Barron Shepherd Judo: Progressive Grip Fighting

A lot of people who start judo want to start off in judo learning it's big and fancy looking throws. Trying to throw an experienced grappler or judoka is extremely difficult without knowing how to fight to get your grip. Grip fighting is an art in itself and most importantly a fundamental part of judo that is worth learning. It requires serious time in training and if you don’t put the time into this, you won’t progress very far with your throws.

Grip fighting is ultimately the act of grabbing your opponent's gi where YOU desire without letting the opponent get the grip(s) he wants in such a way that prevents you from attacking. The more effective your grip fighting the more you create opportunities to set up AND enter into your throws. 

Have a grip fighting strategy

Be aggressive in getting your grip. Always try to get your hands on your opponent first and get the dominant grip. Don’t fight on his terms and don’t let him have the better grip or tie up. Be specific with getting your grip it should lead to something. Your throw flows naturally from your grip. Make sure the grip you use works best for the throw you want to use.

Grip fighting means just that "grip fighting!" Don’t change your stance stand your ground and fight for the grip you want. Be fast - Be ballistic - Be explosive. Think boxing - punch in your grips like a boxer, you can use combinations, you can feint and you can even parry you opponent's grip attempts in the same manner a boxer parries punches.

If you can’t get the dominant grip, try to break his grip and counter with your own grip

Get the first grip

A judo throw requires the establishment of a strong grip. An offensive gripping strategy can help keep the opponent or adversary on their heels both literally and figuratively. Not having a solid plan for your grips can leave you vulnerable and at the mercy of your opponent.

Arm pit grip (waki)

Outside of Japan the arm pit grip is a pretty rare gripping method. Some of the great Japanese judo players have used this grip successfully in their offensive arsenal. Gripping the folds of the cloth at the area of arm pit is extremely versatile. It provides incredible defense and distance control.

Blue inserts the fingers of his left hand into the fold of the gi just above the opponent’s arm pit. Grip the gi with primarily the bottom three fingers of your left hand and drive the pinky finger into the opponents chest and turn the hand over slightly clockwise palm down.

The arm pit grip is very useful in blocking an opponent’s attacks, restricting his movements and keeping him at a safe distance. It is extremely effective in a right vs right situation or an opposite stance, right vs. left situation (Kenka Yotsu). It helps control his arm making it harder for him to put his hand down to block a throw, it also keeps him from reaching over the top of your shoulder. In the one-handed judo style you have the added benefit of the opponent not feeling threatened by only a single grip. Unlike a pull on the sleeve or the lapel pulling at the armpit is a much shorter pull.

Right vs Right – Punching in your grip

A right vs right situation refers to both players being right-handed meaning the majority of their throws will be to the right side. In a right vs. right situation (pictured) your right shoulder should be more toward your rear. The right hand is held further back and away from your opponent and not out front and easily accessible for your opponent to grip and attack.  Your left hand or the gripping hand is active and offensive. Your right hand or rear hand is ready and active as well to defend against your opponent’s gripping attacks and can be used for feints to set up your throw.

1.) Stand with the right foot forward. The knees should be bent and center of gravity low. Feet are shoulder width apart. Twist your upper body clockwise bringing your left hand and shoulder to the front closer to your opponent. Your left hand is primarily your attacking hand and should be positioned closer to your opponent. The right hand acts primarily as the defensive hand.

2.) Much like delivering a jab in boxing, punch in with your left hand and grip your opponent’s gi right above the armpit. Your right hand is up and defending any attempts by the opponent to get his grip.

Grip fighting is Boxing!!!

Grip fighting in judo is a fairly recent development. There is great value in getting and preventing grips. Grip fighting, used aggressively, creates multiple opportunities to set up your throws and takedowns. Some Modern Olympic elite level judo competitors look like boxers, circling each other while jabbing and probing their opponent's defenses, countering the opponent's grip attempts and punching their hands in for a perfect grip. 

