–strength and force–velocity relationships on modeling accuracy and spinal loads as it
pertains to pushing and pulling tasks.
In the literature it is possible to find the following changes evaluated during push pull action:
increasing of the abdominal rectus moment arm by 30%, equating of the external oblique origin to
the abdominal rectus, reduction of the area contribution of the latissimus dorsi to include only 43%
of the total muscle area, and setting all the trunk muscle’s optimal lengths to occur in the anatomical
upright position.
All these changes occur in one determined very easy situation man who push/pull a cart in a fixed
situation.
If we think to the complexities of 3D trajectories in a judo Throws during a dynamic
competitions, it is possible to understand the impossibility to model a such highest complex
fast variable situation in which muscles change time in time: force contribution, due to fast
change in angle, contraction intensity, due to changing resistance from the adversary, etc.
In the “easy” situation of a fixed position of man at cart, it is possible to evaluate many parameters
on change in muscle geometry.
With these updated muscle geometry, the length–strength and force–velocity relationship for the
extensors (erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, and internal oblique) and the flexors (rectus abdominis
and external oblique) could be empirically derived.
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On the basis of these complexities, also in the cart situation, the only way to obtain data connected
to the amount of push pull forces is to analyze the GRF obtained for one or two feet support during
push or pull action.
In the Biomechanics applied to workers, the only validation of the Lee model (1989) developed for
the cart push /pulling was performed in1991, by Andres and Chaffin.
In the next figure it is possible to see the experimental set up of the research.

Fig.6 Experimental set up for push/pull evaluation

In such condition were evaluated the push /pull forces with both one leg support, and two leg
support, like Judo throws.
In the following foot calculations are detailed below for each case as example, for the lecturer; in
such way with the showing of the exemplificative hypothesis it is possible to understand the
complexity of the problem.

Single support. Assume:

(1) Two arms act as one (sum Y and Z forces from the separate handles);
(2) Quasi-static equilibrium,

∑F y = 0 = RFy − H y − B y →
RFy = H y + B y
∑F z = 0 = RFz − H z − WB − B z →
RFz = H z + WB + B z

where R F y is the y reactive force of the right foot; R F z is the z reactive force of the right foot.
H y is the total y hand force; H z is the total z hand force; B W is the total body weight; B y is the y
body inertial force; and B z is the z body inertial force.
Moments at the foot during single support were not used by the model and were not needed because
there were only two unknowns with two equations.

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Double support. Assume:
(1) two arms act as one;
(2) quasi-static equilibrium;
(3) moment arms from heel marker for pushing,
from toe marker of rear foot for pulling
∑ Fy = 0 = LF y + RFy − H y − B y
∑F z = 0 = LF z + RFz − H z − B z − BW

Left foot back.

∑M z = 0 = − RFz * ( DFy ) + ( B z + BW ) * DCG y − B y * ( DCG z ) − H y * ( DH z ) + H z * ( DH y ) − B z

= − RFz * ( DFy ) + ( B z + BW ) * DCG y − B y * ( DCG z ) − H y * ( DH z ) + H z * ( DH y ) − B z =
= DCG y * ( B z + BW ) + DH y * ( H z ) + B y − DFy * ( RFz ) − DCG z * ( B y ) − DH z * ( H y )
[
RFz = DCG y * ( B z + BW ) + DH y * ( H z ) + B z − DCG z * ( B y ) − DH z * ( H y ) / DFy]
LFz = H z + WB + B z − RFz

where L F y is the y reactive force of the left foot; L F z is the z reactive force of the left foot; DCG,
is the y distance from the rear heel to the whole body centre of gravity D Fy is the y distance from
the rear heel to the Z foot force of other foot; D H y is the y distance from the rear heel to the
handle; DCG z is the Z distance from the floor to the whole body centre of gravity; DH z is the Z
distance from the floor to the handle; and B, is the rotational body inertial force. Similar equations
result when the right foot is considered.

Calculation of trunk muscles forces

The calculation of L5/Sl compressive forces and the muscle forces contributing to these forces
begins with the calculation of abdominal pressure, because this pressure counteracts some of the
contraction force of the erector spinae muscles. An empirical prediction of abdominal pressure was
performed using previously reported equations (Lee et al., 1989; Chaflin and Andersson, 1984)
derived from work done by Morris et al. (1961).
The moment arm at which F ABD acts has been assumed by Chaffin (1975) to vary as the sine of hip
angle, with an erect position having a moment arm of 7 cm, increasing to about 15 cm when
stooped over at ϕ = 90” from vertical (where ϕ H = the angle from the hip-to-shoulder link to
vertical). The argument that F ABD acts parallel to the compressive force on L5/Sl was presented by
Chaffin and Andersson (1984).
The line of action of rectus abdominus has also been parallel to the compressive force on L5/Sl in
other studies (Schultz and Andersson, 1981; Chaffin and Andersson, 1984). This model assumes
that all muscle forces act normal to the shear force to create compression only. Reactive shearing
forces are then produced by lumbar facet joints, as described in Chaffin and Andersson (1984).
The following equations were used by the model to calculate back and muscle forces

FC = ESMF + RAMF − FABD + sin α * ( BW z + H z+UB z ) + cos α * (UB y + H y )

Fs = cos α * ( BW z + H z+UB z ) + sin α * (UB y + H y )

25
In the next table are shown the results of the experimental validation of cart push pull model

2.8 Thermal evaluation of judo pulling action

One interesting research performed by Seta Yoshiyuki and co-workers ( Cairo 2005)
reproduced in simulation the pulling hand actions of a judo player, and surveyed skin surface
temperature changes in the muscle areas related to pulling hand actions before and after applying
loads to muscles for pulling hand actions. a judo black belt was wound round an indoor column
twice and each player held it and made pulling hand actions a total of 30 times with an interval of 2
seconds according to the rhythm of a metronome, the duration of each pulling action being one
second.
It was recognized that when the pulling hand, prior to the start of its action, was located near and
above the trunk, an isometric muscle contraction mechanism took place at the deltoid and trapezius
muscle areas and these muscles became remarkably active and their temperatures rose.
It could also be estimated that the elbow joint remained bent and could not stretch due to the tense
belt, and the shoulder joint remained at an abducted position and pulled the belt, applying forces in
the joint’s horizontal stretching direction and causing no temperature rise at the triceps brachii
muscle area.
26
2.9 Whole-Body Movements

The coupling of grip and load forces of a hand-held object during whole-body motions has been
examined in a wide range of activities such as locomotion (Kinoshita et al., 1996), stepping up and
down (Flanagan and Tresilian, 1994), jumping up and down (Wing, 1996), and pushing/pulling
movements (Wing et al., 1997).
It was demonstrated that grip force changed in response to variations in load force; grip force
increased when load force increased. In addition, increases in grip force and ground reaction force
(GRF) preceded the rise in load force; also, the rates of change in grip force and GRF were related
both prior to the increase in load force and at the onset of load force.
These findings suggest that there is a task-related functional synergy between grip force and whole-
body movements (Wing, 1996; Wing t al., 1997).

3 Sensor Motor responses to power grips

Previous studies investigating the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the human
sensor motor cortex during static force (maintained for a few seconds) and dynamic force (repetitive
force pulses) resulted in contradictory findings.
Recent study conducted a whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis during a
visuomotor task requiring the production of either dynamic or static power grip force.
Thereby the study aimed at clarifying whether the BOLD signal behaves differently with dynamic
and static force in the primary motor cortex, and whether it behaves in the same way in all areas and
regions involved in force production.
In the static condition, participants applied visually guided, isometric grip force on a dynamometer
of 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and held this force for 21 s.
In the dynamic condition, self-paced force pulses of 20% MVC were produced at a rate of 0.5 Hz.
Static and dynamic force production activated an overlapping network of sensor motor cortical and
subcortical regions. However, the production of a significantly higher mean static force compared
with the dynamic force resulted in a significantly smaller BOLD signal in the contra lateral motor
cortex, confirming observations of an earlier investigation.
In addition, it was found that the ipsolateral anterior cerebellum behaved similar to the motor
cortex, whereas in all other activated regions the activation during static and dynamic force did not
significantly differ. These findings demonstrate that various regions of the sensor motor network
participate differentially in the production and control of low static and dynamic grip force.
All these findings raise important questions concerning the interpretation of the BOLD signal with
respect to mechanisms of neurovascular coupling. As it is visible into the next figures:

27
Fig7 different brain’s areas activation

28
29
30
 IInd Part

Kumi Kata
in
Standard Judo

31
32
Teaching and Coaching Field:

4 Kumi Kata - Classical vision

Normally in classical vision the coach or teacher starts from Ki hon kumi kata.
Ki hon kumi kata are the fundamental grips: right hand at the left collar on a level with axilla, to
seize judogi with little finger, annular, middle finger, leaving in relax thumb and index; left hand at
the right sleeve on a level with elbow sizing a lot of textile. These grips are the most natural and
simple

Fig 9 basic grip

There are naturally a lot of variations depending on competitor’s build, on style, on positions, on relative
strength. It’s important to remember that grip has to remain relaxed during the attack or defense in
club. The apprentices must study this fundamental grip whether during static training with
competitor (uchi komi) or during dynamic phase (kakari geiko); in fact, it’s really important to learn
the ‘contact’ with competitor using kumi kata.

The kinetic superior chains (arms) have a four roles in the kumi kata.:

1) Active role: to transfer to the competitor’s body an impulse to realize throwing technique.
2) Passive role: to stop the impetus and the movement of the competitor during his throwing
technique.
3) Advising role: to receive information from the adversary’s body about his movements
4) Alert role: to receive from the adversary body’s movements alert about his attack action

In the ki hon kumi kata the right arm, in a passive way, takes information about directions of the
moving body competitor while the left arm takes the information about direction of the unbalance.
In active way, the right arm affects a motion of translation to the ‘masses’ of the body competitor,
while the left arm brings out the moving action with an accurate directional character.
In a more advanced level is important to study the best possible way to change the grips depending
on opportunity, with minimum energy.
Considering in this area only the role of superior chains the following figure shows a connection
among different kind of grips on the adversary body.

33
 Fig.10 Kumi Kata Superior Kinetic chain, various positions.

At this level the kumi kata obtains not only the capacity to sense information about rival
movements, but also the capacity to impose him own initiative physical and psychological.
The search for a right energy utilization, takes probably a variation on the balance position of the
competitor (with kumi kata, in general, increases muscular body tension) and in the weight relative
distribution consequently, it rests on avant-feet.
Some Japanese studies (Studies on Judo techniques with respect to distribution of body weight)
have proved that the weight distribution, in the tested competitors, was much more forward; you
pass from natural and erect position shizen hon tai to the natural position with grip on a rival, during
this action the muscular tone increases and the movement body becomes more dynamic, these
positions ought to give the action very fast and a right start position in the attack.
The consideration of the dynamic balance in the athletes couple, like a single bio-kinematic
grouping, proved that this couple is in permanent balance, through a whole of tensions, tractions
and restraining reactions, even if each athlete has a position of abnormal unstable balance.
In the light of these facts, you can make a correct analysis of competition only if you take into
account athletes, considered like an exclusive whole: the biodynamic grouping “athletes
couple”(couple of athletes) For this reason is very fundamental, realizing a technique, to use at
best the concept of relative distance.
Better distance to realize a technique is in the balance between optimal Time to have a contact and
the available Space to realize the attack movement, preserving a large inertial momentum in the
athlete’s couple.
The relative distance between athletes in biodynamic grouping can be annulled to realize a
technique by a taisabaki or controlled along longitudinal axis by guard position. During a
competition there are many sorts of approaches which regulate relative distance between two
athletes. In order to didactics, you can group them in three classes:

34
4.1 Guard Position

Diagonal guard positions

The athletes are placed so that relative distance between them is from one side almost zero, while
on the other side is large and sometimes open.

Fig 11 diagonal guard d=d’<d’’

Normal guard positions
Two athletes are placed so that relative distance between them is more or less the same on both
sides. In this kind of guard positions there is also the one called by Japanese SHIZEN HON TAI

Fig.12 Normal guard d=d’

35
Curled up guard positions
Two athletes are placed so that relative distance between them behind is almost null, while on a
level with hips is larger possible, these guard positions are called by Japanese JIGO TAI.

Fig.13 Curled up guard d<<d’

To everyone is associated a special group of Kumi Kata, to each of these guard positions will
coincide a particular strategy competition and the capability to realize some throwing techniques.
In the dynamic field to these guard positions are connected often a well-defined cadence or rhythm
of attack in the biodynamic grouping “athletes couple”.
Nowadays, with high professional specialization at an international level, the evolution of superior
Judo is present above all in two well-determined biomechanical aspects:

1) Increasing physical strengthening

2) The Kumi Kata predominance, which originate from this approach.

From the study of world championship, Olympic games and of other important competitions and
from shiai experience, points out some international competitors became a specialist about
particular Kumi Kata to be able to effect their special technique (Tokui waza) in dynamic
conditions. From the study of initial phase of these competitions you can comprehend the match
crucial moment is “the fight to impose one’s Kumi Kata”; many times, before Kumi Kata, there are
some “hand jumps” which stabilize some safety Kumi Kata and permit to pose in profile towards
adversary; in this way, the rival hasn’t a great surface to grip and to attack, and so he’s able to avoid
the eventually believed dangerous and unfavorable grip (Diagonal guard positions).
After this phase, the athlete tries to build carefully and slowly his favorite position of Kumi Kata,
cause a little absent-mindedness and a brief weakness, during control of points of contact(hands)
moving, becomes a decisive chance to win a match for a technically well-prepared adversary.
Nowadays, the realization and definition of a special kumi kata, during a competition, is considered
an art in itself and a fundamental phase of “Dynamic Superior Judo”.
In the previous dynamic analysis we have already talked about important role which hands, as
points of contact, play; therefore, only by an arms action, with a right body moving, will be possible
to unbalance one of the athletes in biodynamic grouping “athletes’ couple”.
Many times, today, the defeat is much more in a kumi kata error instead of a moving, in fact the
errors on the shintai, like feet from close up, jumps, crossed feet, aren’t so important because of
dynamic athletes balance; while kumi kata errors are directly reflected in the balance and in the
36
energy transfer to the single athlete. During “superior dynamic Judo” practice, the kumi kata hasn’t
only an informative role but, above all, it becomes an essential psychological aspect about
imposition of one’s will to the adversary to cross his reactions.
All these concepts produce some fundamental characteristics required by every athlete:
--increasing physical strengthening
--increasing acrobatics capacities
--during a match high and constant “rhythm”
--capacity to use one’s special kumi kata, after to have had the adversary kumi kata
--to study the opportunities realizing one’s special kumi kata
-- Continual adjournment about Renzoku waza originated from one’s special kumi kata
The number of kumi kata is infinite, but it’s also possible to classify them in groups in accordance for
example with the classification utilized by French Federation (FFJDA) (Les Kumi-Katas).

