Basic Gripping for Opposite Stance Judo
In this session, Shintaro breaks down the essential gripping strategies for opposite stance matchups in Judo. He dives deep into the battle for inside vs. outside position, how to gain an advantage, and what to do when your opponent denies you access.
Right vs. Left: Understanding the Basics
Shintaro starts by explaining the fundamental setup of right vs. left (kenka-yotsu) gripping situations. Unlike right vs. right matchups, where both competitors naturally grab lapel and sleeve, opposite stance gripping creates unique challenges and opportunities. He highlights how shorter judokas typically favor the inside position, while taller judokas can use outside grips to control distance.
Shintaro: “If I’m much shorter than my opponent, like when I used to fight at 100kg against guys like Lukas Krpalek, there’s no way I’m playing outside position—I have to fight for the inside.”
Watch the full video here ↓
Inside vs. Outside Position – Which is Better?
A common misconception is that inside position is always better. Shintaro dispels this myth by demonstrating that a skilled opponent in the outside position can effectively block inside attacks and counter with their own techniques. He emphasizes that gripping battles are dynamic and depend on body type, timing, and opponent reactions.
Shintaro: “Inside position isn’t always better. If my opponent knows how to control the outside well, they can shut down my inside game completely.”
He explains how opponents can frame with their elbows to create barriers, limiting movement and making it difficult to apply traditional turn throws. On the other hand, a well-executed inside position allows for quick transitions to throws like osoto-gari and uchimata.
Fighting for Inside Control
One of the biggest takeaways from this session is how to establish inside control when both competitors are fighting for it. The key is getting the first grip.
Shintaro: “The person who gets their hand on first determines who wins the inside or outside battle.”
Shintaro outlines a series of grip-fighting techniques to deny the opponent’s inside grip while securing your own:
Parrying the hand: Blocking the opponent’s initial grip attempt before securing your own.
Posting the hand high: Redirecting their grip attempt to create an opening for your attack.
Fake and punch through: Using feints to bait a reaction before securing a grip.
He also demonstrates how to manipulate an opponent’s sleeve position, explaining that pulling their sleeve slightly across the centerline puts them at a disadvantage.
Shintaro: “If I can pull their sleeve just a little past the centerline, now I’m much closer to my throws than they are to theirs.”
Breaking Down Key Sequences
To reinforce these principles, Shintaro walks through live examples of common gripping battles. He shows how an opponent who successfully grabs the lapel first can immediately apply pressure and control the engagement. Conversely, failing to secure the initial grip can quickly lead to defensive situations where escape becomes difficult.
Shintaro: “If I let them get their grips first, they control the engagement. Now I’m playing defense instead of attacking.”
Final Thoughts
This session highlights the importance of grip fighting in opposite stance matchups. Whether it's securing the inside position, countering a strong outside grip, or breaking through defensive frames, controlling the gripping exchange is critical for success in Judo.
Want to refine your gripping strategy? Stay tuned for more in-depth breakdowns on positioning, angles, and attacking from both inside and outside grips.
Want to Level Up Your Judo?
For a deep dive into the fundamentals and techniques used at KBI, check out the Right Vs Right Grip Fighting Instructional: Available now at HigashiBrand.com.
What to do to get the grips on that YOU want. Funnel your opponent into your dominant grips to be able to unload your Judo in PEACE. This simple yet effective method will accelerate your game to the next level. These fundamentals are applicable throughout all levels of judo - Dont miss out - Get it today!