Grip fighting represents the very highest levels of competition however, at the lower levels of competition judo and in judo clubs around the world grip fighting isn't  really seen or even practiced. The approach of a no grip fighting style of judo is still very, very much predominant. 

Dont let the opponent get his grip

Another important detail in grip fighting is don’t be so focused on getting your grip that you allow the opponent to get their grips. 

Parrying the opponent’s grip attempt and counter gripping

As stated earlier in a right on right situation your attacking hand is primarily your left hand and the right hand is primarily your defensive hand. Look to counter your opponent’s grip attempts with the right or rear hand.

Outside Parry

1.) Blue is standing in a right foot forward. Both of his arms are bent and both hands are held at chest level. The left hand is held slightly in front of his right hand positioned closer to white.  White is standing right foot forward lead.

2.) White attempts to get a lapel or collar grip with his right hand. Blue turns his upper body slightly to his left as he parries white’s attacking hand to the outside with his right hand as he shuffles forward slightly.

3.) As if throwing a lead straight punch or a jab in boxing blue shuffles forward and punches his in grip, rocking white backwards and gripping him at the front of white’s gi just above the arm pit.

Inside Parry

1.) Blue is standing in a right foot forward. Both of his arms are bent and both hands are held at chest level. The left hand is held slightly in front of his right hand positioned closer to white.  White is standing right foot forward lead.

2.) White attempts to get a lapel or collar grip with his left hand. Blue turns his upper body slightly to his left as he parries white’s attacking hand to the inside with his right hand as he shuffles forward slightly.

3.) As if throwing a lead straight punch or a jab in boxing blue shuffles forward and punches his in grip, rocking white backwards and gripping him at the front of white’s gi just above the arm pit.

Double Parry

1.) Blue is standing in a right foot forward. Both of his arms are bent and both hands are held at chest level. The left hand is held slightly in front of his right hand positioned closer to white.  White is standing right foot forward lead.

2.) White attempts to get a lapel or collar grip with his left hand. Blue turns his upper body slightly to his left as he parries white’s attacking hand to the inside with his right hand as he shuffles forward slightly.

3.) White attempts to get a lapel or collar grip with his right hand. Blue turns his upper body slightly to his left as he parries white’s attacking hand to the outside with his right hand as he shuffles forward slightly. After the parry punch in counter grip as shown in inside and outside parries. 

 

Lead Hand Inside Parry to Lead Hand Counter Grip

Though the left or lead hand is primarily the attacking hand and the right or rear hand is primarily used defensively that doesn’t mean their roles cant be switched.

1.) Blue is standing in a right foot forward. Both of his arms are bent and both hands are held at chest level. The left hand is held slightly in front of his right hand positioned closer to white.  White is standing right foot forward lead.

2.) White attempts to get a lapel or collar grip with his right hand. Blue turns his upper body slightly to his right as he parries white’s attacking hand to the inside with his left hand.

3.) As if throwing a lead straight punch or a jab in boxing blue shuffles forward and punches his left hand in to grip, rocking white backwards and gripping him at the front of white’s gi just above the arm pit.

Lead Hand Inside Parry to Rear Hand Counter Grip

1.) Blue is standing in a right foot forward. Both of his arms are bent and both hands are held at chest level. The left hand is held slightly in front of his right hand positioned closer to white.  White is standing right foot forward lead.

2.) White attempts to get a lapel or collar grip with his right hand. Blue turns his upper body slightly to his right as he parries white’s attacking hand to the inside with his left hand.

3.) As if throwing a lead straight punch or a jab in boxing blue shuffles forward and punches his left hand in to grip, rocking white backwards and gripping him at the front of white’s gi just above the arm pit.

BARRON SHEPHERD - SIXKILLER KAJUKENBO KSDI

The strength of Kajukenbo lies in how techniques from the different styles that made up Kajukenbo (Karate, Judo, Kenpo and Boxing) are combined. Taking the opponent out of the fight as quickly as possible by delivering techniques in combination, as BALLISTIC as possible, to cause as much damage possible, is the aim of Kajukenbo. The most effective of its techniques are ones that effectively dole out the principles of physics quickly and forcefully, coupled with a will to achieve the goal.