RIGHT KUMI KATA:

A) Right-down Kumi Kata
Left hand catches right sleeve
Right hand catches left collar, on a level with hips, over the belt
B) Right-normal Kumi Kata
Left hand catches right sleeve
Right hand catches left collar, below clavicle
C) Right-up Kumi Kata
Left hand catches right sleeve
Right hand catches left collar at the back of neck
LEFT KUMI KATA:
A) Left-down Kumi Kata
Right hand catches left sleeve
Left hand catches right collar on a level with hips, over the belt
B) Left-normal Kumi Kata
Right hand catches left sleeve
Left hand catches right collar, below clavicle
C) Left-up Kumi Kata
Right hand catches left sleeve
Left hand catches right collar at the back of neck
MIXED KUMI KATA:
A) Mixed-normal Kumi Kata
Both hands catch both collars below clavicle
B) Mixed-down Kumi Kata
Both hands catch both collars on a level with hips
SLEEVES KUMI KATA:
A) Both hands to both sleeves
KUMI KATA WITH OPPORTUNITIES:
A) Free hand
The other hand at sleeve
The other hand at collar
CHANGE-OVER KUMI KATA:
A) with one of the hands at the belt
With one hand catch collar
With other hand at the sleeve, by the same side
CROSSED KUMI KATA:
A) With right hand at the edge of right sleeve
With left hand at left collar or vice-versa

37
4.2 Grips and Their Objectives

The objectives of gripping are two

1. place one hand( Tsurite) in position to push Uke back toward the mat
2. Secure a locking hand (Hikite) that will prevent the defender from getting away from your
throwing action

The tsurite hand cannot be placed without preparation. Place it by degree grabbing the nearest part
of opponent’s judogi, sleeve, elbow, or lapel; then grasping the adversary’s judogi push down.
When pushing down keep your gripping hand tucked in close to your side and move your body
(gripping side) lowering it under your grip.
The reaction to the push will expose part of your adversary’s judogi to your grips, then, in such
way, it is possible to improve your grip position

Hikite – Tsurite

Gripping methods fits into two categories within jacket work:

1 Hikite (the main pull) Sleeve grip “the working hand” or “Long pull”
2 Tsurite (the drawing hand) Lapel grip “the playing hand” or “short pull”.

Fig 14 Specific Judogi Areas

A few comments are in order regarding the definitions of hikite and tsurite.

38
HIKITE
The pulling hand is utilized to transmit tension to uke’s shoulder joint. The hikite pull is the a large
amplitude pull, that normally account of 75% of the forward unbalance. Properly done by Tori, it
results in the desired upper shoulder girdle rotation of the Uke, when combined with the action of
the tsurite hand. Normally this action could be developed in two dimensions:

1. Vertical dimension given by position of grip in on location between elbow and shoulder
2. Horizontal dimension of the grips on the arm ( internal Vs external; upper Vs lower )

The Hikite traction have the goal to open the angle between homers and trunk of Uke.
If the grip is placed just above the wrist area when the pulling is applied, the Uke’s arm must first
essentially lock straight at the elbow before the shoulder joint senses the fully applied tension
necessary for the shoulder girdle rotation.
Too high a grip on Uke’s arm is undesirable since this betters the amplitude but worsen the mobility
of the Tori arm.
Generally, optimum arm pull on uke’s arm should be initially horizontal and parallel to the mat
surface. Contrary to popular belief, raising the Uke’s arm above the horizontal limits the unbalance
effectiveness of the action. It is important to remember that the overall pulling is accomplished and
effective with Tori using his/her upper body in conjunction with the pulling hand.
This is usually rotation or translation of the trunk.
Special Use: the Hikite arm can be also utilized in a complete different way pulling down the
adversary arm along his body, in order to apply the maximum pressure on one adversary’s side
(Rotational Application).

TSURITE
Tsurite is the pulling force action to lapel of judogi, normally called short amplitude pull, it could
account for the 25% of forward unbalance.
Tsurite comes from the word tsuri meaning to fish and incorporates the idea of drawing an opponent
off balance, just as a fishing rod bends when it draws a fish out of the water.
It is very important for the right application of Tsurite movement that arm turns at elbow and
shoulder level.
A grip near the head helps mobility for unbalance but needs more force and gives less mobility for
arms and legs.
Inversely a low grip gives less amplitude for unbalance, but also less force and helps arms and legs
mobility.
The strongest position of the lifting hand is when the elbow of the Tori is placed in contact with the
upper body with the hand located directly above it.
The weakest position of the Tsurite is when the arm is fully outstretched.
The hand has zero lifting capability in this position.
Experienced athletes in competition usually made grip change that afford advantage than a
disadvantage in throwing capability.
Most athletes usually vary the Tsurite grip far more often than the Hikite grip during tournament
play.
Special Use: the Tsurite arm can be also utilized in a complete different way, blocking and pulling
down the adversary shoulder or one his body’s point along, in order to apply the maximum pressure
on this point blocking the adversary’s side (Rotational Application of Throws).

39
Coaching Field

5 Advanced Analysis for Standard Competition

5.1 Technical Steps in competition

It used by most National Federations’ analysts to divide the whole competition in technical steps:
The basic step in the time domain is not fixed, because the analysts normally use technical finding
to analyze the competition, normally there are used five or six technical steps.
In our paper we use the subdivision in six technical steps ( Francini and coworkers):

1) Matte – a period of interruption, when the referee calls Matte to discontinue any activity of the
judoka;
2) Preparation – a period of movement, observation and non-contact preparation;
3) Grip – a period of the match in which the judoka disputes for the best grip (Kumi-kata), when
there is contact with one or both hands;
4) Throws – a period in which the judoka executes a technique or throw during standing combat
(Tachi-waza);
5) Fall – the moment of the fall (Kake) when the analyzed athlete falls to the ground being possible
that both judokas fall as a result of the application of technique.
6) Groundwork – any combat that takes place on the ground (Ne-waza), when strangle or arm-lock
techniques are applied with the aim of immobilizing or finalizing an opponent.
One other model for example from England is the Hajime –Matte model proposed by Karen
Roberts always in six phases like:

1) Mobility (shifting alone)

2) Kumi Kata
3) Preparation
4) Tachi waza
5) Transition
6) Ne waza

It easy to understand that competition is a linear connection of these steps.

6 𝑁
𝜇𝑘𝑖 𝛽1 𝛽 𝛽 𝛽 𝛽 𝛽
𝐶=� � �𝜏 + 𝜏2 2 + 𝜏3 3 + 𝜏4 4 + 𝜏5 5 + 𝜏6 6 �
1 1
𝑖=1 𝑘=1

In which τ is one phase µ the number of the specific phases in each completion, and β is the
existence factor of such phase in each competition = 0 or 1 (yes or not).
In Judo, the distance in the Athletes couple depends from the Kumi-kata and the feet position,
determined by the guard position. These two parameters change many times during competition
and in very important way during attack.
“Rigid” grips are negative for the distance variations, and they are wrong for the multiple attack
capabilities.
The special Kumi kata can be considered psychologically encouraging, but from the other side it not
lets to attack in many different directions.
The basic Ki hon kumi kata lets to apply more attacks in different directions and it can be
considered more generalist
Analytical studies on the Kumi Kata, used in competition, like right, left, mixed Kumi Kata, studied
in Japan (Analytical studies on the contests performed at the all Japan Championship Tournament)
40
If we think deeper, the motion on the mat, it is the results of many pushes and pulls applied by the
grips, but it is not possible to apply push or pull without the contact to the mat by the feet.
Thinks for example to apply the same push-pull forces in the couple system, wearing roller-skates,
then obviously it will be impossible to apply anything!
Now after that, it is understandable the meaning of the so called “Biomechanics Grips Paradox”.
What is the most important aspect of the Grips (Kumi Kata)?
Feet Position is the Grips most important aspect!
Arms position is essential only in defining the forces’ directions to throw the adversary, but without
a strong support base the arms position is unimportant.
This is a new kind of fight vision, not to see simply in short way: or the arms position, or the
bodies’ relative position, or the power applied to the adversary.
But the advanced way is to approach the system as whole seeing at the Couple of Athletes and not
at the single athlete.
This new vision is the right biomechanical vision, or in other words the advanced modern vision of
the Judo competition.
This other aspect, very important, from the strategic point of view, as seen, came from the study not
of the single athlete, that coach normally perform during competition, but from the analysis of the
whole system “couple of athletes”.
If the competition is approached in this way many interesting adversary’s aspects, both from the
strategic and technical (Throwing) point of view get out from the system observation.

5.2 Competition Invariants

The Competitive Invariants singled out by the author are the so called “Guard Position” which are
the hold or grip positions that the couple of athletes closed system got during the fights. ( see
Biomechanical analysis of competition)
These positions could be classified on the basis of two relative ranges: distance between the heads,
and distance between feet in two main groups connected to the shifting velocity, each group could
be divided in three subclasses related form left to right to the shifting velocity of Couple increasing.
These positions are strongly connected to the preferred fighting motion pace of each athlete, which
reveals a lot of technical information about the fighting preference and the special class of
Throwing utilized (Tokui Waza). Normally during competition the normal athletes’attitude
changes:
1) They lower their position, to stabilize
2) The body superior part (head and shoulders) is closer the inferior one’s (hip and feet) is farer
3 ) They increase the mutual control.
Generally speaking the control increase by a strong fixation of wrists, simultaneously drawing down
by arms and using one’s weight to slow down the adversaries’ movements, but without tense the
arms. The hikite arm is utilized during attack to open the adversary guard, in defense by the control
of cuff jacket; it is able to stop the adversary’s attack.
It is interesting to remember the golden rules of Kumi Kata stated by Kazuzo Kudo in his superb
textbook Dynamic Judo: “ Do not tense your arms, but stand as loose and flexible as possible. Not
only is this nearly impossible for beginners, it is trouble-some for those men who made
considerable progress in judo. The truth of the matter is that as you recklessly thrust your arms out
and pull them in during practice you will naturally come to understand what the technique is all
about and will master the use of your arms. When this happens you will be able to tense your arms,
when you need to and relax them, when you do not. An important thing for you to understand at this
stage is that you apply judo techniques as you move back and forth and from side to side together
with your opponent and that you must relax your arms as you do so.”

41
Fig.15 Six Classes of Guard Position (Competition Invariants) related to the couple shifting
velocity. (Sacripanti)

42
In particular the author founded six classes of “Competitive Invariants”, connected to the
increasing couple speed, in which it is possible to collect together all the infinite grip positions that
the couple of athletes closed system could built.
These are all the position classes that the couple of athletes closed system could built.
Biomechanically speaking each position is connected to the Tokui Waza and the pace that the
Athlete likes to apply in such motion situation.

Fig.16-21 The Six Classes of Guard Position related to the couple shifting velocity in real
competition. (Finch, Zahonyi )

Then if the coach sees at the Guard Position (Competitive Invariant) and understand the pace
motion of the adversary he can preview the biomechanical class of his preferred Tokui Waza.
Remembering that the biomechanical classes are connected to the shifting speed, or that is easier to
apply Techniques of couple of forces at high shifting speed, than techniques of the physical lever, it
will be easier, for example, to recommend to his own athlete to change the motion pace, in such a
way as to increase the difficulty for the adversary to apply the Kuzushi-Tzukuri phase connected
both with his Tokui Waza and with the preferred speed.
Today with the fight evolution elite athletes are able to change guard position during fight, by the
way the connection speed throws is always valid and useful to contrast the pace motion changed.
Obviously in such situation to attempt the victory means to connect all these information in a whole
strategic approach to fight.
How this information, without singling out the concept of Competition Invariants, is present in
Japanese Judo it is easy to see in the following recommendations of Sato and Okano in “Vital
Judo” about Uchi Mata, they present five methods to solve the Kuzushi-Tzukuri phases starting
when a small Tori attacks Uke that is in traditional grip in Ai Yotsu, two methods when the
opponent stands with both arms rigidly out-stretched used mainly by Tomio Sasahara, one when the
opponent has retracted his hips and assumed a position of stubborn resistance, the last favorite
method of Hirobumi Matsuda.
In these differentiated attacks connected to the Uke’s body position there is the ground of both
concepts: Couple of Athletes System and Competition Invariants.

43
5.3 Two “outmoded” grips

In these competition invariant, there are “outmoded” two types of special grips.
The first one is the famous “double lapel grips”.
This grip is common in European and Korean judo; it allows fighters to switch from left to right but
sacrifices control of the sleeves. The double-sleeve grip is also seen occasionally, as it allows
players to attack with sode-tsuri-komi-goshi on both sides. It was a much more popular grip in the
years when there were no weight categories and was often used by smaller men against larger
opponents.
However it is one of the most powerful grips that take the control of the Uke’s trunk. In such
situation the main concern of Tori is to control Uke’s shoulders, this control obviously limits the
rotational capability of Uke , not allowing in easy way the application of all throwing techniques
that are based on the full rotation of Uke’s body.
The weakness of this grip can be revealed by the normal condition that all two opponent’s arms are
free.
But the trunk control may result more important than this potentially drawback, because today it is
not allowed to grab directly the leg in competition.
In the first of the two next figures it is shown Wilhelm Ruska with his preferred double lapel grips
in one world championship final

Fig 22 double lapel grip Fig 23 double sleeve grip

The second one is the less famous but still sometime effective “double sleeve grips”
This grips is not useful for shifting in competition but is very effective applied to some specific
throwing techniques like the well known Sode Tsuri komi Goshi.
In figure is shown an effective attack in Sode Tsuri Komi Goshi brought by a Korean athlete.

5.4 Relations between Gripping Methods and Favorite Tricks in Judoists

Some Japanese researchers analyzed the connection between grips and tokui waza of the athletes.
Yoshiyuki Seta and co-worker (Daito College of Medical Technology) and Noboru Hashimoto and
co-workers (Tokyo Metropolitan Judo Sekotsushikai Incorporated)
As well known, gripping offer the preconditions for a player to apply throwing to the opponent or
defend himself against him.
Every player has his own most favorite gripping pattern and more often is confident of beating an
opponent or leading the match if he can successfully apply this gripping pattern to the adversary.

