Lesson 26 To 50

Lesson Twenty-six

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (17 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (7 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 Strangleholds).

Do each Arm lock once (8 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Do not learn any new movements this lesson, but use the time for extra practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Twenty-seven

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (17 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (7 Holds)

Do each Stranglehold once (6 Strangleholds).

Do each Arm lock once (8 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1. The Major Wheel (O Guruma).

Move into the same position as for the Leg Wheel (Lesson Sixteen), but when you get in with your right leg outstretched pull him tightly against your right side with both hands, so that his balance is broken to his left side directly. Sway your own weight completely over your left leg. This will bring him off the ground balanced over your right hip. Throw by turning to your left.

FIG. 47. The Major Wheel

Points to watch are: The toes of your outstretched right leg do not touch the ground. Your weight must be entirely over your left leg when throwing.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Twenty-eight

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (18 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (7 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 Strangleholds).

Do each Arm lock once (8 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1. The Lengthways Four Quarters (Tate Shiho Gatame).

The opponent lies on his back, with his knees raised, and his feet on the ground. Kneel astride his thighs, outside, and tuck your feet under his knees and on to his calves, so as to hold his legs. Get one of his arms above his head, and then fold your arms under his neck, so as to trap this one arm tight against the side of his head. Lie all your weight on his body. If he struggles, spread his legs.

FIG. 48. The Lengthways Four Quarters

2.   Method of escape from above hold.

Escape is practically impossible, but equally it is a difficult hold to apply, as opportunities do not often occur. If you are caught, the best move is to try to get your legs free, take them both to the same side of the opponent, and roll him over in that direction.

Finish the lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Twenty-nine

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (18 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 Strangleholds).

Do each Arm lock once (8 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1. Changing from one hold to another on the ground.

There are three general points to be said about holdings:

(i) Relax on the opponent. Don't hold yourself stiffly at all. Imagine that you are lying down, and you have a hundredweight resting on you. If it is a bag of flour, you would find it was difficult to move, because as you lifted one corner, the flour would run to another part of the bag, and you would still have all the weight on you. That is like you must be in Judo. If the weight was a hundredweight box, it would be easier to move, because it would be stiff and once you got one corner on the ground you would no longer have to support all the weight. That is what happens if the holder stiffens up instead of relaxing on his man.

(ii) If a holding is being broken, don't try to hold it. Move on to another, as described below, or even to an Armlock or a Stranglehold.

(iii) Even if unsuccessful in the end, holdings fulfil a useful purpose, in that they tire the man underneath, and he is less well able to continue the contest when he gets up.

Try moving from the Scarf Hold into the Shoulder Hold.

Try moving from the Shoulder Hold into the Upper Four Quarters.

Try moving from the Upper Four Quarters into the Broken

Upper Four Quarters.

Try moving from the Broken Upper Four Quarters into the

Rear Scarf Hold.

Try moving from the Upper Four Quarters into the Side Four Quarters.

Try moving from the Side Four Quarters into the Broken Scarf Hold.

Note: Providing you keep control of your opponent's body, the count for a holding will still go on, even though you change to a different holding. If the opponent is getting out of one hold, move into another. You will appreciate the moves that can be made, if you try the ones above, and then experiment at finding your own, but when moving keep your weight on the opponent.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (18 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 Strangleholds).

Do each Arm lock once (8 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1. The Bar Arm Lock

This is an Arm lock in the standing position. The rule in Judo is that if you are standing, you may apply an Arm lock or a Stranglehold, but whilst doing so, neither of you may at the same time attempt to throw. This is considered very dangerous. This movement and the two that follow, and indeed all such "Standing Defences" are useful against an opponent whom you cannot throw, or against a real attacker, when you just want to teach him a lesson, not run the risk of injury that would arise if you threw him.

For practice, stand facing the opponent. He catches your belt or jacket behind you with his right hand. (This, incidentally, is a favorite hold with Hip Throw experts.) Pass your left arm under his right, so that your forearm is under his elbow joint. Place your right hand flat on his right shoulder. Press down.

