The speed in judo and as every fighting sport is essential, one of my favorite phrases that I heard about speed is “ speed beat power “, I had thought a long time about that phrase, and I experienced that it is true.
In judo, speed has a significant contribution to success, and to achieve the maximum speed on the execution of the techniques, training, and repetition is essential.
One of the most used training on judo is to improve the uchikomi. In This article will look at how to improve the uchikomi, and I will explain to the beginners what the uchikomi is .
What is the uchikomi in judo? Uchikomi can be described as drilling practice or repeating techniques repeatedly to develop speed and proper movements. The primary purpose of uchikomi is to acquire the technical ability, although it can also serve as a specific physical-conditioning practice (to develop power and aerobic conditioning).
Advantages training uchikomi
Uchikomi training develops automation of the throw, so it is essential to repeat the throws as correctly and identically as possible.
Doing so will ensure you acquire the proper technique and your muscles follow the exact movements used in the technique.
How improve uchikomi in judo
Practice your repetitions smoothly and rhythmically. Gradually, as you become more familiar with the technique, in the way that you can increase your speed and intensity and eventually replicate it as you would in competition.
Training on the speed with uchikomi training will help power because speed is a component of power.
So by training speed, you will also improve power.
While you are training, the actions of a techniques need to be learned by the body’s nervous system and then must be put into practice.
Important tips for uchikomi
- An important key factor is to perform the actions properly to take special care in the phase of learning the technique correctly.
- Learn the basic fundamental movements of a specific technique.
- Rather than practice only a static throw, therefore, create the dynamism of a match situation and perform the method as you would in competition
- Perform many and many times the repetitions of a technique to link the techniques practiced in the dojo and those applied in competition.
Is uchikomi an effective training for judo?
Uchikomi remains an integral method for judo, and sometimes the techniques are challenging to reproduce, particularly in competitions. To achive the success of a technique while you are training, you can try to put some resistance like bands if you are preparing alone.
Uchikomi types
Before we saw the importance of uchikomi in judo and the advance that this particular training can bring to, now it is time to see the different types of uchikomi used for training,
These are:
Static Uchikomi
In static uchikomi, you attack from a stationary position (no preliminary movement).
Shadow Uchikomi
This drill is valuable for improving footwork and quick body movements without a
partner. Shadow uchikomi is analogous to the boxer who uses shadowboxing.
Power Uchikomi (Three Person)
Execute the repetition with greater power by continuing further into kake. The third
person holds the uke from behind to keep him or her from being thrown.
How do you use Uchikomi bands?
The use of bands on uchikomi training is primarily made to improve your ability to throw your opponent.
The bands are usually used in conjunction with exercises, with the advantage to improve your grip and muscle.
The bands are used to improve the ability to throw the opponents built resistance bands used in conjunction with the exercises and significantly improve your grip strength and fitness.
Here you can see an example of the use of the bands on an uchikomi section.
NAEF Uchikomi Bands Join the Kuzushi Revolution! – YouTube
How long does it take to get good at judo?
Judo, as other martial arts, needs time to become good, but the base of our experience on martial arts the success and how fast can you grow in judo ( in general everywhere or any others martial arts ) depends upon some factors like:
- Time dedicated to training
- How do you train
- Concentration during the training
- Mental health ( concentration)
- Physical shape
When a person puts on something will be in the most of the case paid off in the future; more time and dedication we put on training and exercise more high probability we have to achieve our goal to become a very good judoka.
How do you train will make a difference in judoka’s future; some particular training types as the uchikomi, are generally focused on repetition. In judo, this is an essential part of your journey to become a better judoka.
Other factors affecting a judoka’s future are the concentration that we put during the training; if you are passionate and put 100% of your effort, nobody can stop you from achieving the best results.
Last but not for importance is your physical condition at the actual moment.
A definite and performed body will help you to become a better judo player in more fast time, without losing time also on this aspect.
Now it is time to see all the necessary and if it is possible to train alone on judo?
How do you train judo alone?
Training on judo at home is for sure more problematic than other martial sports, like boxing, kickboxing, and so on, that with a bag, can you solve the problem or almost.
You can train judo at home, but it will depend upon some important factors, like:
- Level of your experience in judo
- Space at home
- With a partner or without
If you are at an intermediate level on judo, with 6-10 months of training, you already have the basics of the judo, and you can apply the uchikomi, to improve your judo.
Before starting a training section, be sure to have enough space, and that around you, don’t have any types of obstructions.
If you are a beginner and want to start judo, you can still apply the uchikomi, techniques, ( that as we saw, consist of the repetition of movement “ in general speaking” ).
Important tips for beginners that want to start judo at home are the following:
- Before starting judo, make culture about that martial art, also reading some good book.
- Maintain or achieve a better body shape
- Focus on movements and repetitions
- Try to understand the movements by watching tutorials, and others source available on the internet
- Try to implement the uchikomi
- As soon as you have the possibility, sign up for a judo gym
If you will follow these easy tips, the success of starting your journey in judo in the best manner is ensured.
If you are a beginner is essential that in the first time that you practice judo, not make an error, and that you do not build inadequate habitat, for this reason, make an only simple technique. My best advice is to work on footwork movements and coordination, to arrive well prepared the first day to start judo.
Conclusion
The uchikomi training is a fundamental part of the judoka train; as we saw before, it guarantees significant velocity and strictly direct power. If you are an intermediate or advanced judo player, our advice is to continue training on uchikomi or starting as soon as possible.
There are many other training methodologies for a judo player. Still, for sure, the uchikomi is considered one of the best not only for judo but also for other martial arts.