Hi Tim,

So far the majority of footwork applications I have been exposed to in throwing has involved some kind of spinning/pivoting on the ball of the foot, or hopping into position (like going into a standard ippon seoinage), with exception to some techniques.

I would be very interested to hear your opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of spinning/pivoting/hopping into place vs. something like using stepping patterns to move the body into place. Do you personally favor one method over the other?

Cheers,
Craig

Just make sure to pivot on the ball of the foot, not the heel! That is where knee's get blown out!
Jake

Yes, as stated above I was refering to the ball of the foot - A concept constantly drilled into us by out instructors - I've seen what happens to people end up on their heels.

Cheers,
Craig

i was told to pivot on the heels by a tai chi instructor, is this any different?

Hi Craig,

In the case of back turning throws, sometimes it is more efficient to spin into position, especially in a sporting context when you and your opponent are locked in grips, a Judo or BJJ match for example.

I prefer and most often teach entering back turning throws from more advantageous positions, instead of a more equal gripped up position. For example, if I were going to set up a hip toss, I would normally try and get an underhook deep behind the opponent and move into a position toward the opponent's side, at a 90 degree angle ideally, then I can time the throw so I only need make one step to fit into position for the throw, rather than using the standard cross step-pivot-back step sequence.

My experience has been beginning the throws from a more side on, 90 degree angled position allows for a safer entry, guards against blows and leaves more follow up options available.

This method will not be appropriate for all throws. And in a sport grappling context, where strikes are not a consideration, the standard cross step-pivot-back step entry will often be quicker to set up and score with.

Me too, Tim!

I'm always trying to get perpendicular. Half of the work is done then.

Thanks, Tim. That makes a lot of sense. When you say going for an under hook, are you specifically talking about going of a cross grip under hook, or does it not really matter?

I am asking this stuff because along side the standard Judo type entries I've been trying the entry into hip throw that is shown in Effortless combat throws - the one where you enter into the throw from the outside of opponents arm and 90 degree to him.

Hopefully some day I'll get a chance to learn some of the methods you discribe, properly from you.

Cheers.

Craig
Tim is doing seminars all over now days. He will be in Detroit in a couple weeks. Seattle in a month. He also does them on a regular basis in NY, and Colorado.
Pretty much across the country.
Jake

Unfortunately I'm not in a situation where I can travel at the moment, but when I am I will attend all that I can - until then... I'll keep reviewing Tim's books/dvds and train what I train.

Craig

Craig,

Here's an example of setting up a hip toss with a gi. Say you and your opponent are in standard Judo grips. Let go of your opponent's right elbow and circle your left elbow around and over the top of his right arm from the outside. Bring your left elbow very close to your own head and then drop your elbow in front of your chest, your opponent's right hand will be under your left arm pit. Squat as you drop your elbow to use your body weight then extend your left arm under the opponent's right armpit and grab the rear center of his belt.

Circle to your left until you are 90 degrees to your opponent and you will be in position to take one step with your left foot for a left handed hip toss.

Cool, thanks Tim, I'll give that a try tomorrow.

I tried the entry described by Tim tonight during Judo Randori and i have to say that it was a lot of fun. I didn't manage to get the throws from that position, but the setup and fitting into the throw felt good - the finishing of the throws were not so good. I need to practice more.

"Me too, Tim!

I'm always trying to get perpendicular. Half of the work is done then."

This is what pulling and foot sweeps are all about. As my skill in 'Hiza Guruma' increased, my ability to apply (opportunities afforded) hip throws sky-rocketed.

Tim and Craig- If I am picturing it correctly, that would be the easiest Tani-Otoshi in the world!

Jason,

Tani Otoshi is exactly the follow up I most often use if the opponent squats and stops me from stepping across in front of him.

i thought we were on the same page.