Place your left hand on the top of your right forearm and lift. The result is a lock on his elbow joint

FIG. 49 The Bar Arm lock

2. The elbow lock.

The opponent has raised his right arm somewhat high on your lapel, so that it will rest on your shoulder. (This, too, is quite common with Hip Throw experts.) Clasp your hands over his right elbow, and turn it uppermost. Now take your right foot back and around in a small circle, and press down on the elbow, and up with the shoulder. It is a variant of the straight arm lock.

3. The bent arm lock (standing).

The opponent has raised his right arm to strike downwards at you, e.g., as with a cosh or a knife. He would not have these weapons in a Judo contest, nor would he strike of course. This lock is for application in real emergency.

Move in with your left foot, and raising your left arm, block the blow with your left forearm bent inwards. The outer bony edge of your left forearm comes into contact with his right forearm. Now, pass your right arm under his, and up behind to seize your own left wrist. Move in close, and you will find that you have a Bent Arm lock similar to the one on the ground described in Lesson Twelve. Points to watch are: You do not catch his arm with your hand; you simply block it. You bend his arm towards his head. You must move in, as you are doing so.

FIG. 50. The Elbow Lock

FIG. 51. The Bent Arm lock (Standing)

Finish the lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty-one

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (18 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 Strangleholds).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1. Groundwork strangleholds applied in the standing position.

Remember the rule given in Lesson Thirty that you can apply a stranglehold or an arm lock in the standing position, but you must not at the same time attempt to throw.

Stand facing the opponent, and try the following Strangleholds :

(i) The Normal Cross (Lesson Eleven), (ii) The Reverse Cross (Lesson Eleven), (iii) The Half Cross (Lesson Nineteen).

In all the above cases, hang your weight on the opponent, so that it reinforces the pull of your arms, pull downwards, and keep close to him.

Stand behind the opponent, and try the following Strangleholds :

(i) The Neck lock from rear (Lesson Thirteen), (ii)  The Single Wing Neck lock (Lesson Thirteen), (iii) The Naked Strangle (Lesson Sixteen).
In all the above, it is imperative to keep the opponent off balance backwards as you apply the Strangleholds.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty-two

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls). Do 5 of each Throw (18 Throws).

Do each Holding and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 standing, and 6 on ground).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

PLATE 3 The Body Drop

PLATE 4 The Sweeping Hip Throw

The Hip Wheel (Goshi Guruma)

FIG. 52. The Hip Wheel

This is best attempted on an opponent who has a tendency to crouch or to lean forwards. Pass your right hand over the back of his head so as to bring him still farther forwards on to his toes. Pull with your left hand forwards. Turn, by taking your left foot round in a small circle, but this time do not turn just to the position where your back is to your opponent. Keep turning until you are at right-angles to him, but facing to his left, i.e. you have turned 270 degrees. As you turn, bend your knees, and bring your body under his chest, so that he is lying across your back, held there by your right hand round his neck, and your left hand pull on his right sleeve. Straighten your legs to lift him clear of the ground, and throw by continuing to turn.

Points to watch are: Trap his head tightly as you go in, but release it as you throw. The left hand pulls forward initially, but as you go in, it will tend to pull down to keep him over your back.

Finish the Lesson with practice of your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty-three

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (19 Throws).

Do each Holding and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, and 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1. The Major Outer Hook (O Soto Gake)

FIG. 53. The Major Outer Hook

This is another Foot Throw. Take up the normal stance and holds. With the right hand push up over the shoulder and down the back as for the Major Outer Reaping (Lesson Two). With the left hand push downwards towards his right heel. Place the sole of the left foot behind his right knee so as to prevent him taking a step back with that foot. Move your body towards his, by hopping forwards on your right foot, and you will find that the opponent is thrown directly backwards.

Points to watch are: Don't push forwards with the foot you place behind his knee. That is only there to stop him stepping back. Don't rely on the hands alone to throw him; move in so that the whole weight of your body acts against him, and you are looking over his right shoulder at the moment of throwing.

2. General Points To Be Observed In Connection With All Leg Or Foot Throws

In connection with all Leg or Foot Throws, bear in mind the following points:

(i) The action of the foot or leg is always slight, never violent. The hands and body are used to unbalance the opponent, and this unbalancing is 70 per cent, of the Throw. The foot is usually just placed in the way for the opponent to trip over.