44
Regarding the grip positions in hanging and pulling actions, players who grip the back or back
collar of the opponent’s suit in their hanging action were classified into:
Group A’ (hang), those who grip the side collar
Group B’ (hang) and those who grip the front collar
Group C’ (hang), while those who hold the opponent by the collar or armpit area
in the pulling action were classified
Group A (pull), those who hold the opponent by the area near the elbow joint
Group B (pull) and those who hold the opponent by the area near the sleeve.
At the end they connected to each group previously classified the specific techniques applied by the
athletes.
Obviously the connection was in agreement to the biomechanical capability to apply the technique
with the specific grip.
Three interesting papers from Korea by Kim, Eui-Hwan and co-workers analyzed not only the
connection between the same techniques (Morote Seoi Nage and Uchi Mata ), with different types
of Kumi kata and two different opponent’s height
The most interesting results applied to static situation showed different projection times, ranging
between 1,45 s. and 1,56 s. in connection with the two kind of grips.
Obviously all the posture variable was changing from one type to the other. Also for Morote Seoi
Nage the time was different but some postural parameters, like elbow angle, remaining fixe

Fig. 23-27 Uchi Mata Korean Study connecting throw and different grips

45
Regarding to the use of Tsurite and Hikite in Judo Throws Mr De weels notices that approximately
14 of the officially recognized throws by the Kodokan do not make use of the Hikite/Tsurite
combined hand actions of the orthodox/classic grip defined before.
Although physical lifting or pulling may be used during the performance of these throws, the
actions differ from the conventional use of the hands as used in the classic sleeve and lapel grip.
In particular, the unique gripping will be highlighted to show how the throwing technique differs
from others which make use of the classic sleeve and lapel grip Paragraphs. A survey of 82 judo
players was taken to determine their most favorite gripping position in hanging and pulling actions
and whether they are a right- or left-hander, as well as their best or strongest technique.

Group Method Use Surveyed No. Favourite

Techniques
A Back grip / back Hanging action 31 O soto gari, Uchi
collar grip mata, Hari goshi
B Side collar Hanging action 30 O soto gari, Uchi
mata, Ippon seoi
nage, Tai otoshi
C The front collar Hanging action 21 Ippon Seoi nage,
Tai otoshi, Ko
uchi gari
A Collar or armpit Pulling action 12 O soto gari, Uchi
mata, Harai goshi
B Near the elbow Pulling action 41 O soto gari, Uchi
joint mata, Hari goshi,
Ippon seoi nage,
tai otoshi,
C Area near the Pulling action 29 Ippon seoi nage,
sleeve Tai otoshi, O uchi
gari, Ko uchi gari,
Tomoe nage
Tab 3 Grips and throws

Group B (hang) is most effective of all the hanging grips in breaking the opponent’s stance and can
lead to every kind of subsequent technique.

Group C (hang grip is considered more effective than any others in breaking the opponent’s stance
by holding him by the front collar and actively using hanging actions to facilitate throwing down
the opponent after creeping under him.

In Group A (pull) – gripping the collar or the area around the armpit in a pulling action will most
facilitate a player to apply the subsequent Maki komi waza or Katsugi waza trick including the
Ippon seoi technique achieved by gripping one-side of the collar.

In Group B (pull), grip position in the pulling action allows a player to most effectively use his
power and also plays an important role in protecting himself from the opponent’s techniques.
Further this grip position offers a stable basis to easily apply all subsequent techniques to the
opponent.

46
In Group C (pull), this grip position allows more frequent use of Katsugi Waza and Ashi Waza
techniques than others as gripping the opponent’s sleeve in the pulling action will restrict his free
and active use of hanging actions and make his armpit area defenseless.

5.5 Gripping methods and anterior cruciate ligaments damage

It is very important to note for coaches that there is a relationship between gripping methods and
damages to anterior cruciate ligaments of legs.
This situation will be actual and dangerous when both athletes fight in Kenka –yotsu situation.
In one paper with this specified study, (The common mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament
injuries in judo: a retrospective analysis) koshida and co-workers 2008, the number of anterior
cruciate ligaments injuries when the participant’s grip style was opposite to the style of the
opponent (left kumi kata against right kumi kata, kenka-yotsu style) (28 cases) was significantly
greater than when the participant’s grip style was the same as that of the opponent (ie, ai-
yotsu style) (15 cases).
Another very important finding was that the number of anterior cruciate ligaments injuries was
significantly higher when the participant was attacked by the opponent, than when counterattacked
or when attempting the attack (p<0.001).
In addition, being attacked with osoto-gari was revealed as the leading cause of anterior cruciate
ligaments injury incidence among the participants (16.8%).
The final finding of this paper was that grip style may be associated with anterior cruciate ligaments
injury occurrence in judo.
In addition, it is possible to decide that direct contact due to the opponent’s attack may be a
common mechanism for anterior cruciate ligaments injuries in judo.

Fig 28 Ai Yotsu - Fig 29 Kenka Yotsu

47
Time steps:
5.6 Before Grips
One very interesting work performed by Pierantozzi e co-workers was applied to study the phase
before the effective grip.
This analysis performed on fights in a high level competition (world championship finals 2007) was
performed to know how much was relevant the first grip in judo fighting.
“First grip” was defined the first valid contact between the two fighters.
It is the hand that grips first with effectiveness the judogi or a permitted body’s area of the
opponent.

We mean “effective grip” the contact that permits a right interaction between the two judoka in
order to:

1. transfer the impulse to the opponent to perform a throwing technique;

2. block the movement of the opponent;
3. Perceive information about the movements of the opponent.

The objective of the study was to analyze:

- the fighting time for the first grip :

a) the time between hajime and the first grip,

b) the time to remake the grip during the combat phase in tachi waza, when the
fighters loose the grips;

- average number of kumi kata fights during one match;

- judogi percentage area of first grip.

The judogi was divided in 7 areas where the fighters could grip:

• Lapel (red outlined area)

• Sleeve (blue outlined area)
• Hand-wirst (light blue outlined area)
• Back (lilac outlined area)
• Racket skirt (green outlined area)
• Leg (yellow outlined area)
• Belt (the belt )

48
Fig. 30: Judogi area

Because during the 18 fights analysed nobody gripped the belt, this area was excluded in the
statistical analysis, and only 6 areas were analyzed .
In the case that there had been more areas gripped at the same time (less than 1 second) all the areas
considered.

49
RESULTS
Females Males Total Females Males Total

Lapel 106 101 207 55.8% 46.1% 50.6%

Sleeve 23 29 52 12.1% 13.2% 12.7%

Back 11 22 33 5.8% 10.0% 8.1%

Wrist-Hand 16 55 71 8.4% 25.1% 17.4%

Jacket Skirt 0 3 3 0.0% 1.4% 0.7%

Leg 34 9 43 17.9% 4.1% 10.5%

Total 190 219 409 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Tab.4: Number and percentage of first grip by grip area and gender

Fig. 31 Total percentage distribution of first grip in the 18 finals

Some results were high interesting:

Males and females have had different approaches in the choice of the first grip.
For both genders the preferred area was the lapel, but the second one was the leg for the females
and the wrist- hand for males (Fig.28).

50
 Lapel Sleeve Back Wrist Lower Kimono Leg

1% 4%
18%

25%
8% 47%
56%
6%

12% 10%

13%

FEMALES MALES

Fig. 32 Percentage comparison Females – Males first grip area

Q1 3
16
15
Min 1 14
13
First grip time over 14"
Median 5 12
to be considered as outlier
11
10 3rd Quartile time=9"
Max 14
9
8
Q3 9 7
6 50% of First grips
between 3" and 9" Median time=5"
5
4
3
2 1st Quartile time=3"
1
0

Fig.33 Indicators of time fight for the first grip in the 18 finals distribution (Box Plot)

50

45

40

35

30
Frequency

25

20

15

10

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

Time in seconds

Fig.34 Frequency distribution of fighting time for the first grip in the 18 finals

51
Data analysis showed that the majority of first grips was on the lapel area, both for female and male.
There are instead some differences considering other areas: the leg area is the second preferred by
female while the wrist-hand area is for male.
To evaluate if there is a statistically significant difference considering the frequency distribution by
grip area and gender, the authors conducted a chi-square test, rejecting the null hypotheses with a p-
value of 0.0001.
For this reason it was possible to say that female and male have different behavior in choosing the
first grip area.
Considering time distribution of the fighting phase for the first grip, 50% of first grips happen
between 3 and 9 seconds with a median value of 5 seconds.
In the 18 analyzed Finals, were found 270 fighting phases for the first grip, with an average of 15
kumi kata phases for judo match.

5.7 Transitory Phase: Grips Fighting

Grip fighting is an important part in the today judo competition, part in which the muscular power
is very important. Strength is used to battle or to prevent a grip; in the same time power against
power, to impose a grip.
Competitor can 'impose' grip only when it is powerful enough so that the opponent cannot avoid or
'break' it.
In effect, the situation today is that grip fighting not only is important but also that it is used as a
major strategy in modern competition.
Serious grip fight requires lots of power and energy.
It essentially could be defined a power-based arm-wrestling.
When an opponent uses the kumi-kata approach in such a way that it is not solely meant for him to
apply a technique, and obviously the adversary must find one answer to that.
Normally anticipation is the best way to fight for grips, and biomechanically speaking Tori must try
to control with his grips Uke's shoulder or neck both to attack and defend himself, and elbow joints
of Uke.
Athletes must strength train so that '' increase '' muscular power and gripping skill, and thus they can
'break adversary’s grip, this is the normal classic answer to the grip fight situation. But as will see in
the following, there is a more Judo suited to the right way to think about.
In the following figures there are shown some phases of modern grip fighting form national to
Olympic Arena.

Fig35 Grip fighting Fig36 Grip fighting

52
 Fig37 Grip fighting Fig38 Grip fighting

Fig39 Grip fighting Fig40 Grip fighting

5.8 Starting Phase: First Contact “effective grips”

About standard Competition it is already acceptable a classic study (Weers) focalized to hand
position and successive attack direction.
Remembering that the right approach to grips in competition is to consider the whole Couple of
Athletes System., and the resultant “Competitive Invariants”.
The following approach (1985) is due to Mr George Weers, former chairman of the United States
Judo Association coaching program.
The analysis performed started as the players came to grips observing the first hand to make
assertive controlling efforts.
Next the determination of the player's primary attacking direction was analyzed.
Of the 549 players observed 278 have right sided preparations while the remaining 271 were lefties.
In 164 of the episodes of gripping the players placed their Power Hand first; while 385 of the
situations saw the players reaching in with the Locking Hand.
This gives us a statistic of 70.13% of the time elite players will grip first with the Locking Hand.

53
5.9 Stabilized Situation: Grip Domination

5.9.1 Effective grips and throws

Other research works connecting the hand positions (divided in Power Hand and Locking Hand)
and throws direction were performed giving the following results:
“71.12% of throws to the Front Corners were accomplished with a Power Hand Placement on our
near the clavicle.
22.99% of the throws to the Front Corners had Power Hand Placements on the High Back area,
against or near the neck, of the opponent.
When we combine these two Power Placements for throws to the Front Corners we see that 94.11%
of observed throws to the Forward Corners put throwing pressure, with the Power Hand, on or
against the opponent's neck.
Body throws, are the types of throw where the attacker tightly controls the opponent's torso and
turns both himself and the opponent to the mat. These throws are typically Ura Nage, Kosoto Gake
or Sukui Nage.
The Body throws application presents an incredibly consistent Power Hand Placement with 91.3%
of the Power Hands reaching across the opponent's Lower Back.
Some incidents of Body Throws had the Power Hand encircling the Near Leg from the Rear.
The remaining 8.7% of the Body Throws observed had a Frontal Power Hand Placement.
Throwing attacks to the opponent's Rear Corners, Osoto Gari, Kouchi Gari, etc., showed a slightly
more diverse Power Hand Placement pattern.
In throws to Rear Corners, 33.33% of the Power Hand Placement was in the Mid-Front area of the
opponent's torso. Generally, the Power Hand was placed against the pectoral region.
The majority of throws to the rear Corners, 66.62%, were performed with the attacker's Power Hand
placed in the defender's High Back area. As a rule the Power Hand Placement, for these throws,
tended to be toward the defender's shoulder or the outer top corner of the scapula.
Lateral throws, Driver type throws that push the defender over the side of his foot, showed the
widest range of Power Hand Placement. 57.29% of the Power Hand Placements in Lateral Throws
were in the Lower Back region. The Lower Back Power Hand Placement for Lateral Throws was
distinctly different from the Lower Back Power Hand Placement for Body Throws.

5.9.2 Competitive patterns

High incidences of Kenka Yotsu (opposite stances) were observed by Weers in the previous cited
work. He analyzes that if the players hold one another with opposing Power Hands (right versus
left); allowing the opponent to place his Power Hand unopposed generally results in a neutral Ai
Yotsu position, in which neither player is willing to take a chance on shifting his grips.
And Weers follow the analysis in such way: “the unwillingness to venture into other gripping
strategies is probably due to a strong defensive position. With an arm glued into the armpit of the
opponent the player is able to hold the attacker out on anything he might try.
Normally the best grip fighters tend to prepare an opening for the Power Hand placement.
The player will reach in with the non-Power hand, pull the lapel out for easier access, brush aside
the opponent's hands or simply set a blind for the intended Power Hand placement and then take the
Power Hand Grip.
The champions keep the Power Hand tucked in close to the side and move the whole Power Side of
the Body in under the grip.

54
The attacker "sets" his Power Hand and then moves his whole body toward the Locking Hand
position. Upon securing the Locking Hand a strong attack must be the inevitable final step of the
sequence.
If Players took a mutual Power Hand without opposition matches were frequently without score,
always boring and usually awarded to the stronger player; the higher the level of play, the higher
the incidence of complete separation and re-gripping.
Apart from blocking any of the opponent's gripping advancements, grip dominant players are highly
skilled at removing the opponent's hands. This leads to frequent complete separations of the players.
Once the players are separated they are able to work back into a favorable gripping position.
Once the grips are secured the player attacks! If the grip is there the top player throws.
If the throw is not successful he breaks off and starts over”.

Fig.41 Taking a Dominant Grip, instantly athlete must attack

55
56
 IIIrd Part

Kumi Kata and Throws

in
High Level Competition

57
58
 6. Grips Fighting?

A different way of thinking: timing and Sen No Sen during Grips fighting.

