Fighting Judo: Ippon Seoi Nage (Arm Pit Grip Variation)

Gripping, fighting and getting your grip is a means to an end...the end being executing a successful throw. The first point of contact for a judoka is getting their grip or grips on the opponent. It is of the utmost importance to get a dominant grip. Your grip should control the opponent. Both judoka fight for the dominant grip so It's also just as important to know how to neutralize your opponent’s grips and counter them.

It will be difficult to cover every gripping situation and many different ways to grip in a single article. I will just start with one and cover others in later articles. I liken a judoka getting their grips in a manner much like that of a boxer throwing a 1-2 combination. One hand punches in and is immediately followed by the other.

One handed judo style

The one-handed style of judo is very effective and allows for great adaptability and the ability to execute throws like Ippon Seoi Nage from multiple angles and directions. With this grip one is able to throw with either foot forward and to the right and left side. It leaves your opponent questioning from which direction you will attack.

In this style you get a grip with one hand while your free hand fights off the opponent’s attempts to get their grip. Most judoka look to get their grips with two hands this makes the seemingly minimal contact of just getting a grip with only one hand extremely dangerous, often the opponent doesn’t even feel threatened. The one-handed grip allows numerous possibilities for sudden attacks. This method also frustrates your opponent and generally, they will open themselves up for you to attack.

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.

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. You left hand is your attacking hand and should be positioned closer to your opponent. The right hand acts as the defensive hand.

2.) Much like delivering a cross 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.

Fighting with your grip

When you have gotten your grip keep your wrist, elbow and shoulder loose and constantly hunt for the opportunity to throw your opponent. A common error after you have punched in your grip is to constantly hold the opponent away with a stiff nonmoving arm.

Blue punches in his grip, white immediately tries to grip over the top of blues arm. Blue rolls his elbow up to block white's grip attack and simultaneously drops his lower by bending his knees. 

Get in the habit of fanning your elbow up and down. Keeping the left arm loose will enable you to block your opponent’s grip attempts, as well as push, pull to position him and keep him off balance and even counter his attacks. Neither your gripping hand nor the arm should be stationary. Keeping the arm active pushing, pulling and fanning it up and down also makes it more difficult for your opponent to grip and control your arm.

 Ippon Seoi Nage from Armpit Grip (Back Step Entry)

A triangle and a straight line have been taped on the mat to give a clearer reference of foot placement for executing the throw. 

1.) White stands in a right foot forward position. His right foot is at the bottom corner of the triangle and his left foot is back deep behind the other corner of  the triangle. Blue is in a right foot forward position. 2.) Blue punches in his grip with the left hand gripping at the area of the opponent’s armpit. 3.) The opponent attempts to reach over the top of your left arm with his right hand to get a grip on your lapel. 

4.) Blues rolls his elbow upward and blocks white's lapel grip attempt. As Blue blocks with the elbow he bend the knees to drop his hips lower (this creates a space for you to move into to execute a throw). 5.)  Blue pulls white toward his front with the left hand keeping the elbow high as his right foot steps slightly down the side of the triangle toward White's right foot. 6.) Blue's left foot steps behind his right foot through the triangle to the baseline of the triangle (back step). As Blue back steps his knees are bent. Blues belt line should be lower than white's belt line.

4.) Blue brings his right hand up under the opponent’s right armpit as his right foot steps back all the way through the triangle between the opponent’s feet. The toes of both Blue's feet should be pointing in the direction of the apex of the triangle.  Blue pinches the opponent’s right arm at his arm pit between his right forearm and bicep.  Blue rotate the palm of his right hand toward his head (this creates a tighter clamp on the opponent’s arm).  5.)  Blues legs straighten quickly and he pops his hips upward into the opponent. 6.) Blue continues to pull and twists his torso to the left, taking his right elbow toward his left knee to finish the throw.