(ii) Always place the sole of the foot against an opponent, in the throws in which you are so instructed. This is important, not only because it is less painful for you and him, but also because the action of turning the foot brings the body into the correct position for throwing.

(iii) Throws like the Major Outer Reaping (Lesson Two), the Leg Wheel (Lesson Sixteen), the Drawing Ankle Throw (Lesson Three) are especially suitable for big men on small men, but are by no means impossible the other way round.

(iv) Timing is the paramount factor in many Foot Throws. It can be attained only by continuous practice.

(v) In Throws such as the Major Outer Reaping (Lesson Two), where you are told to pin your opponent on his heels and to sweep, remember above all things that these two actions are simultaneous. We have no word in the English language to describe pinning and sweeping at the same time, but this is what you must do. If you pin first and then sweep, as I have seen quite high grades sometimes do, the result is a brutal hacking action; that is not Judo, even if it gets the man down.

(vi) There is one thing to be said in favor of Foot Throws as against Hip Throws, and that is that they are more likely to surprise a real attacker. If you are attacked in the street by people who know no Judo, and you start to move in and put your arm round their waist or neck, even the slowest is likely to see your intention, but a Foot Throw is so fast and surprising it will be quite unexpected. It is so completely different from any form of defence known outside the Judo world.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty-four

Do 5 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 5 of each Throw (20 Throws).

Do each Hold once, and Escapes (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Armlock once (11 Armlocks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

There is no new material in this Lesson, but use the extra time to step up the number of repetitions on your Pet Throw. This is the fifteenth week of practice at it. You should have done a few thousand repetitions of the parts of the movement you have been concentrating on. If you have reached the stage of being able to co-ordinate movements, try moving in ten times, slowly at first, and then with increasing speed, until the tenth is as fast as you can make it. Let the opponent have ten tries on you at his throw in return. Then another ten, etc. Do as many as you possibly can. Once you reach the stage of completing the whole movement of the throw, and are actually throwing the opponent each time, it might help you to keep a record of how many you achieve each night, so that you can see how near you are to the first objective of 10,000, and later to the second objective of 100,000.

Lesson Thirty-five

Follow the instructions in the previous Lesson exactly.

The fact that we are not going on to learn new material does not mean that we are wasting time, or that there is no more to learn. There is a lot. But at this stage, you should be nearly ready to take a Grading examination with some hope of success, and it is absolutely essential that you know the movements you have learnt thoroughly, for the theory examination, and also that you practice your Pet Throw. The time spent on the latter will pay dividends when you are faced with an opponent.

Lesson Thirty-six

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (20 Throws).

Do each Holding and Escape once (8 Holdings).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1.   THE BINDING THROW (MAKI KOMI)

This is a Sacrifice Throw. (See explanation of term in Lesson Seventeen.)

From the normal stance and holds, take the left foot back and around in a small circle as though you were going to move in for the Shoulder Throw (Lesson Seven). Pull the opponent's right arm forwards with your left, and across your chest, and take your right arm over his right so as to bind it tightly against you. At the same time lower your body by bending your knees, and place your right foot outside his right, to prevent his stepping around in that direction. Now, still continuing to turn to your left, straighten your legs so that the opponent is lifted clear of the ground, put your right hand on the ground, and roll to your right, so that the opponent is flung over your body by the momentum of your roll.

Points to watch are: Fall at the side of the opponent, not on him. This throw is rather violent; be careful.

FIG. 54. The Binding Throw Finish the Lesson with practice of your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty-seven

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (21 Throws).

Do 1 of each Hold and Escape (8 Holds).