6.1 Timing
Time is in competition one important player.
Most important data are collected and analyzed into the time domain, to know, understand and
forecast useful pattern in competitions.
In the next two tables there are shown the results of a recent analysis performed by Francini and
co-workers. In which it is possible to know the time duration and percentage of some topic
competition phases

Table 5: Analysis of sequence (time between Hajime and Matte) and break
time regarding the main occurrences in judo matches (measured in seconds)
Match 1(s) Match 2 (s) Match 3(s)

Preparation 4±1 4±2 4±1

Grip 16 ± 5 18 ± 3 17 ± 3
Technique 1.4 ± 0.3 1 ± 0.4 1.7 ± 0.5
Groundwork* 17 ± 12 (6 ± 4) 9 ± (4 ± 2) 13 ± 6 (5 ± 2)
Break 7±1 6±2 7±1
* Values represent mean time and standard deviation for action on the ground, considering that not
all match sequences have ground action. Values between parentheses are mean and standard
deviation values in approximately 11 sequences, four of which are on the ground

In both tables it is possible to see that the longest part of competition is connected to grip phase.
From this second table all people see that grips account around the 50% of the contest.

Table 6: Analysis of the percentage of each match sequence and break time of main
occurrences in judo matches

match 1 match 2 match 3

(%) (%) ( %)

Preparation 12 ± 4 13 ± 7 13 ± 3
Grip 49,5 ± 9 49 ± 10 49 ± 10
Technique 4±1 3±1 5±2
Groundwork* 18 ± 13(7 ± 5) 11 ± 5 (4 ± 2) 14 ± 7 (5 ± 1)
Break 19 ± 3 16 ± 6 19 ± 3

* Values represent mean time and standard deviation for action on the ground, considering that not all match sequences
have ground action.
Values between parentheses are mean and standard deviation values in approximately 11 sequences, four of which are on the ground

59
Then also as in time length during contest grips and grips fighting are an important part of the
competition.
But if in throwing techniques attack the most sensible phase (and not only for Kodokan or
Japanese people ) is the application of sen o sen , the athlete must open mind and think in positive
way, studying the application of sen no sen during grips fighting , the first normal application is
during the first contact phase on timing.
From the biomechanical point of view when two athletes try to grip each other they take , normally
three natural positions, two configuring with the adversary one type of “Competitive Invariant”
in Ai-Yotsu (Right vs Right or Left vs Left ) the other configuring with the adversary one type
of “Competitive Invariant in Kenka-Yotsu ( Right vs Left )

Fig.42 Ai-Yotsu Left-Left (see feet)

Fg.43 Ai-Yotsu Right –Right (see feet)

60
 Fig.44 Kenka-Yotsu Right –Left (see feet)

It is easy to watch that each athlete who tries a right grip put naturally the right foot ahead and the
left foot for the left grip.
However weight is normally placed for safety on the back foot, this position is biomechanically
speaking a position of unstable equilibrium and it would be better for athletes applied to high
performance competitions train him to take vantage from this phase, attacking on timing during
these unstable conditions.
In the next two figures there are shown two wrong equilibrium situations for the white player that
the blue one can use to attack before the stabilization of grips.
These phases are highly fast and transitory but they are also a territory almost unknown full of
opportunities, for well trained, open mind Athletes.

61
 Fig.45 White grips unbalancing his position

taking his grip white put himself in a dangerous situation that blue can use to attack.

Fig.46 White grips without controlling Uke counter

With this other position white give the opportunity to blue to attack (Seoi- Sasae, etc. ) on his right
side because the control of the right side of the blue is totally missing.
Classical is the habit of phase dissecting of gripping approach to competition.
In the following there is one example of such classical approach, step by step, in which every hand
and arm movement is explained on timing for teaching use. Starting from one of the basic positions
Ai-Yotsu, or Kenka-Yotsu, Fig.40, 41, 42;

62
 Fig.47 One basic position before grip fight

Classical Teaching Field

Normally in the Dojo the coach or teacher uses indication step by step to teach the basic of the grip
fight, explaining in an understandable way all the single movements connected to obtain the goal,
like the following instructions.

I. Right Sided Players

Right vs. Right (Sequence #1)

1. Right foot forward with your left shoulder back (As a Left handed boxer would stand).
2. Always reach with the left hand first (you must get left hand on opponent’s gi FIRST!).
3. Right arm bent (elbow down) and protect your neck.
4. When opponent reaches with right hand, grab their wrist with your right hand before they touch
your gi.
5. Two on one (place both hands on his right arm), secure their sleeve with left hand
6. If opponent has your right sleeve, break their grip by making a clockwise circle with your thumb.
7. Grab their lapel or neck with your right hand.

Right vs. Right (Sequence #2) –

If your opponent takes your sleeve and is dominating the grip:
1. Left foot forward (right shoulder back).
2. Reach with left hand first (you must get your left hand on opponent first).
3. Keep right arm bent (elbow down) and protect your neck.
4. When opponent reaches with their right hand, grab their wrist with your right hand before they
touch your gi.
5. Two on one (place both hands on her right arm), secure the sleeve with your left hand.
6. If your opponent has your right sleeve, break their grip by making a clockwise circle with your
thumb.
7. Grab her lapel or neck with your right hand.
63
 Key Points:
Forget what your opponent is doing with their left hand; focus on their right arm only. Keep your
left arm straight, and always push against your opponent’s shoulder to slow down their right hand
(Do not push into your opponent: use the arm as a post). As your opponent reaches, turn your chin
and shoulder away from your opponent. Never lunge to get a grip.
Make a circle with thumb clockwise and bring it to your chest to break their grip

Right vs. Right (Sequence #3)

– If you cannot stop your opponent from getting your neck or cannot get your left hand
on the gi:
1. Right foot forward and your left shoulder back) As a Left handed boxer would stand
2. Cross grip their lapel with your right hand to get a grip.
3. Feed right lapel with your right hand to your left hand.
4. Grip as described in sequence #1 above If opponent reaches before you can get her lapel, stop her
right hand from grabbing by raising your left hand to catch your opponent’s right arm.

Key Points:
Be sure to push (post/hold) on your opponent’s shoulder with the cross grip.

II. Left-Sided Players

Left vs. Right Gripping:

1. Basic Concepts
a. Inside control – set lapel hand, and then reach for the sleeve.
b. If power gripping, pull opponent in (not keeping them at an arm’s distance).
c. Note: Keep your head on the outside of their body.

2. Advanced gripping
a. Cross grip the lapel then get the sleeve.
b. Sleeve cross grip series

Note: Never push when gripping.

Posture must be set before grabbing with two hands. You must change your gripping sequence all
the time during a match.

Additional: It is important to show grip fighting and what it should look like in practice or training.
Always pair right handed players with right handed players, and left handed players with left
handed players. We also train gripping via line-ups, so that the stamina in hands is improved and
gripping

64
6.2 A deeper Grip Concept

A well known sentence give the most classical information about grips: … without a grip in Judo
you will not be able to throw. This is easily demonstrated, try and throw someone with no grip at
all, then with one hand on your opponent, then with two hands....
This very sound “Common Sense” give us the right direction to truth.... but the not conventional
“Biomechanical Sense” shows us different “deeper” path to truth.
In fact, to do that, it is essential to deep in the biomechanics of throwing techniques concept.
Couple Group
If we analyze the Techniques of “Couple of Forces” Group, General Action Invariant, as basic
shortening movements of distance into the couple of athletes system, are directly connected to
Tsukuri, Kake Phases and the fantastic information is that, in this case, Kuzushi is not a necessary
and sufficient condition, and it could be non present in some couple techniques agonistic
applications.

Fig 48,49 General Action Invariant flowing in Kake phase without Kuzushi (Okuri Ashi Harai);

This means that in such group there are necessarily only Tsukuri-Kake phases, in fact the presence
of Kuzushi helps obviously the throws but it is not absolutely necessary, because for Uke in
unstable equilibrium, the rotation around his COM is helped by the external gravity force.
The other valid information singled out is that, these more simple techniques, biomechanically
speaking, can be applied in competition whatever shifting velocity the couple of athletes could
have. The couple techniques are connected to their Japanese denomination considering the Tori
three body’s symmetry planes in which lie the couple of forces.

Sagittal Symmetry Plane Application of

1st General Action Invariants: O Soto Gari, reverse direction Mae Ushiro Uchi Mata,
2nd General Action Invariants: Harai Goshi inverse application Ushiro Hiza Ura Nage,
3nd General Action Invariants: Uchi Mata, inverse (Back) Ushiro Uchi Mata

Transverse Symmetry Plane Application of:

3nd General Action Invariants: O Uchi Gari, Ko Uchi Gari (There are not inverse but opposite from
the other side)

65
 Frontal Symmetry Plane Application of:
1st General Action Invariants: Okuri Ashi Harai; opposite Okuri Ashi Harai from the left side,
3nd General Action Invariants: Ko Soto Gari opposite Ko Soto Gari left side

Fig50-53. Application of Couple in the three planes of Body symmetry: Basic Movements
A) Sagittal, B) Transverse C) Frontal
Sacripanti A, Advances in Judo Biomechanics research VDM Verlag 2010 ISBN -10: 3639105478 -
ISBN-13: 978-3639105476

But the extension can be more wide, to understand how not necessary is the kuzushi phase in this
group, in still position, for teaching goal, it is possible to throw someone by de Ashi Barai and by
Uchi Mata for example without grips. (Out the common sense!)

66
Lever Group
In general considering the degrees of freedom connected to the superior kinetic chains, related to
body movement, it is easily understood that all the potential movement in the Specific Action
Invariants, for the superior chain, in the Kuzushi actions are connected to the three degree of
freedoms of the Achromium Joint (shoulder).
From the other side the most important part of the inferior actions are in charge of two Joints hip
and knee, less part to the system foot/ankle ( the first for setting better his ones’ body in relation to
Uke’ s body, and the second ones to applying only fulcrum in the lever ).
Another important notation is that both Specific Action Invariants, must be connected each other
in one harmonic way to produce the right and effective throw result.
Kake phase, for the techniques of physical lever, is the result of the well interconnected work
performed by both kinetic chains in different time steps: at first the superior chain open space for
the body in the adversary grips, then the General Action (distance shortening) is developed
followed harmonically by the connected work of both Inferior and Superior Action Invariants
through the abdominals and trunk muscles.
These techniques need more skill in harmonic chains connected movements, than couple
techniques; in fact often they are ineffective because lack in harmony into one of the previous
movements is able to stop the throwing result.
The same General Action Invariant ( full rotation) that ( considering only the inferior chains)
splits by three Inferior chain action invariants from up to down, into three well known techniques
Seoi nage standing , Seoi Otoshi and Suwari Seoi.
All these Kuzushi-Tsukuri movements flow in the Kake phase of physical lever application with
variable arm, from the most energy wasting one to the lesser ones.( See fig. 54,55)

Fig 54,55 Inferior Chain Action Invariant (Seoi); Inferior Chain Action Invariant (Seoi Otoshi)
(Finch);

The same General Action Invariant (direct shortening without rotation), that ( considering only
the inferior chains) splits by three Inferior chain action invariants from down to up, into three well
known techniques , Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi, Hiza Guruma, and Tomoe Nage.
If someone looks at the inferior kinetic chain only leg and foot of Tori go up from the ankle, to
knee, to Uke’s abdomen. All these Tsukuri movements flow in the Kake phase of physical lever
application with variable arm, from the less energy wasting one to the most expensive ones.
The same General Action Invariant (full rotation) that (considering only the inferior chains) from
down to up, splits by three Inferior chain action invariants into three well known classic
techniques Tai Otoshi, Ashi Guruma and O Guruma.

67
If someone looks at the inferior kinetic chain only leg and foot of Tori go up from the Uke’s ankle,
to knee, to Uke’s abdomen. All these Tsukuri movements flow in the Kake phase of physical lever
application with variable arm, from the less energy wasting one to the most expensive ones.
In the next figures there are shown some inferior chain action invariants connected to Sode
Tsurikomi Goshi

Fig 56,57 Inferior Chain Action Invariant for innovative Sode Tsurikomigoshi;(Finch)

Among the lever group techniques there is a Maximum harm subgroup in which the Superior chain
Action Invariants play the most important role there are techniques like: Uki Otoshi or Sumi Otoshi
in which there is no body contact at all, but the fulcrum, under Uke feet, is made by the friction
between mat and foot .In the next figures we can see the main use of the Superior chain Action
Invariants (generally this class is responsible of forces application) and in this way it is possible to
define the main useful angles for Kuzushi that is essential in these kind of techniques, because as
it is easy to understand it is not possible to apply a physical lever principle, without the application
of force far from the fulcrum.
Not only, but the presence of the connected movements makes this techniques biomechanically
speaking more complex, and on the basis of the physical principle for their useful application in
competition whatever shifting velocity the couple of athletes has, they need of a stopping time ( also
very short) to be applied.
If Kuzushi is essential our grips are essential (Common sense) help us.
But if we speak in term of Biomechanics it is interesting, remembering the Galilean relativity and to
think that grips are a “complementary” approach to interaction.
This means that contact, connecting the two bodies in one whole unit, is essential to apply throwing
forces, but connection could be accomplished not only by two, but also by one side only.
In other terms, the first things that grips do is to connect two athletes in a Couple System, and if
somebody grips the opponent and the opponents does not grip him, then they are in any way
connected in one Couple of Athletes System.
Connection is assured by contact point, not only by our hands but also by opponent’s hands alone
Then from this point of view :
if grip is accomplished by opponent’s one hand, the two bodies are “in such way” connected,
and for the athlete connected without taking grip it is possible, utilizing the opponent’s
connection ( Sen No Sen) strengthened by his two hands on the gripping arm, ( if the grip is
not strengthened opponent could open hand and solve connection ) to apply a throwing
techniques using his own body’s weight (internal Tai Sabaki lowering the centre of mass) as
unbalancing and throwing force in the direction of gripping arm.

68
Fig 59 Complete and right angles to unbalance and throw Uke with physical lever.
Sacripanti A, Biomeccanica del Judo , ed Mediterranee Roma 1988 ISBN: 8827203486 9788827203484
Advances in Judo Biomechanics research VDM Verlag 2010 ISBN -10: 3639105478 -ISBN-13: 978-
3639105476

69
6.3 Timing: application of “JU” Principle during grip fight.

