Selected Technique

The technique chosen by a teacher to present to a class will be selected on the bases of assessment of the level of skill and ability of the group as well as relevance to the structure of any syllabus.

For example, if teaching a class of beginners a technique such as Osoto-Gari (Major Outer Reaping) might be chosen as a Nage-Waza (Throwing Technique) and Hon-Kesa-Gatame (Normal Scarf Hold) as a Katame-Waza (Grappling Technique). Both these techniques contain elements that are relatively simple for a novice to assimilate and apply to achieve a credible result. However, although these may be taught as primary techniques, they also contain sufficient complexity for the teacher to expand on and relate to other techniques.

When teaching Osoto-Gari, Ukemi (Breakfall), Kumi (Holding), Shin-Tai (Walking) and Tai-Sabaki (Body Management) should be considered as essential as Kzushi (Breaking Balance), Tskuri (Positioning) and Kake (Execution). Likewise, for Hon-Kesa-Gatame the basic principles including Tai-Sabaki and leverage should be demonstrated as well as the positioning and execution.

It is essential to relate the demonstration of a selected technique to Judo principles and not teach by rote as technical 'tricks'. This is especially important for beginners who should be made aware of the underlying technical basis of all movement.

rev 28/03/99

© Roger Marks

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