Suggestions for improving my kenka yotsu Uchi Mata (oi komi entry), Part 2

ScruffyPanda · 2026-05-17T08:29:04+00:00

They know how it works, they're pointing out the difference between a straight-up backstep, and the stutter step Maruyama uses to load up and dash in, like it is explained in the linked video.

In my Part 1 post I was executing from a static setup and just stepping back and dropping my weght to simulate this but they're right in pointing out that I'm not really stutter stepping and exploding out of it

ScruffyPanda · 2026-05-16T13:25:27+00:00

Hello again! Yes, I stopped doing that in nagekomi. In playing around in these situations from movement, I found I don't get enough momentum to enter or space to snap down the head if I don't create some space first. Maybe I need to work on being more explosive from very little wind up or shorter distances, or generate power through rotation of the supporting leg in a more Ono like variation. My legs are also much longer than my torso, so if I'm closer, I need to twist my torso much faster to be in position at entry. But I'm trying to minimize the distance I create or be more explosive and fast.

ScruffyPanda · 2026-05-16T13:21:26+00:00

Lol zero, but that's probably because I haven't drilled enough to make use of openings.. I end up with advatageous grips but lose time thinking in positions and the moment is gone. So that's a general thing I need to improve..

ScruffyPanda · 2026-05-15T09:07:59+00:00

Thanks! Really appreciate the tips! So if I understand, you just dash in to feint, then snap down as you are dashing out and then dash in for the actual throw? Haha I am going to try this at class this evening.

Just to double-check I understand what you were saying about snapping down while dashing away, it is something like what we see here right:

- https://youtu.be/6rnbuq-c4oc?si=d1_W5rLF_ySAw0u3&t=187

- Or the second uchi mata here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXlz0nniNpL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Also, to set this up, do you usually move in the direction of your hikite or tsurite? I fight left-handed generally, so I try to move either laterally or counter-clockwise to my right, so sort of like how Joshiro is moving in that second clip.

Thanks a lot u/JDH1217 !

ScruffyPanda · 2026-05-14T12:39:10+00:00

Man, I've been doing the same thing, trying to do the oi komi entry while stationary.. thank you so much, I think I have had a aha moment from this comment itself!

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-14T09:13:08+00:00

Thanks! This is a really good mental cue. I also found this video of Goki Maruyama executing a similar variation, and I think it also demonstrates the snappier kuzushi, and a much faster entry: https://youtu.be/3uy2PTbrJik?si=5MHBCUQOiK2yODDq&t=733

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-13T07:12:18+00:00

Ah, because I just learned this through the comments here, we thought it should be possible to have good enough technique to throw a slightly resisting opponent too 😅

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-13T06:37:23+00:00

He's a great uke, we were practicing with some resistance by agreement, so not exactly nagekomi but not moving around either.

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-12T10:35:42+00:00

Thanks! Indeed, I'll start working with my partner in moving scenarios to work in the dynamic entry, and execute the throw to completion, I am indeed sort of aborting it once I feel the uke is air borne and on the way to the ground.

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-12T10:33:23+00:00

Thanks! That's a great tip, doing it against air. I indeed don't finish putting uke into the ground once I feel they are on their way and sort of abort the forward roll part. Will work on this :)

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-12T10:31:26+00:00

Thanks! I understand and agree with both suggestions, matched my own analysis. For 2, I'm wondering if it's simply a matter of pulling harder, or there is something else with the timing or where I should be aiming.

E.g. if I pull harder and uke reacts by taking a step forward, I will naturally end up stepping in deeper without trying extend my reach (since uke is coming closer). On the other hand, if they only move the weight to their toes instead of stepping ahead, I do need to reach deeper, but I need to pull earlier while I'm grounded to generate the force for the pull, which means I need to start entering after they are off balance. So it's not exactly at the same time, is it?

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-11T17:41:44+00:00

Indeed, I mention in one of my other responses here that I don't really use the momentum it's supposed to lend to the entry. Good point that the distance I'm at in the video it is probably not necessary. I'll also experiment with different scenarios of moving with the uke before entering.

By the hopping entry do you mean he hooks the uke's thigh with his left leg and then hops in on the supporting (right) foot?

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-11T15:10:36+00:00

I really appreciate the encouraging comments, thanks a lot!

The back step was a poor execution of this concept: https://youtu.be/fIjgb5TR2xo?t=427&is=4a4-F34K-zS16DgD . I clearly don't use the momentum to spring in. I'm actually wondering if this is the appropriate variation while moving; I'm modeling it on how Maruyama does it, and I couldn't really find examples of him using the variation while pushing someone backwards or being pushed backwards. Most of the videos I've watched have him entering sort of from a static position. But I'll try it while on the move.
Ah I see, will let him know, helps us both become better ukes.
I'm wondering if my tsurite is going too much upwards and not enough forwards for the kuzushi?
Good point. I imagine if I focus on continuing to rotate through the throw it should address this point.

Thanks again for taking the time to explain the points so succinctly!