From the semantic point of view “Grip fighting”, is essentially against the judo basic application.
Power is used to battle a grip, power against power, or power to impose a grip.
The basic idea of judo is flexibility and not hard power; the idea is that technical opportunities are
sought through action/reaction using the adversary’s force (push/pull).
The situation today is that grip fighting is used as a major strategy.
Serious grip fight requires lots of power and energy. It aims to prevent inferior position, or it aims
to ... 'impose' fighting taking a vantage position. 'Imposing' your fighting has nothing to do with
“JU” principle. ‘Impose' fighting is essentially, as already said, a power-based arm -wrestling.
Nevertheless, for judo itself to still be effective against such a person who refuses ju-based judo,
likely in an attempt to avoid being thrown, rather than wanting to throw opponent in a contest, an
athlete must realize the complete domination of the adversary.
When an opponent uses his Kumi-Kata in such a way that it is not solely meant for him to apply a
technique, but for him put opponent into an inferior psychological situation, then adversary must
find the answer to that. And, to do that, there are two ways:

1) the strength training that '' increases '' force, and thus in such way it is possible to
“impose” or 'break' the opponent’s grip,
2) to apply “JU” Principle by means a right movements like a Tai-Sabaki that avoids and
prevents the situation. The effectiveness of Tai-Sabaki does depend on the athlete skill,

The major challenges for the athlete using Tai-Sabaki will be speed and agility.
Continuous high-speed Tai-Sabaki would drain athlete’s energy, in effect they use a rotator
jumping shortcut, instead of the classic Tai-Sabaki, this increases speed but drains energy;
however with a right training each athlete would be able to apply such “forgotten” or
“misused” JU principle.

6.4 Sen No Sen on grips

A) Two step: break and attack (Didactic not effective)

Sen no sen to grips attempt is the right application of judo soul in competition, it is essential to
fight at any occasion and also the first phase of a judo fight could be occasion to take vantage
over the opponent in this high transitory phase. Normally in such phase the most applied
system is “break the grip and instantly attack” Really more often it not works in real
competition but is useful for teaching. See sequences

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 Fig 60 Example of Sen No Sen on grips (break and attack)

Fig 61 Example of Sen No Sen on grips ( break and attack)

B) One step (highly effective)

( Uke first grips ,Tori stabilizes the grip by two hands on the gripping arm and
simultaneously turns lowering the COM and apply the technique).

It could be a more subtle way to apply Sen No Sen in such situation.

To throw without grip, using the opponent’s grip that let him to stay connected.
Very clever expert of this approach was Won Hee Lee from Korea who applied this method many
times.
Lee, timing, makes the right space with internal Tai Sabaki ( General Action Invariant based on
Hando No Kuzushi), stabilizes his contact, using the well known: two hands against one arm grip
to strengthen the connection, and throws the opponents in harmony with the two hands contact as
shown in the next Sequences.
It is not matter of techniques everybody can apply his preferred technique in the specific situation.
The internal Tai Sabaki more often follows the opponents pull, and with it athlete shortens the
distance and set his body for throwing action, if athlete performs external Tai Sabaki, he avoids
opponents action ( wasting some time) and can apply some couple group throws like Innovative
Uchi Mata. Avoiding and Sen No Sen form strategies, depend also from weight and personal speed
and skill of athletes.
An opportune and ad hoc training of these situations would be useful to apply, carefully, such
“Trick” biomechanically grounded both on the Galilean Relativity and a better understanding of
grip concept in real competition.

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 Fig 62-64 White grips straight left hand, Lee Attacks two against one hand left Tai Otoshi

Fig 65-67 White grips right from top, Lee attacks two against one hand right Suwari Seoi

Fig.68-70 Blue grips right Lee’s left side, Lee attacks two against one hand right Tai Otoshi
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7 High level Judo Competition
7.1 (Breaking symmetry) right unbalance concept

All judo teacher and coaches are accustomed with the well-known concept of Kuzushi the brilliant
idea that Dr. Kano Introduced in his Judo.
But there is a long conceptual distance between the theoretical explication (Happo no Kuzushi) and
the practical application in competition!
Normally during competition it is not possible easily to apply the theoretical Kuzushi concept, for
many reasons, the most obvious one is the resistance produced by the adversary.
The theoretical explication by Kano was borrowed by the rigid body analysis from physics, but a
short thinking shows us that human body is not rigid but articulated, and Biomechanics persuades
us that the Body’s Center of Mass moves is position both inside and outside the body , changing the
stability situation also without totally unbalance the body.
Normally we are used to consider balance position in standing right situation, that is a position of
unstable equilibrium, if the athlete is still the Center Of Mass (COM) is more or less under the navel
in the origin of Athlete’s reference system, connected to the well-known three symmetry planes of
body (frontal, sagittal and transverse).
If the adversary’s body is rigid, you can easily apply the Kano unbalance concept, but if the upper
part of the body turns or bends on the side, you can’t apply it.
However in these last previous cases COM shifts and changes his position and both stability and
mobility of the body are changed.
And with a perfect timing it is possible to profit of these transitory situations; this is the right and
useful application of unbalance concept in competition.
Remembering that human body is not a rigid system but an articulated one’s, we can understand the
subtle application of the so called: breaking symmetry.
Such actions like bending or turning are easier to apply; increasing stability, they produce a
decrease in mobility that is generated by the shifting of COM inside the body but sometime outside.
Normally it is easier to induce the adversary to bend or turn, during grips fighting, because there is
not knowledge about breaking symmetry.
Breaking Symmetry changes the body’s stability and slows down the adversary shifting capability,
in such way it makes easier the application of throws.
This is the first part of the “advanced kuzushi” concept, meaning: before slowing down with a
breaking of symmetry and after, with a body collision ends the effective kuzushi phase.
Normally body movements of both athletes increase the unbalance situation helping the throwing
action, the right use of these situation, are called by Japaanese Masters hando no kuzushi.

Fig 71 ,72 Human body’s Symmetry plane, COM in and out;.

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Fig 73, 75 Simple symmetry breaks that shifts the COM inside the body, slowing down the body.

Fig 76-79 Examples of symmetry breaks in competition

Many people don’t know this advanced unbalance concept and mistakes breaking his own
symmetry helping the adversary in his throwing action.
From that it is easy to understand that athletes for high level competition must work a lot around the
study on symmetry breaking: how to produce it, and how to use it in useful way.
This is a original branch of analysis, full of new interesting discoveries, that high level competition
coaches must develop to give more useful and up dated tools to their athletes.

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Then we can assess the basic biomechanics steps of judo attack in High Level Competition:

• First: breaking the Symmetry to slow down the adversary (starting the unbalance
action)
• Second: fast “General Action Invariant” application, with simultaneous overcoming of
the adversary’s defensive grips,
• Third: sharp collision of bodies (end of unbalance action)
• Fourth:
A. Simultaneous application of “Couple of Forces” tool without any need of
further unbalance action,
B. Use of the appropriate “Specific Action Invariants”, stopping the adversary for
a while, needing to increase unbalance action to apply the “Lever” tool in
Classic or Innovative or Chaotic way.

The previous steps are the simplest movements’ connection usually used to throws the adversary,
but very often, more complex situations can arise in real fighting conditions, these complex
evolutions of the simple steps previously explained, depend from the combination of attack and
defensive skills of both athletes.
One other important parameter in high level competition is athletes’ body weight, the previous
speeches are connected to fast shifting mobility and high speed application, but these capabilities
are, very often, inverse proportional to body weight.
The fighting style changes with body weight and the general lack in fast shifting capability, the
well-known slow pace of heavyweights detains the sen-no sen application on grips, in this class of
athletes..
Often heavy and super-heavyweight athletes prefer, some Koshi waza and Ashi Waza, in
Makikomi evolution, all applied both in Classic and Innovative form, normally the fighting pace is
slow ans also the attack speed is not so fast, however Yamashita, Douillet and Riner are astounding
examples of exception to this general description.
Finally “Champions” could be considered all athletes able to master these continuous changing
situations, instantly.
These steps born by the biomechanical analysis, are not new but normally applied by high
competition Champions by instinct, without consciousness, and this is the first time that they are
assessed and explained in clear way.
The previous analysis clears the right way to throws in high level competition, from the
biomechanical point of view.
This is the reason to deepen the right use of the breaking symmetry tool in high level competition ,
his knowledge helps to drive and simplify the throwing phase with a subtler knowledge of the
classic Kano’s unbalance concept.

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7.2 New concept of time and space
Another very important goal of athletes is to shorten attack time; this obviously goes through two
main directions:
The attack speed increase with some special conditioning exercises, but it is very difficult to
increase adult speed both in simple or complex movement, because speed is a genetic properties of
the Athletes, normally at maximum it is possible only a very little increase in such ontogenetic
quality, which is developed during 8 and 14 years of age.
But time of attack can be shorten not only by speed increase (practically impossible in adulthood)
but also, by biomechanics tools, remembering that velocity is Space covered in Time v = ds then
dt
it is possible to increase velocity shortening the space covered, in plain words, the solution can be
obtained, by a sophisticated study of contact trajectories, that can be shorten with proper and well
timed movements, with the use of Hando No Kuzushi, which is based on the biomechanical
principles of action and reaction.
Normally player uses the so called, “proof” (action, motion or push/pull) to produce a reactionary
breaking of balance.
It is the clearest application of the Judo principle “Maximum efficacy with minimum effort”, using
this principle, player applies force to the opponent and when he feels the typical movement
response or resistance, he can take vantage reversing his movement into the right direction.
By Hando No Kuzushi every action or reaction of the adversary can be turned against him,
shortening contact time. This is the true meaning of a correct grip fighting, because grips fighting is
wrong definition of a real interesting Judo phase connected to mastering distance between athletes,
taking control on his body by right grips, breaking his symmetry and then apply the right tool to
throw.
The capability to manage rightly the bodies’ relative position is essential in the execution of a
specific motor skill, like a throwing in non conventional relative position produced by competitor
reaction (Hando No Kuzushi).
Normally today moving space is shorter, and more often there is short distance between heads and
more distance between bodies (see Competition Invariants). That produces new way to turn and
contact the opponent’s body, based on speed and maximum trunk-leg flexibility.
Another sharp way used in high competition is: by his owns weight or special grips increase the
stability of opponents, slowing down their shifting velocity before attack, reproducing sometime
positions studied during Dojo technical training. In the following three figures it is possible to see a
modern and right way to manage timing and short space in Competition.

Fig.80 Managing space , breaking symmetry (Hando No Kuzushi)

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 Fig.81 Managing time and GAI application (Hando No Kuzushi)

Fig.82 Modern Management of space and time: Application of Lever tool.

Innovation in Throws

Fast Intuition, speed, decision and precision are the main tools to achieve this goal, but the most
important for athletes in this field is: his Open Mind, or the capability to think in non conventional
way to solve the competition problems faster and safer.
See for example in the previous figures: the original position of grip and the innovative throwing
technique flowing from them; the previous considerations, open new way to rethink time and space
concepts in original way.

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The new concept of time and space must be connected to the effectiveness, but not only in ordinary
way (shortening) but also in “irrational” not conventional way.
For example the two hands on one arm is a different “irrational” way to manage the distance
between opponents, open space and turning.
However if the important is to achieve the goal : “Effectiveness”, this goal could be achieved by
more different way and not only shortening time and distance but also, for example, lengthening
these two parameters if , this action , is useful to achieve the goal.
This means that in High level competition the most important tools are: open mind, flexibility,
thinking originality that connected to high level skill and good physical and technical preparation
that make Athletes able to catch the “Champion” level.

7.2 High level effective judo based on irrational solution

In classical biomechanics the throws that teacher explains are called “Sportive Rational
techniques”, these techniques are worldwide known as Kodokan Go kyo Throwimg techniques.
These techniques are normally applied in every competition from club to the Olympic arena.
But more often they are applied effectively when there is a technical skill difference between
opponents.
The capability to apply these techniques is grounded into the ability to ménage the time and space
classical concepts..
Manage the distance in the Couple of Athletes system is an advanced skill at level of European
Championship, but when opponents reach to the award zone, the skill differences become very
little, and the dominion of space and time are normal capability.
Then the fights solution would be logically draw or win in presence of one eventual mistake.
Then how solve this equalitarian knowledge? With the only logical solution: application of
irrational solution, based on innovative techniques or “strange” techniques called chaotic form,
which constitution will be analyzed in the next paragraphs

7.3 High Speed, attack velocity, fast resistive reaction

7.3.1 Speed or Shifting Velocity.

The “Couple of Athletes” shifting velocity on the Tatami is the speed of the system, seen as a
whole. There is important, because at every velocity class (low, average, and high) it will be
possible to apply only some specific standing techniques.
And then it should be possible to manage a specific competition strategy.
The traditional Japanese grips are the so called classical grips: sleeve/ lapel; it is important that
Russian style uses to acquire superior position, trays to bend forward the adversary to increase his
instability and to slow down the shifting velocity
The same is obtained in Japanese stile , but in other way, by the right use of his own body’s weight,
in fact Japanese people is specialized to apply by classical grips his own weight on the adversary’s
body. In such way people speed is slackened by this specific sided use of grips.
Then in high level competition grips are connected also to slowing down the opponent, in such
way, athletes try to apply techniques in almost still position.
If we think that every competitor has his own preferred pace of shifting velocity, depending from
his own Tokui Waza, therefore to compel him at another disliked shifting velocity, it will cause to
him a big technical-psychological trouble
At high level competition, the change in pace, is one weapon not very often utilized but very
interesting and powerful to put the opponent in trouble, the only problem in applying this weapon
is that athlete needs a long and careful endurance training finalized to the specific adversary.
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 7.3.2 Attack Speed against Fast Resistive Reaction.
The attack speed, to be tactically effective, must be, as higher as possible.
This speed is a physical-technical athletes’ capability, specific for each athlete but for everyone is a
capability able to be trained.
It is essential to remember that increasing in attack speed; it must not be to the detriment of
precision of technical gesture which should be very flexible to fit the infinite and possible fight
situations. Then there is advisable before to increase the attack speed and after to better the
precision, with the growing of his own technical maturity.
Judo, attack speed is certainly, in most of cases, shifting velocity independent.
But at high shifting velocity of “Couple”, fast attacking is connected on high “coordinative” skill.
For each athlete the increase of attack speed over his own personal maximum is very complex or
practically impossible.
But attack speed increasing is a weapon too important to achieve for competition and if there is a
physiological limit, however it is important to overcome it by different (biomechanical) tools.
In fact there are some very effective biomechanical tools, to prevent the fast resistive reaction of
competitor, increasing attack speed by means of:
A) Decreasing of “attack steps” and B) Decreasing of attack “time or logical path “ :
for example A) three Steps Attack → two Steps Attack ;
for example B) Sen No Sen on Grips ( 6.4) ; by both such ways it is possible to prevent activation
of competitor Reaction Capability.
Also changing the logical path to shorten the distance, with some irrational and not so clear path, in
such way it is possible to mislead the attention of the opponent, making useless his high fast
resistive reaction capability.