Punch Counter Against Double Jab

1.) Both Fighters are fighting out of right foot forward lead.  2.) The opponent throws a straight right lead punch (jab). Parry the punch with your right lead hand.  3.) The opponent doubles up on his jab and immediately throws another. Lean back slightly pivoting counter clockwise toward nine o'clock and rolling your right shoulder up to protect your chin. Your left stays up next to the left side of your chin and jaw. 

 4.) Immediately counter the opponent's second jab with a left cock screw punch as you pivot both feet clockwise to twelve o'clock. Your left foot raises off the heel as you deliver the punch. Your right hand chambers at the right side of your chin  5.) Pivot on the lead foot as you step your rear foot toward nine o'clock and execute a right upper cut to the chin of the opponent.  6.) Shuffle forward slightly by pushing off the left foot and stepping forward with the right foot. Strike your opponent’s right shoulder with a straight left heel of palm strike and grab his clothing at the area struck. This strike should be hard enough to disrupt his posture and rock him back on his heels.  

7.) With a short quick jerk with the left hand, pull the opponent into you. This should rock him to his front and off of his heels. As you pull step your left foot toward your right foot, your knees should be bent and your belt line should be lower than his belt line.  8.) Bring your right hand up under the opponent’s right armpit. Your right foot steps forward between the opponent’s feet pivot counter clockwise on your left foot and continue to pull with the left hand. As the right foot lands between deep between the opponent’s feet the toes of both feet should be pointing straight in the direction of the throw. Pinch the opponent’s right arm at his arm pit between your right forearm and bicep. Rotate the palm of the right hand toward your head (this creates a tighter clamp on the opponent’s arm).   9.)  Step back with your left foot next to the opponent’s left foot (as you step back with the left foot between your opponent’s feet they should start to raise up off the mat).

10.) Straighten your legs quickly and pop your hips upward into the opponent.  11.) Continue to pull and twist your torso to the left, taking your right elbow toward your left knee and drive the opponent to the ground.   

Immediately after the throw you can follow up with ground and pound see steps 13,14 and 15 in previous article.       

DYNAMIC KAJUKENBO BY BARRON SHEPHERD COMING IN 2024

  

 

COMING FEB/MARCH 2024

 FOREWORD

 TRAVELLING THE PATH

 Colonel G.H. Bristol USMC (retired) Creator and  Developer of the MCMAP , the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Art Program.

 Martial artist travel along a path. Some find the beginning of that path in a dojo and remain for a lifetime. Others have a shorter experience and move on to other endeavors. Some remain with one discipline for their entire length of the path. Others travel multiple paths and experiment with that of weapons, grappling, striking, and other aspects of the combative spectrum.

But a few exponents choose a different walk. They absorb multiple aspects of well-established disciplines and patiently – yet relentlessly – fuse them into their own unique personal fighting philosophy. Barron Shepherd is one of those martial artists. A lifetime journey of dedicated training, learning, absorbing, fusing, and teaching – and training again.

A man of considerable physical capability and capacity, a keen eye for technique, and a humble yet disciplined pursuit, he has walked a long winding road in JUDO and KAJUKENBO – first as a student and now as a teacher and advocate for both. Those who know him agree that he seeks to find the best within the training continuum and then pass it along to others for their benefit.

Talking with him regarding his latest book "Dynamic Kajukenbo", he is – as always – passionate, well-informed, and trains himself and others in what has become a lifetime of learning and DOING. As you read and see the in-depth technical and explosive application of a martial discipline that is at its core a FIGHTING art, you will better know the author.