Do 1 of each Stranglehold (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do 1 of each Arm lock (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1. The Shoulder Wheel (Kata Guruma)

Take the normal holds and stance. Now change your left-hand hold to the underneath grip described in the Shoulder Throw (Lesson Seven). Pull forwards and upwards. Step in with your right foot between his legs, bending your knees to lower your body, and turning so that your toes point directly to his right. Put your head under his right arm, and place your right shoulder under his right hip. With your right hand, grasp his trousers

behind his right knee. Now sway your weight from your right foot to midway between your feet, and at the same time straighten your legs. You should then lift the opponent on to your shoulders, in what is sometimes called "The Fireman's Lift". Throw by bending your head forward, and dropping him to the ground in front of you. (As the throw is rather violent, it is not completed in Judo contests. A point is scored once you have lifted the opponent to shoulder height.) Points to watch are: Don't lean forwards as you go in, or you will never pick him up. Keep a strong pull on his right arm throughout, so as to extend his body across your shoulders.

FIG. 55. The Shoulder Wheel

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty-eight

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (22 Throws).

Practice each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Practice each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Practice each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1. The Floating Drop (Uki Otoshi)

This is a Hand Throw.

Take the normal stance and holds. Step back with the right foot diagonally to your right rear about 18 inches, as described in the Drawing Ankle Throw (Lesson Three). Pull level with the ground with your left hand, and with your right push up and across his body at his left jawbone. Take your whole body back with your foot, so that it is upright over your right foot. Now take your left foot back and round in a small circle, turning your body at the same time. This will lead the opponent to step forward with his right foot. As he is about to do so, drop instantly to your left knee. Pull down with your left hand, and lift with your right, so as to turn him in the air on to his back.

Points to watch are: When you step back originally, you must take your whole body back. Simply putting the foot back is of no use at all. As he falls, change your downwards pull with your left hand into an upwards pull, so as to assist his Breakfall. Co-ordinate the movements of your hands.

2. General Points To Be Observed In Connection With All Hand Throws

(i) These throws are not so well known, nor so popular as Hip and Foot Throws, and for this reason alone they are well worth study, as they will have the advantage of surprise.

(ii) Timing is a great feature of all these throws. If it is accurate, the opponent will leave the ground completely in a most spectacular manner.

(iii) Hand Throws are useful as counter-throws. For example, if the opponent attacks with the Drawing Ankle Throw (Lesson Three) applied against your right leg, you can do the Floating Drop on his opposite side.

FIG. 56. The Floating Drop

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Thirty-nine

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls). Do 3 of each Throw (23 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1. The Side Wheel (Yoko Guruma)

This is a Sacrifice Throw, requiring a Shoulder Roll as a Breakfall (see Lesson Four).

The opponent has turned his right side to you, as in moving in for a Hip Throw, for example. Slide your right foot right between his legs as far as it will go, at the same time falling on your back. Turn on to your left side as you fall, and with the action of your hands, throw him over your outstretched left leg.

FIG. 57. The Side Wheel

Points to watch are: Keep his right shoulder off the ground, as he lands, by making sure you turn him completely on to his back. This is essential in practice. In a real fight, the object of this throw is to smash head or shoulder into the ground, but it leads to broken collarbones, so on no account do that in practice.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Forty

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (24 Throws).

Do each Hold once, and Escapes (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new material:

1. How To Avoid Stiff Arms And Self-Defensive Posture

Beginners often put their faith in stiff arms as a means of holding their opponent off and avoiding being thrown. The Judo defensive posture is similar to the normal stance, but with knees rather more bent. Both these postures present problems that you will have to learn to overcome.

Let us consider stiff arms first. Get the opponent to stiffen his arms and to hold you off. Now it is of no use to try to push in directly against them. His direction of strength in his arms is from him towards you, i.e. the direction he is pushing. But you will find that you can easily take his arms upwards or downwards, because that is the direction of weakness in his arms. Move away slightly, so as to bring him off balance forwards, and try lifting either of his arms by pushing up at the elbow joint. It will go quite easily, and permit you to move in on that side. We saw an example of this in the Resisting Hip Throw (Lesson Nine).

Consider next an opponent who knows this trick, and will not only stiffen his arms but will hold them rigid so that it is difficult to take them up or down. Move your right shoulder towards him and up, and your left shoulder away and down. This will usually work, because he seldom has the speed to co-ordinate his hand actions. He would have to decide instantly to press down with his left hand and to pull up with his right, as well as to maintain them stiff.

