By Nik Fairbrother, 8th Dan, Koka Kids editor.
Ever notice how the best judo transition from standing to groundwork happens in the blink of an eye? That split-second window is pure gold – if you’re ready for it!
You attack, your opponent falls to the mat, and there’s this tiny opportunity before they close down and defend. Miss it, and you’re back to square one. Catch it, and you’re on your way to victory!
Preparing for the Standing to Groundwork Transition
It’s about being prepared for it. You can prepare yourself physically by repeating uchikomi so you get good at getting your hands in, so you instinctively move quickly into the right position. And you can prepare yourself mentally, by always being ready for groundwork.
This Month’s Focus: The Lapel Roll
This month, we’re working on a perfect transition turnover – the Lapel Roll.
This week, I’m breaking down three different situations where you can apply this technique. The first one (which we’ll look at below) comes from when you block your opponent’s Harai-Goshi.
Try it in randori: Your training partners won’t know what hit them! 🥋
Mastering the Standing to Groundwork Transition From a Failed Harai-Goshi
When your opponent attempts a forward throw like harai-goshi, o-guruma or uchi-mata, and you manage to tai-sabaki it strongly enough so they fall forwards onto their knees you’ve got a perfect opportunity for a transition. Here’s how to make the most of it:
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Master the tai-sabaki: Make sure your block with your hips is strong enough to send your partner forward onto their knees. This creates your opening for the standing to groundwork transition!
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Work on that speed: Practice getting your feet hooked in and hands on the collars lightning-fast. Think uchikomi-style repetitions until it becomes second nature.
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Put it all together: Once those foundations are solid, practice the complete Lapel Roll movement until it flows naturally from standing to the ground.
Want to Perfect Your Judo Transitions?
This is just a taste of what we’re covering this month! For a deeper dive into all three Lapel Roll situations, head over to Koka Kids Judo where there is also a dojo poster and worksheet and animation of the Lapel Roll.
Get the Newaza Resource Bundle – 30 high resolution files to print and use to teach ten turnovers.