I know him, so I will give you a thought as you begin to read. The author is a man who can execute – at a high and lethal level – every technique and application he describes. He is a lifelong learner and exponent. But more importantly, he is a man who – to those he knows and trains – would answer the call to those oppressed of the beginner who desires to learn. That combination is at the heart of a fighting man with a pure love of what he does.

Get to know Barron Shepherd in this book. I believe that you will find it informative, motivating, and strikes at the heart of what martial arts is all about. - SEMPER FIDELIS! GH Bristol

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The original concept of Kajukenbo was to build a fighting system that worked in the street. Kajukenbo was NOT the peaceful way, nor was it the way of de-escalation.  Kajukenbo’s mindset was and is one of approaching or attacking violence with greater overwhelming violence. Hit first, hit fast, hit hard and finish the guy! Kajukenbo was never about avoidance. Engagement and destruction were the strategy and tactics of Kajukenbo.

1.) Both you and the attacker are in a right foot forward fighting stance. Your knees bent and your rear foot is slightly raised off the ground.  2.) The attacker shuffles forward and executes a lead round house punch. Pivot on the right foot counter clockwise toward nine o’clock and strike the attacker’s right arm with the boney area of both of your forearms.  3.) From the point of contact, bend the knees and drop into right hammer fist and left forearm strike knocking the attacker’s arm downward. 

4.) Immediately turn clockwise toward twelve o’clock and execute a right hammer fist to the attacker’s jaw or neck. Your left hand chambers at your right shoulder  5.) Pivot on the rear foot clockwise toward ten o’clock and deliver a straight left punch to the attacker’s jaw. You right hand chambers at the right side of the head.   6.) Pivot counter clockwise toward nine o’clock and strike the left side of the attacker’s jaw with an left outward hand sword turning his head to this right. 

7.) Dropping the hips, deliver a right hammer fist to the left side of the attacker’s jaw. The right left hand rechambers at your right shoulder.  8.) Pivot clockwise toward twelve o’clock and strike the front of the attacker’s right shoulder with a hard left open hand check and grab his shirt at the area struck.  9.) Pull with the attacker toward you as you shift your right foot back slightly and push off it to move toward eleven o’clock.

10.) When you drive of the left foot step your right foot to eleven o’clock and to the outside of the attacker’s right foot  11.) Pulling with your left hand bring your right knee forward and up in between your left leg and the outside of your opponent’s right leg. Swing your right leg downward and back without letting your right foot touch the ground. The back of your calf should make contact with the back of your opponent’s calf. Continue your pull with your left hand bringing your left elbow to your left hip.  Continue with the sweep taking your opponent’s leg upward. Sweep his leg high. While sweeping your opponent’s leg drive his shoulder downward to the ground by continuing to pull your left elbow to your left hip.   12.)  The attacker lands on his left side and is turned away from you. Keeping control of his right arm, immediately place your right knee and shin against the attacker’s ribs and back. 

13.) Drop your hips pivoting counter clockwise on the ball of your right foot and deliver a right straight punch downward to the side of the attacker’s head. Your left hand chambers at your right shoulder.  14.) Twisting your hips back clockwise immediately follow up with a open hand check or a left outward edge of hand strike to the attackers jaw or side of head.  As your left hand checks or strikes your right hand chambers.  15.) Pivot again counter clockwise on the ball of your right foot and drop your hips downward as you deliver a straight punch to the attackers jaw, rechambering your left hand at your right shoulder.

DYNAMIC KAJUKENBO BY BARRON SHEPHERD

AVAILABLE 2024

If Boxing is called the sweet science then Kajukenbo should definitely be referred to as the savage science of street fighting.  Kajukenbo was developed as a brutally effective street fighting system, the reader should take notice that I didn’t say self-defense system. 

The creators of Kajukenbo literally brought the street into the dojo. Those who brought about the concepts and creation of Kajukenbo trained like they were fighting in the streets and knew if they didn’t get it right, they would likely end up cut, beaten, stabbed, shot and even dead.