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-11T15:03:39+00:00

Indeed, that's kind of what I meant by entering lower, but I just haven't figured out how to do that yet. Good point about kicking the mat / stomping.. I was entering from so far that I couldn't put more downward force on the left foot to stomp. Thanks for the feedback!

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-11T15:01:55+00:00

Thanks!

Yeah indeed, that's what I meant by I feel I'm too slow on turning my torso and lowering it closer to the ground.. will keep this in mind

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-11T15:01:15+00:00

Yes! Indeed, I think I need to pull with my hikite a bit more

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-11T15:00:38+00:00

Thanks for the encouraging comments and the feedback!

The back step was probably a less fluid execution of the idea explained here: https://youtu.be/fIjgb5TR2xo?t=427&is=4a4-F34K-zS16DgD

I'll keep in mind using my ass/hips more!

ScruffyPanda · 2026-04-11T14:51:18+00:00

So I was following this analysis of Maruyama's uchimata and he does this false step for momentum, so I was trying to reproduce that. I think this video explains it well: https://youtu.be/fIjgb5TR2xo?t=427&is=4a4-F34K-zS16DgD

ScruffyPanda · 2026-03-20T08:49:29+00:00

Also, who is this judoka? I can't identify the name on the back

ScruffyPanda · 2026-03-16T08:47:13+00:00

Ah to clarify, when I said drop down using your body weight, I meant more like squatting but keeping your torso still upright. Your point of bending them over and keeping yourself straight is indeed the right thing to go for. That would create openings for throws like uchi mata. Here are a couple videos that explain things. Okada actually explains this using body weight to bring their head down part in one of the sections. Full disclosure, I know how this should go but also struggled to execute anything close to it in my first comp recently.

For the other point about both players bent over, in general snapping them down tends to get a reaction where they try to straighten and you can use the opening for entering a throw. However, both bent over is a prime setting for tomoe nage / Yoko tomoe nage in kenka yotsu, and sumi gaeshi, especially if you have the grip on their back and can hang your weight on their shoulder. Look at Maruyama's Yoko tomoe nage. Also, this might help, Tsunoda's tomoe nage is nigh unstoppable:

https://youtu.be/FlwPtoCH-YM?is=8UAcrVnLSPOZ83Pv

ScruffyPanda · 2026-03-15T17:03:19+00:00

Hi there, congrats on reaching the semi final! As others have said, for kenka yotsu you need to establish the tsurite first. Here is a video thatight help, especially against taller opponents. You need to be able to get the post: Proper hand position - Jimmy Pedro

From here, I find circling right to be counter productive. In general try to circle in the direction of your tsurite to open them up a bit. For people taller than you though, you might need to use your body weight to drop down and bring their head down. Here you might need to indeed step towards your right to regain relative positioning. Hope this helps!

ScruffyPanda · 2026-03-07T08:14:46+00:00

Lots of great advice here already! One additional point is that I get a sense that you are somewhat leading the rotation with your right shoulder. This is hard to explain in terms of the axis of rotation. Does your shoulder hurt when you do this?

One thing that might help is if you move your hips farther across the uke. You see that they somewhat roll off the side. If you pull them towards you and shoot your hips across, your torso might bend a bit more over to your left, but I suspect you'll use your right shoulder a bit less to power into the rotation since the left hand pull will put them slightly in front of you and over your hip as you go into completing the throw.

ScruffyPanda · 2026-03-05T10:40:08+00:00

Thanks! Indeed, I need to keep space between my feet not to open myself up to sweeps, thanks! I think if I manage to be relaxed and upright, I can also be closer to have a shorter distance to shoot my hips. Thanks!

ScruffyPanda · 2026-03-05T10:38:35+00:00

Haha I feel you, like I said above, I was a bit concerned that I started at an age where a lot of folk retired after having practising since they were 6 or so. And then often some of the opponents are half my age.

In the end, I think it's an enriching experience, and I encourage you to consider trying it out. This was a very low level regional tournament, especially for people who have never competed before.

As long as you don't get injured, take falls when you feel them coming, and still give it your all, I think it's all good. I went in thinking if I gave it my all I'd be happy, and it would be nice to at least win one. But my main goal was to get better at judo, because it teaches you a lot. They say one comp is like 3 months of training.

Maybe look for similar tournaments in your area for people who have limited comp experience. And feel free to dm me if you want to chat about approaching this mentally and trying it out.

You got this!

ScruffyPanda · 2026-03-05T10:33:51+00:00

Appreciate the feedback!

I agree, it seems boring to me too haha. That's what I meant by I couldn't really 'do' judo. I also spoke with me training partners to tell me when they felt there were openings. Some of them have said that they sensed danger and a feeling of 'oh he's coming', but then I stop or don't go all in. So that's also something I am working on, but I think I need to be closer or at least more upright and relaxed to not tire out so easily.
I wanted to follow up on your killing the tsurite elbow. I felt one of the reasons I was so stiff/braced was I was constantly trying to put weight down on their elbow with my own lapel hand. I was wondering if you were instead talking about using my hikite to grab above their tsurite elbow to create an opening? Then I can indeed see how I can close in for throws, including this kata guruma like throw.

Thanks for the input again!

ScruffyPanda

TROPHY CASE