Tim,

I started practicing Judo a couple of months ago. I'm 36 years old with an extensive greco, freestyle, folkstyle wrestling background, as well as, BJJ, San Shou and JKD and several traditional asian art forms.

I train Judo at two different places. One is at the local college and they are strictly by the book "Sport Judo" minded. I can handle even the higher belts very well, even with my limited experience.

Yet, the other place I train is very hardcore and open-minded. Most of the Judokas are former reginal and state champions. Some even have Sambo experience.

The problem is there. When I play Judo with them, I try not to use my wrestling, just my limited Judo experience. But when I do, they throw me around like a rag doll. Yet, if I use my wrestling it's not so easy for them. I can even throw them at times.
I don't plan on ever entering a Judo contest, I just want to incorporate "throwing with the cloth" in my overall game.

Now, would I learn more by sticking strictly with the Judo style, yet getting thrown before I can mount any type of strategy or should I incorporate all of my wrestling experience when I spar with this guys?

I am trying to learn Judo, but most importantly, I'm trying to gain a deeper understanding of the art of throwing.

How have you dealt with this in the mist of your crosstraining?

Thanks,

Robert

Hi Robert,
My advice would be to try and stick with the Judo only and realize you are going to be thrown alot in the beginning (the whole "empty your cup" thing). I had the same problem when I started BJJ. I had never learned to throw with the gi either. I think you will get more out of the training (ultimately improving your overall throwing game) if you try to work within the Judo framework for a time and then incorporate your new skill sets into your overall game later.

"Empty my cup."

That sounds good. Thanks!

Robert