Kajukenbo is NOT the peaceful way! It is NOT the way of de-escalation! Kajukenbo’s mindset is one of approaching or attacking violence with greater overwhelming violence. Hit first, hit fast, hit hard and finish the guy! Kajukenbo’s history shows us that Kajukenbo was never about the avoidance of violence. Engagement and destruction were the strategy and tactics of Kajukenbo.

The strength of Kajukenbo lies in how techniques from the different styles that made up Kajukenbo (Karate, Judo, Kenpo and Boxing) are combined. Taking the opponent out of the fight as quickly as possible by delivering techniques in combination as BALLISTIC as possible to cause as much damage possible is the aim of Kajukenbo. You cannot do these things if you don’t ground yourself in the principles of physics. The only way for optimal performance in Kajukenbo is to understand the forces at work, by the numbers, then work on increasing the value of those numbers though repetition.

Kajukenbo is literally opening the whole can of “whup ass”. The most effective of Kajukenbo techniques are ones that effectively dole out the principles of physics, quickly and forcefully coupled with a will to achieve the goal. Physics in Kajukenbo might not seem like the most obvious subject to consider, but for a science that seeks to understand everything about the elements of motion, energy and force, the connection to Kajukenbo is clear. The six principles of physics that are important in Kajukenbo are acceleration, force, momentum, energy, speed and velocity. Their  interdependence is a key factor in Kajukenbo's combination attacks.  

Kajukenbo is a fighting style geared for the streets. The test of truth regarding your fighting skills is whether they work or not. The basics of applying any successful technique be it a punch, a kick or a throw can be broken down into a few factors:

Acceleration – Without acceleration there is little or no power. Acceleration determines whether your technique hits or misses or if you can be countered or not. If honed by practice for control acceleration can become an over whelming factor in a street fight.  

Force – Force is a factor that results in the acceleration of an object. You will want to make sure that over time you develop a sense of how much force is being generated by your acceleration, so you can improve your acceleration.

Momentum – Momentum is defined as the product of an objects mass multiplied by its velocity. An effective technique is usually going to be very quick and strong. The goal is to generate maximum velocity allowable by time and space.

Energy – Energy plays an important role in the physics of Kajukenbo, the more energy your tecniques and combinations possess the more damage you can do.

Velocity – Velocity is a term often used interchangeably with Speed, however, their physical definitions are quite different. Speed is a quantity that only has magnitude not direction. It refers to how fast an object is moving. Velocity is a vector quantity and it refers to the rate at which an object changes its direction. The difference being that is Velocity has direction and magnitude. If one wants to punch harder or develop a bone breaking throw training may need to focus in the torsional vector. Meaning improving the velocity of rotation where these forces are often applied in punching striking kicking and throwing. 

Physics as well as the kind of physical and mental toughness built through hard training is the way to win street altercations. A study of physics in relation to such a diverse fighting method like Kajukenbo can help us better understand how to use our bodies more efficiently to deliver ballistic movements and techniques. Breaking down the way energy is harnessed into our mass and our speed, physics gives us a clear view of where we can improve. It provides a road map to how we can become better punchers, kickers, throwers etc. Improve in all areas and ranges of motion, so we can hit harder and faster. It will give one the competitive edge and the advantage in the street! The place Kajukenbo was designed in mind for.

As an older Kajukenbo practitioner and athlete (yes, serious KJKB practitioners are in my opinion combat athletes), while being tough and being in shape are necessities, I have come to understand that knowledge of bio mechanics and understanding the elements of motion save wear and tear on the body. Proper biomechanical execution and knowledge of what makes our techniques sound and can function the most efficiently can increase your longevity. Giving us the ability to keep training strong so that we can remain strong!

Lastly, Kajukenbo is a brutally extreme fighting method which more than potentially revolves around a life or death scenario….not a ring. One may take punishment but one also has to be tough enough withstand and then dole it out. There are no rounds in the street, no time outs, no rest periods.  Your own style of fighting is a personal thing. This only develops through diligent training. Only then will the moves which you will depend on become automatic, reflexive and instinctive. The best style then is a versatile collection of moves, striking, punching, kicking, throws and takedowns that works well for you that are and can be performed at the level of optimal performance.