Consider an opponent who prevents you obtaining the Floating Loin Hip Throw (Lesson One), because he simply holds away the arm you want to take round his waist by stiffening his left arm. To overcome this, relax your own right arm that he is holding off, and let it go right up your back. If you do this you will find that you can move in close to him, and once you are in, your hand will find its way round his waist quite easily, if you have pulled strongly on his right arm.

Another method of dealing with stiff arms is as follows: Get the opponent to straighten his arms and really push you away. Now abandon your normal holds, and catch both his sleeves as high up as possible near his shoulders. With both hands pull him towards you, so that his body is locked to yours as long as his arms are stiff. From that position, you have only to drop one shoulder and take it away whilst maintaining contact, and you can do the Floating Drop (see Lesson Thirty-eight).

Yet another method for the opponent who pushes you away is to do the Stomach Throw (Lesson Seventeen).

Now let us consider the Judo self-defensive posture ("Jigotai".) The method of dealing with this is by feinting for one movement and doing another. Pretend to do the Stomach Throw (Lesson Seventeen) and as he resists by pulling back, do the Major Inner Reaping (Lesson Eight). The Hip Wheel (Lesson Thirty-two), the Shoulder Wheel (Lesson Thirty-seven), the Minor Inner Reaping (Lesson Fifteen) are all useful against this kind of posture. The Standing Strangles from the front (Lesson Thirty-one) might also be tried, or the Standing Arm-locks (Lesson Thirty).

Study all these methods and their application carefully.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Forty-one

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (24 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1.   How To Block Hip Throws

This week we are not going to learn counter-throws, but simply how to stop the opponent doing Hip Throws on you. Later we shall learn how to progress from blocking to counter-throwing.

Get the opponent to move in for a Hip Throw (Lesson One or Lesson Four). As he comes in, let go with your left hand, and thrust your stomach forwards. This alone may save you, if his pull on your right arm is not very strong and you are upright. If not, you can throw your left arm behind you; or drop it and place it on his right hip and push yourself away from him; or seize his left trouser leg with your left hand, so that he cannot lift you off the ground. In any case, aim to stay upright, and bend your knees, so that he cannot get his belt below yours.

Try all these methods several times each.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Forty-two

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (24 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1. Stomach Hip Throw (Ushiro Goshi)

This is really a counter-throw rather than a throw in its own right. Get the opponent to move in for the Major Hip Throw (Lesson Four). As he does so, clasp him round the waist with both your arms, bend your knees, and thrust your stomach forwards. Then, by the combined action of your hands, your stomach thrust, and straightening your legs, lift him off the ground. Swing his legs forwards, and drop him on to his back. Points to watch:  Don't lift with the power of your arms alone. Use the legs and stomach. The person thrown would either get a Backwards Breakfall, or if he retained the hold with his right hand, a Side Breakfall.

FIG. 58. The Stomach Hip Throw

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Forty-three

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movement:

1. The Single Leg Lock (Kata Ashi Hishigi)

Leg locks are banned in Judo contests, as it has been found that repeated application of them leads to rheumatism on the knee in later life. The student is expected to know the theory of them, however.

For this one, get the opponent to lie down. Sit at his right side, near his right knee facing his head. Take his right ankle under your left armpit. Put your right leg inside his, so that your right foot rests on his stomach. Bring your left forearm under his right leg, and put your hand on your own right wrist. Put your right hand on his knee. Now press down on his right knee with your right hand, and lean back on his foot.

FIG. 59. The Single Leg Lock

Finish the Lesson with practice of your Pet Throw.

Lesson Forty-four

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do the Leg lock (1 Leg lock).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Do 120 repetitions of your Pet Throw.

Finally, try a 5-minute contest.

Contests

You bow to each other from the kneeling position, arise and attack. Try to remember all that you have been taught. Don't rush aimlessly about the mat, but go in and attack continuously all the time, with a variety of techniques. If the opponent falls to the ground, instantly go into groundwork, if you think you can beat him on the floor. If you can't, stand back, and he will have to get up and continue standing. A contest is not Randori; it is a fight (though friendly, of course). You should take the same care at throwing and at applying locks as in Randori, but this time really try to win. The first to score two points wins or, if the five minutes is up, the one with the most points at the end of that time. Should there be no points or equal points, the referee might give extra time, or he might call it a draw, or he might award the decision on style to the man who attacked most or showed most knowledge of Judo.