7.4 Innovative throws same basic biomechanical principles different grip

Today many coaches speak about new throws, but in what can we find diversity in judo throws?
From the Biomechanical point of view to speak about “new” is only a senseless exercise, and more
funny is to try to classify in whatever way these so called new techniques.
A more deep look shows us the real meaning of “ new “ in judo throwing techniques , perhaps it is
better to speaks about innovation a more correct even to speaks about “variation” of the basic
techniques.
In every judo throws, the Biomechanical basic principle is invariant, then all “innovative variations”
will belong to the two classes of the biomechanical classification of judo throwing.

1. Physical Lever
2. Couple of forces

The tool is the same :Couple or Lever, and the innovation is founded only in one different grip
application, which can, some time, identify in a different line of applied kuzushi forces.
Another way is also to use not only different grips but also different stopping point (fulcrum) with
legs or body these techniques look strange at seeing and are called Chaotic”.
An objective analysis of high level competition shows us that many times, with the actual high
standard of fitness, capability and “judo knowledge” it is more and more difficult to apply classical
techniques, if there is not a sufficient judo skill difference, between athletes.
If the difference is lesser, more often, the application of rational standard techniques is not
sufficient or useful, and the victory is for people applying non rational solution to fight.

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7.5 “Innovative” and “New or Chaotic Form” of throws

Before to define” Innovative Form” and “New or Chaotic Form” techniques in Judo it is important
to think that from many countries there are new technical contribution to Judo Kodokan.
The will in victory and the ability to overcome opponents, is the root of this evolution ( we don’t
speak in positive or negative term we use evolution as meaning changing in time ).
Some example of these new entries are the Korean Seoi Nage, the Cuban Sode Tsuri, the Korean
Sukui Nage, the Russian Gyaku Uchi Mata by Chochosvili or the Khabarelli the last was a well
known “free wrestling” techniques as demonstrated in “Advances of judo biomechanics research
Muller Publ. 20102”, the armbar by Neil Adams to name a few.
These techniques can’t be found in normal judo Books; the main analyst of this phenomenon is Roy
Inman from England.
This kind of new variation enables their users to catch opponent off-guard with throws to which no
clear defenses have yet been developed, in all countries around the world.
In the following figures there are few examples from Russia and Cuba:

Fig 83-87 Cuban Sode Tsuri with one sleeve grip.

Fig 88-90 Russian Gyaku Uchi Mata by Chochosvili (Finch

Fig.91-92 Khabarelli Throws (Finch)

From the biomechanical point of view, it is important to define and understand how such techniques
could bear.
Then it is possible to define, in term of biomechanical analysis:
Innovative Form are grounded on the same biomechanical tools and differ only for grips
position. Then, in our definition, Innovative throws are Henka application of classical Kodokan
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Couple and Lever techniques, and in them it would be easy to understand the basic traditional
technique.
Other non rational solution, better defined “New or Chaotic Form” of throwing applied in
competition are most frequently produced in the class of Lever Group.
In the comparative biomechanical analysis of the Kuzushi (Unbalance) –Tsukuri (the entry and
proper fitting of Tori’s body into the position taken just before throwing) phases, already performed
it was shown the existence of two classes of Action Invariants (AI).
Obviously the Kuzushi-Tsukuri phases are blended and connected in a whole movement, but for
analysing them, it is better to separate them in two steps Kuzushi and Tsukuri. Now applying the
biomechanical analysis to the Tsukuri phase, it is possible to group these almost infinite complex
movements able both to shorten the distance between athletes, and to acquire the right body’s
posture to throw, in two general classes.
One consistent in some general simple body movements called General Action Invariants (GAI):
these movements related to the distance shortening between athletes, analyzed as Tori’s body
movements, are only three:
General Invariants in Kuzushi-Tsukuri phase
1° Distance shortening without rotation.
2nd Distance shortening by a complete rotation clockwise/counter-clockwise (0°to180°).
3rd Distance shortening by half rotation clockwise/counter-clockwise (0° to 90°).
Now it is interesting that appears the real difference between the goals of Kuzushi- Tsukuri, in fact
the Kake phase of Couple of Force doesn’t need any refinement movement; instead the Physical
Lever Group needs the addition of some specific movements of refinements depending by the right
positioning action of both kinetic chains. This is the main difference between techniques that flow
into Kake by Couple or Lever Groups.
All the techniques applying the Physical Lever must be refined by means of so called Specific
Action Invariants (SAI) that are common to each class of these throws related both to the effective
positioning of kinetics chains and the way to apply forces to unbalance Uke before throwing.
The Specific Action Invariants (SAI) are infinitive in number and connected to the superior and
inferior kinetic chains motion and right positioning connected both to Kuzushi and Tsukuri phases.
Some interesting findings derive from this analysis:
Among throwing techniques, Couple Techniques could be independent from Kuzushi; instead
Physical Lever Groups need all two action invariants to be performed successfully and as complex
motor skill they are more difficult to perform than the first ones.
From these evaluation it is easy to understand that Innovations are possible both in the Lever and
Couple groups, because in both groups it is possible apply variation of grips applying forces in
different but right directions. Then both in the Lever and Couple Groups Innovation is connected to
different use of Superior Specific Action invariant (SSAI) not only, but in Lever group innovation
could be also connected to a different collocation of Inferior Specific Action Invariant (ISAI)
Because Couple Group is technically easier (GAI + Kake) in this group only Innovations are
possible, based on the stereotyped Tori Body’s movement that is responsible for Kake action.
Only the Lever Group, which is built in more complex way [GAI + ( SSAI + ISAI) + Kake ] allows
to perform the New or Chaotic Forms, that are based on a simple o complex variation of the
(SSAI or ISAI or both ).
New or Chaotic Form belong to the Lever Group with the application of special grips (SSAI) that
allows to apply forces in different (non traditional) direction or using the (ISAI) in non classical
way, then producing the new or chaotic non rational throwing for our brain used to know classic
Go Kyo execution. Throwing techniques produced in such way are normally called new, and it is
very difficult to face them in real competition because they are usually non rational ( but very
effective) solution of fighting situation.

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In the following figures there are shown Innovative Techniques (some of them named by Roy
Inman) belonging to both group Couple and Lever, with many variation on UCHI MATA showing
the stereotyped Body movement connecting many different kind of grips that allow only small
directional variation (Innovation).
At the end there are shown some “Chaotic Form”, in which is easy to see the original use of both
SSAI and ISAI

Couple Static
Condition

K
U
Z
General Action Invariants U
GAI S
H
I

T
S K
U And U T
K pos- Z S
U U U
sibly
R S K
Specific Action Invariants
I H U
SAI
I R
SSAI ISAI
I

K K
Couple Physical
A A
Of Lever
K K
forces
E E
Classic
Form

Couple
Innovative Dynamic Innovative
with very Situation and
few Whatever To stop Chaotic
Chaotic Shifting for a Form
velocity while
Form

Diag 1 Summary of the Kuzushi Tsukuri Action Invariants connected to Kake phases and
Classic or Innovative and Chaotic Form of throwing techniques

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Fig 93-98 Innovative Throws (Lever group)

83
Fig. 98-116 Innovative Throws (Couple of forces Group)

84
85
86
 Fig.117-150 Innovative Throws (Couple group)
Uchi Mata = same body action (Couple tool), low variation in direction forces,
different contact points (grips)

87
88
89
90
91
92
Fig 151- 176 “Chaotic Form” of throwing technique only Lever Group

93
94
95
96
 8 Final remarks on Kumi Kata and Throws in High Level Competition

Now it is possible to resume some basic concepts evolved during this work, not only about function
of superior kinetic chains, but about athletes’ relative positions, Innovative and Chaotic Form of
throws and “style” in high level judo competition. Obviously grips are tools with many roles:

1) Connecting role: at first they connect the two athletes in a one system: the Couple of
Athletes System.
2) Driving role: they by the push/pull activity let drive the opponent in a potential favorable
position.
3) Stimulating role: they by opportune push/pull actions try to produce good opportunities by
previewed reactions
4) Shortening role : they by right actions shorten the distance between Athletes letting useful
tsukuri positioning
5) Alerting role: they can be used to receive from the adversary body’s movements alert about
his attack action
6) Advising role: they can also receive information from the adversary’s body about his
movements
7) Mastering role : they master the distance into the Couple of Athletes system
8) Slowing role : they are able with the body weight ( Japanese tool) or with the curled body’s
position ( Russian Tool) to slow down the opponents’ speed movement
9) Creating role : they can create Innovative or Chaotic form of throws transferring forces in
nontraditional or non rational directions by SSAI ( Superior Specific Action Invariant )
10) Active role: to transfer to the competitor’s body an impulse to realize throwing techniques
by SSAI (Superior Specific Action Invariant).
11) Passive role: to stop the impetus and the movement of the competitor during his throwing
technique.

From that it is possible to give answer to the “funny eternal” question “Which is the best grip?”
In sense of “most effective”; generally speaking, as well known, the grips are the key to effective
tachi waza, and every judoka has his preferred method of gripping in order to bring off his favorite
throws. Then grips are question, among other things, of: judo knowledge, taste, skill, coordinative
capability, and also of relative body dimensions between athletes. Considering all vantages and
drawbacks for each kind of grips in term of Biomechanics, the basic ki hon kumi kata represents the
most flexible and effective one’s.
Our study singlet out the mistake to consider “only” the arm position as grips, showing the useful
way to consider the whole position of opponents’ bodies in the Couple System grouped in the
“Competition Invariants”.
In this correct optics, superior kinetic chain masters the distance between athletes, and more
interesting, performing SSAI, they are responsible both of Innovation and Chaotic Forms in
competitive throwing. In the text it is also analyzed the role of grips in high level competition;
whatever the judo situation, whether it is the contest: Word Championship, Olympic Games, etc. the
most important evolution in time from the old time to modern games is the variation (shortening) of
an extremely important element: the attack distance, or the maneuver space between Athletes into
the Couple System that is connected both to the hidden concept of “Breaking Symmetry”, and to
“Attack Speed”.
Already Japanese Master of Ju Jitsu made specialized studies about distance (correctly interval
between fighters) classifying such intervals in three distances:
1. to ma ( big distance);
2. chu ma ( medium distance ) and
3. chika ma ( short distance) for fighting.
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In judo as well known and analyzed, there are four situations that can be identified not only as
interval time during the competition evolution but also as attack space separating the opponents and
subsequently by kind of grips that fighters can apply.
I. Athletes separate in no grip situations.
II. One handed grip.
III. Classic two handed grips.
IV. Curled up grips.
These situations are particular moments of the most rational approach referring to “Competition
Invariants”. The first situation today, with the last refereeing rules, is the area specialized of grips
fight. Grip fighting, defined in previously as “arms wrestling” is a wide field of deep study among
National Federation, but in high level competitions it is also, more often, the most boring part ones.
Dr. Kano underlined the concept of “Ju” in the use of the opponent’s force, and in the text it is
shown a more subtle way to overcome this boring phase with the application in a more general
meaning of “Sen No Sen” concept.
This special way is, often, applied to this specific situation as very effective and useful tool by some
Korean champions.
Competitive Invariants, linked to pace of Athletes Couple System are directly related to Throwing
techniques and consequently to Superior Kinetic Chains by SSAI (Superior Specific Action
Invariants) and Inferior Kinetic Chains by ISAI (Inferior Specific Action Invariants).
Studying grips and form of throws we are able to understand both: the Innovative and Chaotic Form
of Throws genesis, which very often it is possible to see in High Level Competitions.
In fact, as already demonstrated Innovative throws flow from Couple and Lever groups instead
Chaotic Forms flow from Lever only.
The first ones by changing arms (grips) position and use of SSAI, and consequently changing
throwing forces direction maintaining the same body action movement.
The second ones by changing both SSAI and ISAI applications creating no “Rational” outcome of
the traditional Kodokan throws.
Theoretically speaking the first ones are kuzure (Variations) of Kodokan techniques, maintaining
the same visual shape with slightly different outcome.
The second ones are completely different applications of SSAI or ISAI with “Irrational” shape and
new solutions relatively to Kodokan form of throws.
Few people understood the last subtle work produced by Kodokan and by Toshiro Daigo, in his
book : Kodokan Judo Throwing Techniques. “… Recent development in competition…have seen
an increase in the number of form of Nage Waza, leading to often confusing interpretation of
the techniques’ name. The purpose of this book, therefore, is to provide a comprehensive and
correct classification of Nage Waza…”.
Kodokan Waza Research Institute enlarged the 40 original Kano’s Go Kyo throwing techniques, to
67 new Go Kyo, but, considering the variations (Kuzure) the overall numbers of throws considered
by Kodokan is 152!
What this means? That Kodokan Waza Research Institute considered the 40 or 67 throws as basic
models under the Kano’s Five Principle of classification and with the introduction of kuzure put
under the same principles and name also the Innovative Forms. However this tentative shows the
limit of Kano’s Classification, in fact, more often, Chaotic Forms can’t be classified at all under the
same Five Principles with the same names; instead the Biomechanical classification with Two
Basic Principles only, shows us his general validity, because Chaotic Forms are easily classified
under the Lever Group techniques, as shown in the previous paragraphs.
These considerations derive by a deep Match Analysis study, which is linked to the fighting styles
of major champions of every country. The major outcome of these evaluations is a clear message
about competition: Sport Judo derives from the original Judo Kodokan, educational system
organized by Dr. Kano, that the part called Shiai, was utilized for competitions. Today with his
worldwide expansion and continuous evolution, Sport Judo became wider than original Judo
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Kodokan part utilized, in term of dynamic interaction, and in this optics Sport Judo can be
viewed as Shiai enlargement and evolution.
By Match Analysis it is easy to understand if a country has an original competitive style or not,
based on some recurrences: grips, Competition invariant applied, kind of solutions applied in
specific situations, preferred pace of competitions, kind of throws, etc..
Every evolved Country shows its own competitive style, which more often is still a blend of two
major styles contributions: Traditional Kodokan and Sambo related, in term of throws.
Often it is important to remember that both Innovative and Chaotic forms depend from gripping
variations, and then the outcome of this variation applied to a classical throw can produce either
Innovative or Chaotic Form. In this view, Judo style could be connected to gripping style.
Normally Japanese fighters have Judo very calm, very dynamic, and very efficient.
They usually are able to utilize every opponent mistake and capitalize; they tend to focus more on
the standing competition, while being extra solid on defence on the ground.
They tend to be well rounded, in all competition phase and their style could be really named “high
traditional”: very balanced, always quiet, clear headed, and essentially mistake free.
You couldn’t see unorthodox or innovative techniques or Chaotic form in their arsenal, just
incredibly good fundamentals at every level.
However, in their preparation, they have an answer for pretty much anything opponents use
against them, rarely they are get in trouble, and more often they find a solution at every strange
attack suffered.
Dutch Athletes are often dominant in the heavyweight divisions, very solid and strong Judoka, very
powerful. Pretty much standard grip and “go” types, with good knowledge in Tachi waza and Ne
waza. German Athletes apply today more often non standard grip with many innovative form of
throwing, well accustomed to Ne waza with strong physical preparation..
Old Russian (Soviet Union) Judo was strictly linked to Sambo style and also to Free and Greco-
Roman wrestling Styles, very unorthodox grips and throws. A little more balanced, and again more
towards the heavier scale.
Today this style is heritage of Georgian, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Mongolian and others East
Countries.

