Video 31: Off the Grip Drills
All of Ronda Rousey’s videos, advice, and judo time have culminated in these drills. You’ve learned so much and know so many judo techniques that now they need to be second nature. These drills are for completely off the grip throws.
Here are the main things:
1. Start with o soto gari.
Hands up! Static, no one moves. Instead of grasping, setting up that grip, and executing, these throws that you’ve already learned are going to be done as soon as you feel the judo gi tight in your palms.
2. Grab and throw all at once.
There can be no hesitation because this is going to mimic a judo match. Just get your grip and go for it with total commitment. You can always start slow at first and then build up speed later, but the throws need to happen as soon as you get the grip.
3. Try it with harai goshi!
Again with another throw! Grip that sleeve and throw your other arm up for the head and arm toss. Do both sides and drill, drill, drill.
4. Uke: Tuck your chin!
Uke—that’s the person receiving the throw—make sure you tuck that head in. No one wants a cracked skull or even a bumped noggin in training. Always protect yourself during judo time. Let’s get out of training safely. Ronda Rousey doesn’t want anyone hurt.
5. Try it with ogoshi.
You’re getting it by now. Go back to that beginner throw and do it off the grip. Snatch up the back of the opponent’s (or uke’s) judo gi with the sleeve gripped in the other arm. Take them down with one fluid motion.
6. Try it with o uchi too!
Draw the ‘O’, ballerina step, grip up your opponent, and send them down to the ground quickly. This is almost like a CliffsNotes condensed judo throw session of all you’ve learned so far.
7. No hands kosoto!
Rushing bearhug clothesline! Obviously, that’s not delving into the intricacies of the kosoto, but you’ve already learned that and practiced it a ton, right? You should be able to do it as quickly as “Rowdy” Ronda!
Use this drill to brush up on all your throws and sweeps you’ve learned during judo time and perfect them. This next drill is super fun. Watch out for zombies!