Lesson Forty-five

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do the Leg lock (1 Leg lock).

Do 45 minutes' Randori this time.

Spend all the rest of the evening at your Pet Throw.

Note: At this stage, students know all the theory required for grading up to Black Belt of the main Judo Associations in Great Britain. For the Black Belt examination, the throws and the groundwork movements may be arranged into "Katas", or set forms. There are books on these "Katas", which are a special study on their own. The student may feel confident that he knows the individual movements required, but he really needs to study "Kata" under an instructor, as there are many little formal movements to be made between each throw, which cannot be fully explained in a work of this nature. The Throwing "Kata"—15 Formal Throws—or "Nage No Kata", as it is called, is one that must be learnt. The Groundwork "Kata" is another. It consists of 15 Groundwork movements, also done formally. "Katame No Kata" it is called. Students are recommended to take any opportunity they have of seeing high-grade Japanese experts perform these "Katas". Until the last war it was very rare for Englishmen to perform them in public.

Lesson Forty-six

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do the Leg lock (1 Leg lock).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1. Self-Defense Against Holds

Before starting our study of Self-Defense, let us understand that some of the movements are dangerous, and must be practiced very carefully. They are absolutely banned in Judo contests or Randori, and are for use only in real emergency. Indeed, they are not taught or studied in some Judo Clubs at all, as they partake more of the old Ju-jitsu techniques. Most students of Judo originally take up the sport with an idea of learning Self-Defense, however, and we shall now start to learn the answers to the commoner attacks.
(i) One Wrist Held by One Hand. The opponent seizes your wrist with one hand. The point of weakness is in his thumb, not in his fingers. Bend the arm held upwards against his thumb, at the same time moving your whole body towards him, and stepping forwards. If his thumb is underneath, take your arm sharply downwards and outwards, at the same time moving your whole body with it.

(ii) One Wrist Held by Two Hands. The opponent holds one of your wrists with both hands. Clench the fist of the hand he is holding. Seize the fist with your other hand, and you will find that you can pull it out against his thumbs. If pulling it out upwards, move towards him, so that your body reinforces the strength of your hands. If pulling it out downwards, move your feet away from him, and lean forwards, so that your whole body weight reinforces your pull. Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

FIG. 60. Escape from wrist held by one hand FIG. 61. Escape from wrist held with both hands

Lesson Forty-seven

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do the Leg lock once (1 Leg lock).

Practice the Defenses learnt last week (10 times each).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1. Self-Defense Against Holds (Continued)

(i) Two Wrists Held in Front. The opponent seizes both your wrists when he is facing you, one in each hand. If his thumbs are uppermost, take your hands down and out, and suddenly bring them inwards and upwards against his thumbs, at the same time moving your body towards him. If his thumbs are underneath, take your hands down and outwards against them. Be prepared too for the assailant who has one thumb uppermost, and the other downwards. In each case go against his thumbs.

FIG. 62. Escape from two wrists held in front

(ii) Two Wrists Held Behind. The opponent is behind you, and has seized both your wrists, one in each hand. Twist your right wrist upwards so that you can grasp the sleeve of his jacket, or his own wrist. If necessary, lean forwards to enable yourself to do this. Take your left foot back and around in a small circle, so that you turn to face your opponent, allowing your right arm to bend and go up your back as you do so. Place your left foot on his right ankle, and fall backwards to the ground, pulling him down with you by the hold on his right wrist. If done quickly, the effect is to smash his head into the floor, or his right shoulder, and this effect can be increased by pushing his right ankle backwards and upwards as you fall, with your left foot. In view of the purpose of this movement, it is not advisable to do more than simply practice getting into position, and then lowering yourself slowly, otherwise you will injure your partner.

FIG. 63. Escape from two wrists held behind

Finish the Lesson with practice of your Pet Throw.