Fig 177-180 High Unorthodox technique Chaotic Form Mongolian vs Russian Athlete

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Modern Russian Style, is more standard connected to Kodokan style, with deep roots always into
the Sambo style approach (not so high shifting speed and a lot of strength in throwing actions), the
modern Russian Style could be well described as “Strong Classic” and effective.
British Athletes, very often, are Ne Waza oriented, usually very fast and skilled in their attacks,
utilizing a lot of Innovative throwing techniques and chains.
Old French style was a very classic one’s, but today it is more mixed with innovative throws.
France has, more often, good heavyweights, well stand-up.
French athletes are good gripping and all around fighters. They have good Ne Waza defence and
knowledge, and high standard skills, and their federation is one of the best organized in EU, with
very good teaching and didactic structures and tools.
Central South America/Caribbean: usually show influence of Brazilian Ju Jitsu (BJJ), with a good
mat work. Their Champions are well represented throughout all weight divisions; usually they
utilize not a lot of innovative techniques, but are solid Judokas.
United States Athletes are more often eclectic, representing all ranges of skill.
Chinese athletes show high level of physical preparation and classical skill in judo.
Korean champions show a very eclectic fast style based more often on “Innovative Form” with
some preferences for “Chaotic Form” of Throws. Every place has his style, more often wider
ranging from traditional to Innovative. This short description is very general and not well suited to
all situations and, of course, it is possible to find a lot of variances and nuances. Furthermore, the
current increase in number and frequency of high level championships tends to homogenise the
Countries’ style differences.
The only exception among all word countries is Japan, which champions play a very high
traditional judo without any pollution of other styles.
What are the inner meanings of these evaluations? The two main outcome of the previous speech
are: 1) Sport Judo played at world level by 199 Countries, born in Japan is today, considering the
different contributions, a son of world. 2) From the intellective point of view, a complex Sport
needs clever athletes and coaches, and with the different world contributions Sport Judo grows in
complexity and needs/produces new and cleverer Champions and Coaches that must face and
overcome this complexity. But which is the more effective style in the world, without mistake the
Japanese one’s based on timing and traditional techniques perfect application, followed by Korean
and Russian. .

Fig. 181 Classic Throw

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In the Three following appendices there are shown, some different (Judo/ gripping) styles;
ranging from Eclectic Korean, Strong Classic modern Russian and High Traditional Japanese.
In the Fourth Appendix the four Top Nation of the EJU countries in EJU area are showed
during the period 2006-2010, and these nations ranked at world level in the same period. In
the Five Appendix is analyzed also the not well understood women contribution to Sport
Judo, with their indicative preferred throws

Fig 182 Innovative Variation

Fig 183 Chaotic Form

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Goran; Jankovic, Radivoje; Marinkovic, Boban; Atanasov, Dragan; Miljus, Dragan Basic
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[14] Inman Roy, shin kokusai shiai waza , 2007 university of Bath
[15] Inman Roy, A study of Uchi Mata, 2007 BJA Technical Conference
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[20] Keisker Birgit, Marie-Claude Hepp-Reymond, Armin Blickenstorfer1 and Spyros S.
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[29] Nobuyoshi Hirose, Mitsuru Nakamura, Nobuyoshi Hirotsu, Masafumi Yoshimura,
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the period 2008 – 2009 Journal of Physical Education and Sport (2010) Vol 28, no 3
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di Federico II, ciclo di conferenze , 28 ottobre 2010.
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[44] Sacripanti, Pasculli, Match analysis an undervalued coaching tool, Rotterdam
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[45] Sang-Wook Lee, Xudong Zhang Development and evaluation of an optimization-
based model for power-grip posture prediction Journal of Biomechanics 38 (2005) 1591–
1597.
[46] Sato Tetsuia & Okano Isao Vital Judo (Throwing Techniques) Japan publication
Inc. Tokyo 1974.
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Inc. Tokyo 1974.
[48] Seisenbacher P & Kerr J. Modern Judo The Crowood Press Ltd. 1991.
[49] Seoa Na Jin, Thomas J. Armstronga, James A. Ashton-Millerb, Don B. Chaffina The
effect of torque direction and cylindrical handle diameter on the coupling between the
hand and a cylindrical handle Journal of Biomechanics 40 (2007) 3236–3243
[50] Seta Yoshiyuki, Ichiro Kawasaki, Mamoru Takahashi, Noboru Hashimoto, Tetsuo
Kudo, Hiroyuki Mitsuhashi, Relations Between Gripping Methods and Favourite Tricks
in Judoists The 2n International Judo Federation Judo Conference 2001.
[51] Seta Yoshiyuki, Ichiro Kawasaki, Akio Onozawa, Akio Suzuki, Daisuke Onozawa,
Shiogeyoshi Noborimoto, Relations between Pulling Hand Action and Skin Surface
Temperature Distribution in Judo Players the 4th International Judo Federation Judo
world Symposium 2005
[52] Shea Jason C.S.C.S., PES The Importance of Grip Strength On line 2008
[53] Shyam Kumar A. J., V. Parmar, S. Ahmed , S. Kar , W. M. Harper A study of grip
endurance and strengh in different elbow positions J Orthopaed Traumatol (2008)
9:209–211
[54] Wells Richard and Michael Greig Characterizing human hand prehensile
strength by force and moment wrench Ergonomics 44, (2001) 15, 1392- 1402

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 Appendix I

Korean Champions gripping style:

Eclectic

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106
The gripping style of Modern Korean champions is very interesting, normally they masters
sufficiently well the traditional grip and also the crossed grips, but their preparation is very far from
traditional techniques they are substantially pragmatic applying whatever movement useful to
throw the opponent in valuable way.
Athletes are very strong in arms, legs, and lover back essentially, the technical knowledge is
mean: three, four throws on the two sides with the same mastery, few combinations on two
techniques connected.
The main weapons in gripping application for throwing are related to: two lapels, two sleeves, or
two hands on the same arm, and two hands on the same lapel, very often connected to with a very
low Tai Otoshi, or Suwari Seoi, due to their high flexibility, and other innovative throws applied
with fast and strong decision.
In the following figures there shown three examples of Korean Eclectic Style

Fig I, 1 Totally lateralized Seoi with two hands on arm Innovate with diving

107
Fig I,2 Very low Suwari Seoi grips on two sleeves Innovative coming up in rotation

Fig I,3 Jumping Tai Otoshi grips two hands on one arm Innovation in Rotation

108
 Appendix II

Present Day Russian Champions gripping style:

Strong Classic

109
110
The gripping style of Russian champions today is very different from old time, the new generations
and the new rules help Russian Champions to leave the Sambo mixed style.
Today Russian Athletes masters very well classic judo, grips are more often lapel and sleeve with
some tendency to one sided on opponents’ back belt or, sometime, crossed.
Throwing techniques are more often classic ( Kodokan version) but the background of physical
preparation is already connected to Sambo legacy. More often counter are leg grabs, Kodokan or
Innovative. The shifting velocity is not high and the whole impression is that every technique is
applied with high strength and low speed.
Athletes are very strong and lack, a bit, in some arms and legs flexibility, the technical knowledge
is mean: two, three throws one sided, some combinations not more than two techniques connected.
The main weapon in gripping application for throwing is related to strong classical grips, sometime
crossed, and connected to the slowing down of the shifting velocity with strength and with not fast
attack speed.
In the following figures there shown four examples of Russian Strong Classic Style:

Fig II,1 Classical Uchi Mata, with classical grips, with an horizontal rotational component

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Fig.II,2 Lateralized Seoi, with double grip to one lapel , Innovation in diagonal kuzushi

Fig.II, 3 Strong Hiza Guruma (Daigo), with back shoulder grip, Innovation in Rotation

112
FigII,4 Powerful Kuchiki Taoshi applied as counter, innovation in diving

113
114
 Appendix III

Japanese Champions gripping style:

High Traditional

115
116
The gripping style of Modern Japanese champions today is very flexible, the growing of Judoistic
capabilities of the opponents but also the different styles of fight ( non classical grips) make
Japanese Champions able to face in high level competition all the world with a very high flexibility.
If the opponent is japans there is a greater tendency for the two opponents to get a firm grip on each
other, rather than for fighting to grab part of the opponent’s Judo wear.
Today Japanese Athletes master very well different kind of grips, many in Henka Yotsu , but
technical throwing perfection, and will to win is always at top in modern Japanese Champions,
Today athletes are able to change pace of fight and Competition Invariant without suffer in lack of
technical ability Japanese Champions are able to face different kind of grips with the same high
standard results; from the classic ones to the one-handed fight in Henka Yotsu.
Throwing techniques are more always classics with the capability to apply either Innovative or
Chaotic Form without any problem. Normally they are able to apply different shifting velocity with
different opponents and the whole impression is that every throw is timing applied with classical
clarity.
Athletes are strong, flexible, and always in judo shape, the technical knowledge is: three, four
throws on the two sides, not the same techniques but two complementary techniques, each
technique for each side, few combination more o less two throws connected, often they don’t like
groundwork so much. There are not main weapon in gripping application, but high adaptation
capability to different Competition Invariants. Throwing techniques are related to classical grips,
with high timing and effectiveness.
In the following Sequences there are shown five examples of Japanese Traditional Style:

Fig III,1 Classical timing example of Ashi Harai with traditional grips

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Fig.III,2 Classical Action of Ko Uchi Makikomi, traditional grips

Fig.III,3 Classical Harai Goshi, with traditional grips

118
Fig III,4 Classical O Soto Otoshi with innovative grips

Fig III, 5 Traditional Uchi Mata attack

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120
 Appendix IV

EJU and IJF Top Nations Statistics

Source: Hans van Hessen www.judoinside.com

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122
European Countries Top Nations
Statistics 2006-2010

123
 Ranking for all European Events 2006-2010 (sorted on #gold)

•World Cups in Europe

• Super World Cups
• European U17, U20, U23, senior Championships

We’ve defined Russia, France, Netherlands, and Germany as top nations

Grand
Nations 1 2 3 Total

RUS 137 110 207 454

FRA 91 89 147 327
NED 54 51 100 205
GER 52 73 140 265
GEO 50 45 98 193
HUN 39 36 59 134
UKR 38 58 117 213
SLO 32 25 41 98
ESP 29 32 54 115
AZE 27 23 61 111
ITA 24 31 58 113
ROU 23 22 51 96
GBR 22 17 63 102
POL 20 28 72 120
POR 20 13 37 70
BLR 19 34 42 95
TUR 14 18 34 66
CZE 13 7 15 35
BEL 12 11 42 65
GRE 11 10 24 45
ISR 11 11 23 45

124
 AUT 10 15 34 59
EST 8 9 16 33
LAT 6 6 16 28
ARM 5 9 13 27
SUI 4 6 15 25
SWE 3 1 6 10
LTU 3 5 10 18
LUX 3 1 4
BUL 3 4 9 16
CRO 3 3 9 15
NOR 2 2
MDA 2 1 6 9
ALB 2 1 2 5
FIN 1 8 11 20
SER 1 4 3 8
MNE 1 3 4
IRL 1 1 2
BIH 1 3 4
SCG 1 1
DEN 1 1
SVK 4 6 10

Grand Total 794 823 1651 3268

Source: Hans van Hessen

125
126
World Countries Top Nations
Statistics 2006-2010

127
Ranking for IJF events 2006-2010 (sorted on #gold), for all countries

Grand
Nations 1 2 3 Total

JPN 165 101 157 423

KOR 61 46 80 187
RUS 60 57 108 225
FRA 59 57 96 212
CHN 43 17 40 100
MGL 26 23 63 112
NED 21 40 55 116
BRA 19 24 46 89
GER 18 24 78 120
UKR 12 19 42 73
UZB 11 17 29 57
GEO 10 11 16 37
SLO 9 10 21 40
AUS 9 7 16 32
CUB 7 17 25 49
EGY 7 5 15 27
BEL 7 9 22 38
AUT 7 7 14 28
KAZ 6 7 19 32
ROU 6 6 15 27
USA 6 6 17 29
AZE 6 8 23 37
CAN 6 7 13 26
POL 5 6 21 32
HUN 5 14 40 59
POR 5 10 8 23

128
 GRE 5 3 6 14
ITA 4 12 18 34
ESP 4 16 28 48
ARM 4 1 4 9
SUI 3 1 6 10
BLR 3 7 2 12
GBR 3 8 15 26
TUR 2 2 11 15
CZE 2 1 7 10
KOS 2 2
FIN 1 1 2 4
COL 1 1 2
TUN 1 5 5 11
MON 1 1 2
CRO 1 4 5
IRL 1 1
TJK 1 3 4
EST 1 4 5
PER 1 1 2
MDA 1 1 2
ALG 1 4 7 12
BIH 1 1
PRK 1 4 11 16
ISR 1 5 6 12

Source: Hans van Hessen

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130
 Appendix V

Women’s Grips Biomechanics and Statistics

131
132
Women’s grips Biomechanics
It is well known that muscular strength between men and women is different; normally women
have the 80%-85% of men’s muscular strength in the legs and around the 60-70% in harms and
grips.
It is common knowledge that with strength training women’s muscular force of harms could
increase at near level of same weight men 85-90%.
This information is not validated by scientific studies.
About grip strength and gender difference among men and untrained and well trained women,
an interesting German study involving also well trained female Judo athletes, performed by
D.Leyk and co workers in 2006 give us interesting results about real grip strength in women.
In the following figures there are some results from this study.

