r/judo • u/Yamatsuki_Fusion sankyu • 4h ago

Technique Uchi-Mata wrist

One thing I notice about some Uchi-Mata is that a number of players will throw with a bent Tsurite wrist. How important is this for Uchi-Mata?

I would prefer to keep a strong straight wrist if possible as I feel putting pressure on it is quite uncomfortable. But if it actually helps with Uchi-Mata then maybe I need to just bite the bullet and try.

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u/IlIlllIIIlllllI shodan 4h ago

do whatever works and feels good!

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u/rtsuya Nidan | Hollywood Judo | Tatami Talk Podcast 1h ago

How important is this for Uchi-Mata?

i think you're focusing on the wrong thing. you should be focusing on how to pull uke's head off to the side / forward. In many cases (but not all) the wrist bend tends to bend because it allows you to raise your elbow up higher and pull forward more effectively, but it depends on many other factors so its not a hard rule.

This is an example of why in most cases, external focus of attentions in coaching is much more effective than internal.

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u/Yamatsuki_Fusion sankyu 1h ago

So it depends on whether it actually helps you achieve the 'tilt' required for Uchi-Mata then? I suppose that checks out.

I think it was explained to me that its more helpful when you want to elbow up from a collarbone lapel grip. I don't do Uchi-Mata from there, so maybe there is something to it.

Lots of interesting details to play with behind the throw, but I guess in the end whatever breaks them into that right angle L posture is what matters most. Everything else is minute.

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u/rtsuya Nidan | Hollywood Judo | Tatami Talk Podcast 40m ago

Basically yes, your body should be able to self organize with enough practice against resisting opponents in varying scenarios. Lapel grip in the collar bone area is one common scenario but if you look up uchimata highlights you can see many cases where it doesn't happen.

Everytime someone explains something to me (or on YouTube) as if it's a hard rule I try to see if what I see in the IJF circuit says otherwise..

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u/NTHG_ sankyu 4h ago

I have the same question. I get why it works when I tried it using a light resistance band (it's the most natural thing to happen if I let my arm relax and lead the rotation with my shoulder, ending in elbow-up), but against a person in judogi I can't maintain a strong grip through the throw (my fingers naturally open up when my wrist bends).

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u/KosotoGari 2h ago

Those players are doing it wrong. In Judo, you're gonna want straight locked up wrists 100% of the time, there are no safe exceptions.

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u/NTHG_ sankyu 1h ago

Harasawa, Olympic silver uchi-mata specialist, demonstrates practical uchi-mata with a bent tsurite wrist on his IG. There was also a previous discussion on here where someone said it's called neko tekubi in Japanese.

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u/IM1GHTBEWR0NG 4h ago

Uchi Mata isn’t particularly grip dependent IMO, unless you’re going for the hip style and attacking the far leg in which case I’d recommend an underhook, Georgian, or other grip that allows a good, deep hip entry.

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u/Yamatsuki_Fusion sankyu 2h ago

I know that. I’m taking specifically about the lapel/high collar grip and how some players bend their wrists for the throw.

I am capable of doing my Uchi-Mata without close in grips, and I don’t find them necessary. Actually I enjoy being able to fire away at range.