Lesson Forty-eight

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do the Leg lock once (1 Leg lock).

Practice the Defenses learnt (4 Defenses). Do 10 times each.

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Go on to learn the following new material:

1. Self-Defense Against Holds (Continued)

(i) Hold Over Arms Round the Body in Front. The opponent is facing you, and seizes you round the body over the arms. As he comes in to do so, sink slightly by bending your knees. Seize his right sleeve with your left hand, and turn by taking your left foot back and round in a small circle. Perform the Floating Loin Throw (Lesson One). If you have not sunk far enough as the opponent is coming in, you can get him to bend forwards, and so loosen his hold enough, by jabbing your thumbs into his groin.

(ii) Hold Over Arms Round the Body from Behind. The opponent approaches from behind and attempts to seize you round the body over the arms. As he does so, sink slightly by bending the knees, and place your right foot outside his, so as to block it. With your left hand seize his right sleeve. Straighten your legs and turn to your left, and you will be able to perform a variation on one of the Hip or Shoulder Throws.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

FIG. 64. Escape from hold over arms in front

FIG. 65. Escape from hold over arms from behind

Lesson Forty-nine

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do the Leg lock once (1 Leg lock).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Practice the Defenses learnt (6 Defenses). Do 10 times each.

Go on to learn the following new movements:

1. Self-Defense Against Holds (Continued)

(i) Hold   Under   Arms   Round   the   Body   in   Front.   The opponent, facing you, has seized you under the arms round the body from in front. They often do this with a view to digging their knuckles in your back, and forcing you backwards to the ground. Instantly put the heel of your right hand under his chin and force his head back. At the same time hook your right knee inside his left knee and perform the Major Inner Reaping Throw (Lesson Eight). This is more violent than the Judo throw, because your right hand forces his head back and it strikes the ground first, without allowing him to break-fall, even if he knew the fall. (In practice, do not go as far as this, of course.)

FIG. 66. Escape from under arm hold in front

FIG. 67. Escape from under arm hold from behind

(ii) Hold Under Arms Round the Body from Behind. If the opponent does this, move your feet so that you can bend down and reach between your legs to catch one of his ankles, with both hands. Pull his ankle forwards, and fall backwards on to him as he falls.

Finish the Lesson with practice at your Pet Throw.

Lesson Fifty

Do 3 of each Breakfall (7 Breakfalls).

Do 3 of each Throw (25 Throws).

Do each Hold and Escape once (8 Holds).

Do each Stranglehold once (6 on ground, 6 standing).

Do each Arm lock once (11 Arm locks).

Do the Leg lock once (1 Leg lock).

Do 30 minutes' Randori.

Practice the Defenses learnt (8 Defenses). Do 25 times each.

Practice your Pet Throw for the rest of the evening.

Note: This is the end of the first year, so we are not learning any new material in this Lesson. At this point, however, let us take stock. You know all the Judo theory up to Black Belt 1st Dan grade; you have started on Self-Defense; you have had practice at Randori, and have learnt by experience how difficult it is to bring off movements; you have an idea which is your best movement, and have practiced your Pet Throw many thousands of times, concentrating on mastering the details of it. If you have had three practice nights a week, you should be well on your way to a Green Belt grade. If you have only one practice night a week, you should have been able to reach Yellow Belt. Do not worry if you have not done so, however, as some people are less quick than others, and some who are excellent "judokas" lack confidence or fighting spirit when it comes to contest.

What you need to do now is:

(i) To get further concentrated practice on your Pet Throw. Keep count, and aim at actually doing 100,000.

(ii) You need Randori, not only by the method already practiced, but also by the French Method. (See "Methods of Practice", paragraph 3, page 15.)

(iii)You must learn new methods of getting in for your throws (Continuous Attack).

(iv) You must learn Counter-throws.

(v) You will want to continue your study of Self-Defense.

In the year which follows, we shall proceed a little differently, therefore. Each week, in the past, we have repeated all that has been learnt before, to fix the movements clearly in your minds. We shall not be doing this next year, but shall be content with a Reversionary Lesson every fifth week, so allowing extra time for further study of theory, and for increased practice of the movements you are concentrating on.

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