Note: Dude in the blue is headed for a painful landing via the Uchi Mata throw.

A lot of traditional martial artists have great footwork, and this certainly applies to the Judoka. Personally, I see an increasing need for mixed martial artists to understand the fundamentals of Judo. The ability to control how and when a fight goes to the ground is essential in MMA.

Sensei Leo White, shows off an awesome judo combo that revolves around sly footwork. First, he goes in for an outside leg throw, Osoto Gari. In MMA, this could be a knee strike to your opponents inner thigh from the over/under clinch.

If he can drive forward and upset his balance correctly, Leo (in the blue) can get his leg behind and chop backwards, throwing the opponent down in front of him. Depending on the guy, you may or may not be able to pull this one off.

No matter! – this was a setup. Sensei White talks about how leg work is the judo equivelent of the boxers jab. In the below picture, the opponent dodges the knee strike/throw attempt.

Sensei White transitions by getting his hips (quickly!) to his opponent and begins the Uchi Mata throw. Bam.

Even though you don’t have a gi, you can pull off both of these throws with over/under control. (BTW, if you need help with over/under control start to develop your clinch control power)

Remember, in MMA, you’re sneaking in knee strikes or “Hellbows” to help get these reactions. It’s important not to think of judo throws as a one hit KO punch – it needs to be a seamless technique in a stream of combinations, just like strikes and sumbissions.

Anway, here’s the video:

If this has tickled your MMA bone, and want to get some more Judo knowledge, I’d sugguest the Karo Parysian “Judo for MMA” book. Whether you like him or not, Karo Parisyan knows his Judo and has been a big influence in raising the awareness of how effective judo can be in MMA. Both his DVD’s and the book have detailed instruction on how to nail the Uchi Mata and Osoto Gari throw in No-Gi situations. Just so you know, I have his book and it’s awesome – money well spent.

For the above, it’s important to get your hips under your opponent’s center of gravity. Your knees should be bent, your butt pushing right up into the hips. To pick him up, you straighten your legs and NOT lift with your back. You need to lift him up, getting his center of gravity disconnected from the ground.

Leg Lifter

For this one, it still hold true from the first video – lift his center of gravity, but you are now doing it with your leg. This move requires some grace that only comes through practice.

Combo Example

You see a lot of stuff going on here – good overhook control and a fine attempt at the leg lifter throw. When it doesn’t quite takedown the opponent, Nogueira hits him with an ankle pick and sends him to the ground. Also of note, watch how quickly Nogueira moves into side control. Get in the habit of always pushing for side control the moment your takedowns are initiated. Never hang out after you hit the mat, you’ll get sucked into your opponents guard.

Here are a few vids on taking your opponent to the ground.