In judo, every grip and movement counts—but what happens when you combine the power of both hands and your head? In this advanced breakdown, Shintaro Higashi shows how to use your left hand, right hand, and head in harmony to dominate grip exchanges, break stubborn holds, and set up unstoppable attacks.

Why the Triple Threat Matters

Most judoka focus on hand fighting, but adding your head as a third point of control unlocks new levels of leverage and pressure. Think of it like playing piano: each hand does something different, and your foot works the pedal. In judo, your head is that “pedal”—an extra tool to manipulate your opponent.

“Leveling up your judo right away using this concept—using your right hand, left hand, and your head all together in a synergistic way.”

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Key Concepts & Techniques

1. Pressure and Pop: Using the Head for Grip Breaks

When your opponent’s hand is high and you can’t reach, use your chin or forehead to apply pressure to their wrist. This makes their grip uncomfortable, creating the perfect moment to pop their hand off and launch your attack.

Example: Chin over their hand, apply downward pressure, then pop the grip and attack.
Benefit: Frees your attacking hand for immediate offense.

2. Push-Pull with the Forehead

To prevent your opponent from turning and countering, use your forehead to block their shoulder while pulling back on their armpit or sleeve. This push-pull locks them in place, giving you control and freeing your other hand for grip work.

Example: Forehead on their shoulder, pull back on the armpit, and set up your favorite sleeve grip.
Benefit: Stops their rotation and opens up new attack angles.

3. Right vs. Left: Dynamic Adjustments

In right-vs-left scenarios, the triple-threat approach shines. If your opponent pulls their hand away, use your head and hands together to keep pressure, adjust your grip, and enter for throws.

Example: Apply pressure with your hand and chin, look for sleeve openings, and adjust as they react.
Benefit: Maintains control in the scramble and keeps your attacks flowing.

Pro Tips for Training

Think Synergy: Don’t just rely on hands—train your head positioning and pressure as part of every grip exchange.
Drill Both Sides: Practice these concepts from right-vs-right and right-vs-left stances.
Attack in Combination: Use grip breaks, head pressure, and immediate follow-up attacks as a single sequence.

Try It Yourself—and Shop the Latest Gear

Want to level up your grip game? Drill these grip breaks and hand-fighting tactics in your next session. And don’t forget to check out HigashiBrand.com for new gis, hoodies, and the latest mystery discounts!

“We have a lot of new gees coming out. Hoodies, shirts, everything. We have a new mystery discount thing happening, too. Mystery discount. It’s all amazing.”

Special thanks to Sensei Brian Glick for helping break down these subtle but game-changing details!

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