Limb destruction, Trap, Elbow strike to Split Entry Shoulder Throw

1.) The attacker is standing in a left foot forward lead and the defender is standing in a right foot forward lead.  2.) The attacker moves forward and throws a right rear hand straight punch. The defender parries the punch to the inside and toward the right as he pushes of the back foot and shuffles slightly toward 11 o’clock to the outside of the attacker’s punch.  3.) The defender simultaneously brings his right arm up and parries the punch with the outside of his forearm. His left is up at the chin and the right side of his head is covered with his bicep and forearm.

4.) The defender immediately pivots toward one o’clock. Bending his knees and dropping his center of gravity he grabs the opponent’s right wrist with his right hand and strikes the back of the opponent’s right arm just above the elbow with a left upward elbow. (Steps 3 and 4 shown opposite angle on next page).  5.) The defender checks/traps the opponent’s right arm with his left hand.  6.) Pivot on the back foot counter clockwise and drop step toward eleven o’clock with the right foot and deliver a roundhouse elbow. The elbow strikes the front of the opponent’s right shoulder at the area just above the armpit and turns the opponent’s upper body back toward the defender.   

Steps 3.) and 4.) shown from opposite angle

3.) The defender simultaneously brings his right arm up and parries the punch with the outside of his forearm. His left is up at the chin and the right side of his head is covered with his bicep and forearm.  4.) The defender immediately pivots toward one o’clock. Bending his knees and dropping his center of gravity he grabs the opponent’s right wrist with his right hand and strikes the back of the opponent’s right arm just above the elbow with a left upward elbow. 

7.) Keeping your knees bent drop your center of gravity and immediately strike your opponent’s right shoulder with a left heel of palm strike and grab his clothing at the area struck. This strike should be hard enough to disrupt his posture and rock him back on his heels. 8.) With a short quick jerk with the left hand, pull the opponent into you. Simultaneously begin to pivot counter clockwise into a split entry throw on the left foot. As you begin the pivot bring your right knee up toward your chest. 9.) The right hand moves up under the opponent’s right armpit. The right foot drops back between the opponent’s feet and to the inside of his right foot. The toes of both feet should be pointing toward seven o’clock.

10.) Pinch the attacker’s right arm at his arm pit between your right forearm and bicep. The defender Steps back with the left foot next to the opponent’s left foot.  11.) Straighten your legs quickly and pop your hips upward into the opponent.  12.) Continue to pull and twist your torso to the left, taking your right elbow toward your left knee to finish the throw.  

Explaining the Split Step Entry (Kodokan Judo)

Footwork entries into judo throws include the Split-Step entry and the Back-Step entry. Both allow you to step deeper in between your opponent’s feet allowing for maximum leverage. The Split entries can be utilized in different scenarios addressing different types of attacks from different angles. It will also allow you to make adjustments during the course of the execution of a throw if your opponent tries to step back or away from a throw either incidentally or purposefully. Of the three entries into throws the step pivot, the split step and the back step. The split step methods are the most effective they allow you to enter at different angles and allow for greater execution of force. 

Split Step Entry Shoulder Throw 

1.) As you step forward with the right foot to the top of the triangle punch in your grip with your left hand.  2.) Grab the gi and pull with your left hand at he same time bring your left foot up next to your right foot.  3.) Step forward between the opponent’s feet with your right foot through the triangle and pivot on the left foot. Your right arm moves under his right arm and pinches his arm between your bicep and forearm at his arm pit. The toes of both feet should be pointing in the direction of the top of the triangle.  4.) The left foot moves in between the opponent’s feet. The toes of your left foot should be in line with the base line of the triangle. As the left foot moves back his feet should lift up off the ground. To finsh the throw twist your upper body bring your right elbow to your left hip.