Fig V.1 Evolution in time of grip force in man and women

Fig V,2 Maximum hand grip Force of different Lean Body mass

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 Fig.V, 3. Maximum hand grip force among non trained men, women and female elite
Judo athletes

Then female elite athletes, also after training have a lower hand grip strength than male untrained
group. This situation lead to a different approach to competition; a Thesis performed by Paulo
Henrique Junqueira Hudson in 2007 on the world championship of the same year shows the
following results:

Fig V,4 Example of difference in techniques application between Male and Female (%)

These results are instantly connected to the previous ones’ women apply the same percentage of
(Ashi) legs techniques and (Sutemi) Sacrifices, but very few (Te) hand techniques and in contrary
are more consistent and effective in (Ne Waza) groundwork.
Another big difference in women constitution is their greater joints’ laxity and flexibility this is the
reason that it is possible to see, high body’s turn both during throwing actions and in Ne Waza, or
long resistance with extreme angles in Kansetsu Waza application.
Also in attack rhythm there is difference Sterkowicz note in Olympic games of 1996 that “ Another
characteristics feature of female athletes was the lower intensity of action during the attack and
especially the frequency of penalties than in men who were better able to use the time of the fight.”
Generally speaking women’s grips application is more standard than men in percentage (Classic
Ki Hon Kumi Kata left or right), but the increase of Russian gripping is also present form Nation to
Nation.
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More often application of throws is Innovative or Classic, very few Chaotic Forms are seen in
women competition, but the percentage of Innovative variations is higher due to the body’s
flexibility of athletes.
Connection Tachi Waza – Ne Waza, for Koshi Waza is very often linked to the application of
Makikomi variation of throwing techniques as it shown in one of the following figures.

Fig V,5 High trunk flexibility in Innovative Uchi Mata

Fig V,6 High hip flexibility in Innovative Uchi Mata

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Fig V,5 Innovative Makikomi

Normally, in women competitions, grip fight is less strength based, attack velocity is no as
explosive as in men competition, and generally pace of contest is slower and it is possible to note
that almost all female judo contests are smoothed confronted to male judo.
It is interesting to note that the poor presence of Chaotic Form of techniques in women games is
directly connected to the natural and relative lack of strength both in hands and legs of female
athlete’s body structure. Then women’s judo remains more connected to Kodokan Judo as for grips
preference, as for the form of throwing techniques applied (Classic or Innovative).
Now can be asked a common idea in West countries: Sport Judo is a male or female?
In the previous ranking based on gold medals the ranking is 1) RUS; 2) FRA; 3) NED; 4)GER.
However considering the grand total the result is 1) RUS; 2) FRA; 3) GER; 4) UKR.
But what is the importance of role of women judo in EJU and IJF?
If we are looking for the top four, highlighting the women role only, changes are introduced in EJU
and bigger in the IJF previous rankings.

Women TOP FOUR EJU NATIONS FOR EJU COMPETITIONS

NATION GOLD GRAN TOTAL
FRA 61 199
RUS 45 193
NED 38 74
GER 32 85

Women TOP FOUR IJF NATIONS FOR ALL COMPETITIONS

NATION GOLD GRAN TOTAL
JAP 102 245
FRA 40 144
CHN 36 88
KOR 16 75

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If we see the male contribution to Sport Judo, all previous ranking are speedy and totally changed,
both in EJU and IJF, showing the big weight of women in the final ranking.
As it is possible to see in the next two tables

Men TOP FOUR EJU NATIONS FOR EJU COMPETITIONS

NATION GOLD GRAN TOTAL
RUS 92 261
GEO 50 189
FRA 30 128
AZE 24 85

Men TOP FOUR IJF NATIONS FOR ALL COMPETITIONS

NATION GOLD GRAN TOTAL
JAP 57 167
RUS 43 154
KOR 43 106
FRA 19 66

Then Sport Judo seems not a male prerogative, women play in it a very important role both in EJU
and IJF.
The participation of women to Sport is a cultural problem in many countries, but we must also
remember that, if the basic physical principles of throwing are the same for men and women
athletes; Female Judo is totally different on the basis of physical and anthropometric differences,
strength differences both in leg and more in arms and hands, or psychological differences and so on.
All this means different way to think training, to approach technical preparation, or to choose the
right class of applicable throwing techniques.
From the previous considerations, generally speaking about useful and effective throwing
techniques, the question is obviously connected to athletes’ body strength and morphology, then to
their weight and preferred pace of competition, after to the physical skill and capability both of
athletes and opponents. But in general way women judo athletes prefer, Ashi Waza, Sutemi Waza
and some Koshi waza in Makikomi evolution, all applied both in Classic and Innovative form.
In Biomechanical terms they prefer specifically Couple Techniques most of trunk leg group,
Physical Lever Techniques with minimum arm applied with Makikomi final closure, and Maximum
Arm Techniques ( Sutemi) most applied with body weight and legs , few with a big contribution of
arms.
Few Chaotic Form, are seen because, normally, they need to be applied by use of strong arms
contribution.
For their flexibility they utilize a lot Ne Waza with preference for Osae Waza.
Till now at EJU level three of the Four Top Nations give the just importance at Women Judo.
At world level only: Japan, France, China and Korea seem to have understood this lesson in right
way.

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Ranking for all European Events 2006-2010 by gender (sorted on #gold)

• World Cups in Europe

• Super World Cups
• European U17, U20, U23, senior Championships

1 1 Total 2 2 Total 3 3 Total Grand Total

Geo 1 2 1 2 1 2

RUS 92 45 137 55 55 110 114 93 207 454

FRA 30 61 91 36 53 89 62 85 147 327

NED 16 38 54 20 31 51 38 62 100 205

GER 20 32 52 23 50 73 42 98 140 265

GEO 50 50 44 1 45 95 3 98 193

HUN 11 28 39 17 19 36 29 30 59 134

UKR 19 19 38 30 28 58 61 56 117 213

SLO 7 25 32 8 17 25 9 32 41 98

ESP 7 22 29 11 21 32 17 37 54 115

AZE 24 3 27 19 4 23 42 19 61 111

ITA 11 13 24 17 14 31 31 27 58 113

ROU 3 20 23 2 20 22 11 40 51 96

GBR 9 13 22 7 10 17 23 40 63 102

POL 12 8 20 12 16 28 36 36 72 120

POR 6 14 20 7 6 13 19 18 37 70

BLR 18 1 19 22 12 34 23 19 42 95

TUR 3 11 14 6 12 18 9 25 34 66

CZE 10 3 13 5 2 7 11 4 15 35

BEL 2 10 12 7 4 11 15 27 42 65

GRE 9 2 11 9 1 10 21 3 24 45

ISR 6 5 11 5 6 11 15 8 23 45

AUT 4 6 10 5 10 15 15 19 34 59

EST 8 8 9 9 16 16 33

LAT 6 6 6 6 15 1 16 28

ARM 5 5 7 2 9 13 13 27

138
SUI 2 2 4 5 1 6 7 8 15 25

SWE 2 1 3 1 1 5 1 6 10

LTU 2 1 3 5 5 7 3 10 18

LUX 3 3 1 1 4

BUL 2 1 3 1 3 4 5 4 9 16

CRO 3 3 3 3 4 5 9 15

NOR 1 1 2 2

MDA 2 2 1 1 5 1 6 9

ALB 1 1 1 1 2 2 4

FIN 1 1 1 7 8 6 5 11 20

KOS 1 1 1

SER 1 1 3 1 4 1 2 3 8

MNE 1 1 2 1 3 4

IRL 1 1 1 1 2

BIH 1 1 2 1 3 4

SCG 1 1 1

DEN 1 1 1

SVK 4 4 6 6 10

Grand
Total 400 394 794 410 413 823 833 818 1651 3268

Source Hans van Hessen

139
Ranking for all World level events by gender (sorted on #gold total) 2006-2010

World Cups, Masters, Grand Prix, Grand Slams, Wchs, Wchs U20, Olympic Games

For all countries

1 2 3
1 Total 2 Total 3 Total Grand Total

geo men women men women men women

JPN 57 102 159 44 55 99 66 88 154 412

KOR 43 16 59 25 19 44 38 40 78 181

FRA 19 40 59 8 49 57 39 55 94 210

RUS 43 12 55 40 17 57 71 32 103 215

CHN 5 37 42 5 12 17 6 33 39 98

MGL 17 9 26 15 8 23 37 26 63 112

NED 11 10 21 19 21 40 25 30 55 116

BRA 12 6 18 14 8 22 28 16 44 84

GER 9 9 18 9 15 24 26 47 73 115

UKR 8 4 12 10 9 19 21 20 41 72

UZB 11 11 13 3 16 29 29 56

GEO 10 10 10 10 15 15 35

SLO 1 8 9 4 6 10 2 19 21 40

AUS 4 5 9 2 5 7 9 7 16 32

CUB 7 7 9 8 17 8 17 25 49

EGY 7 7 5 5 14 1 15 27

BEL 4 3 7 5 2 7 11 10 21 35

AUT 3 4 7 4 3 7 6 6 12 26

KAZ 6 6 6 1 7 15 3 18 31

ROU 1 5 6 1 4 5 3 12 15 26

USA 6 6 2 4 6 9 8 17 29

AZE 6 6 6 6 18 5 23 35

CAN 2 4 6 4 3 7 9 4 13 26

POL 4 1 5 5 1 6 10 11 21 32

140
HUN 1 4 5 6 7 13 21 19 40 58

POR 1 4 5 1 9 10 3 5 8 23

GRE 4 1 5 3 3 2 3 5 13

ESP 2 2 4 4 12 16 7 21 28 48

ARM 4 4 1 1 4 4 9

BLR 3 3 7 7 2 2 12

SUI 1 2 3 1 1 2 4 6 10

ITA 2 1 3 6 5 11 12 5 17 31

GBR 2 1 3 4 4 8 8 7 15 26

CZE 2 2 1 1 5 2 7 10

TUR 1 1 2 2 2 1 9 10 14

KOS 2 2 2

ALG 1 1 2 2 4 3 4 7 12

COL 1 1 1 1 2

TUN 1 1 5 5 1 4 5 11

MON 1 1 1 1 2

CRO 1 1 1 2 3 4

EST 1 1 4 4 5

TJK 1 1 3 3 4

FIN 1 1 1 1 2 2 4

PER 1 1 1 1 2

IRL 1 1 1

PRK 1 1 1 2 3 4 6 10 14

MDA 1 1 1 1 2

BIH 1 1 1

ISR 1 1 2 3 5 2 4 6 12

IRI 1 1 4 4 5

SVK 2 2 2

NCL 1 1 1 1 2

NZL 3 3 6 5 3 8 14

LUX 2 2 2

AND 1 1 1

CHI 1 1 1

141
BUL 1 1 2 2

VIE 1 1 1

FIJ 1 2 3 3

SWE 4 4 4

KGZ 1 1 1

TPE 1 1 2 2

PUR 1 1 1

MEX 1 1 1

ARG 2 4 6 6

MNE 1 1 1

IND 1 1 1

VEN 1 1 1

LAT 2 2 1 1 3

MAR 1 1 1

LTU 1 1 2 1 3 4

Grand
Total 314 312 626 314 311 625 627 607 1234 2485

Source: Hans van Hessen

142
Indicative Preferred Women Throws Biomechanics: Couple of Forces applied
by Trunk and Legs. (Innovative Forms)

143
144
Indicative Preferred Women Throws Biomechanics: Physical Lever (medium
arm). (Innovative Forms)

145
Indicative Preferred Women Throws Biomechanics: Physical Lever applied with
Makikomi. (Innovative Forms)

146
Indicative Preferred Women Throws Biomechanics: Physical Lever: maximum
arm (Innovative Forms) (sutemi),

147
Women Grip fighting

Women Throws Biomechanics: Few Chaotic Forms

148
Fig V,7 Women Innovative Form

Fig. V,8 Women Innovative Form

149
Fig.V,9 Men Chaotic Form

Fig.V,10 Men Innovative Form

150
Fig.V,11-15 Men Classic Form

151
This is the first book who analyzes Kumi Kata (gripping methods) deeply and in every nuances of
their connection, with throws; starting from Dojo till to High level competition.
The book is divided in three parts Biomechanics and related researches carried out in the world,
Kumi Kata in Standard Judo , and Kumi Kata and Throws in Advanced Judo.
Biomechanics part is related to the understanding of push/pull action, connected to the extension to
whole body action.
Judo part presents a review of the most well known concepts applied to Kumi Kata from the
teaching and coaching point of view, and a “standard” rationalization of Kumi Kata phases in
competition, like no grips, grips fighting, stabilized grips, etc.
It is shown to coaches the right way to understand their influence in competition, analyzing the
whole system Couple of Athletes.
Kind of grips, gripping fight, methods to avoid them and their application in competition from the
well known standard to the most subtle ones.
The Judo advanced part presents a deeper analysis of real Kuzushi meaning and application Kumi
Kata concept, new way to avoid grips fighting with the “Ju” approach to competition, and analyzes
the Throwing techniques evolution in high level competition, classifying for the first time these
techniques in “Classic”, “Innovative” and Chaotic Form”, thing which shows that Sport Judo born
in Japan is today son of World.
With a careful biomechanical analysis, it is singlet out how these techniques born and what are the
tools applied in high level competition.
There is also performed both a deep analysis on changes evolved in Sport Judo in the last five years
and a study of Countries Judo Styles connected to their Champions; also a careful study of
competition evolution, point of interest for coaches and athletes.
These are results flowing by Judo "Match Analysis" applications. Five appendices analyze the
different fighting styles of the three Judo Top Nations, the statistics of medals during the last five
years both for EJU championship and at World level. The last appendix is an exploration of the
misunderstood women contribution to Sport Judo, finding also the class of preferred throwing
techniques and the special way to apply them.
A fundamental Judo book that could be useful for coaches, athletes, students and for all people who
try to understand Judo Sport and the competition inner mechanisms, in his complex reality.

Attilio Sacripanti, Nuclear Physicist (Naples 1947) VI° Dan is author of 125
scientific papers 42 international quotations, 18 books, 8 industrial patents. He
wrote, in 1988, the first complete book on Judo Biomechanics, the second edition
“Advances in Judo Biomechanics Research” was published in 2010.
Actually he is Commissioner of the Judo Knowledge Commission, Scientific
consultant of the Didactic Commission of European Judo Union, Honorary life
Member of The Malta Judo Federation.
Senior Prime Researcher at ENEA he was Professor, at University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', with the
Chair of Biomechanics of Sports, from 2000 till to 2010. Today is Scientific Tutor and Responsible
in the postgraduate Master “Teaching and Coaching Judo”, among EJU, FIJLKAM , and University
of Tor Vergata under the behalf of Lazio Council.

152