Throwing Principles: Getting the Tempo
Judo is easier when you are a move ahead...
In chess, there's this concept of the "tempo," where you are effectively one (or more) moves ahead. That makes winning a lot easier. The way you get the tempo is to move in such a way that a) your opponent must respond to what you just did, and b) you are left in a better place even after your opponent's response.
The same thing exists in Judo, more or less. It's very easy to find yourself in a situation where you attack, your opponent stops your attack, and then you are both back at square one. If you are better conditioned than your opponent, this isn't a terrible event; otherwise, though, you really don't want to waste your energy. So you want to create a tempo and improve your position.
There are several ways to do this (and better Judoka will know more and better ways, I am sure). Here are a couple that I like:
- Be the inside of the circle: Those who have been working with me for any length of time know my love for the "whirling" approaches. You step to the opponent's front corner (typically when they step forward with their right foot, you step towards their right side with your left foot), pointing your toes in towards the opponent, then slide your other foot into place as you pull your opponent in a circle around you (I'll try to add a video, in case my explanation isn't doing it for you). Because your are at the center of the circle and your and your opponent is on the outside edge, he or she will have to travel farther. Assuming that you are both about the same speed, you'll be recovered from your step and able to launch an attack as they recover from theirs. You can do a ton of hip throws, sweeps, and other throws off of this approach.
- Help your opponent overcompensate: Another simple approach is to "help" your opponent. If they want to step forward, you "help" them step forward even further than they meant to. They then have to recover their balance, and if you are already set, you can take advantage during this recovery. A great example is when you pull your opponent forward and down as they step forward: they'll have to recover, either by taking another step forward, or driving themselves backwards. Either way, there are a plethora of throws you'll have at your disposal. And then you can bust up a plethora of piñatas at your victory celebration. (Three Amigos, anyone?)
