The Most Painful Throws in Judo: A Deep Dive
The Most Painful Throws in Judo: A Deep Dive
For many judokas, the sport of judo is not just about skill, technique, and strategy, but also about the pain and impact that certain throws can create. In this article, we will explore some of the most painful throws in judo, as told by an experienced judoka. From uchi mata to hane makikomi, these techniques are not only devastating but can also be dangerous if not performed correctly. Let's dive into the world of judo with a slice of its most painful moments.
Understanding the Pain Factor in Judo
When we speak of pain in judo, it's important to recognize the difference between techniques that are simply painful and those that are dangerous or detrimental to the health of the opponent. The keyword here is “painful”. While many throws can be excruciating, some are banned due to their potential to cause serious injury. In this article, we will focus on the throws that are painful and explore why they are so effective.
Uchi Mata: A Beautiful Yet Painful Technique
Uchi Mata, often known for its elegant execution, can also be one of the most painful throws in judo. Imagine a high-level judoka executing this throw with incredible precision. The opponent’s foot leaves the mat, and before they can react, they are facedown on the ground. It's a breathtaking move, but the pain can be intense, especially if the thrower's leg finds the wrong spot.
“Trained with a high-level guy who is very good at this technique. He would move in a flash, and it felt like a kick. My feet would leave the mat, and then I would fall on my back almost instantly,” explains our judoka. “The problem was, his throwing leg would go right in the middle, and you can see where that lands.”
Other Painful Throws in Judo
While uchi mata is a classic and effective throw, there are other techniques that can be equally painful:
Ura Nage
Ura nage and kata guruma are old-school falling techniques that can be quite painful if not done properly. The use of the opponent's momentum and the tori's (the thrower) leg can create a significant impact. In certain occasions, it might feel like being hit suddenly, leading to a fall that can cause considerable pain.
Ippon Seoi Nage
The ippon seoi nage is a competitive throw designed to send an opponent flying and landing face down. When performed correctly, it can be fierce, but in some instances, this throw can result in a painful impact, especially if the thrower applies too much force. In a serious situation, judokas have been known to drive their opponents' heads into the mat with this technique.
In my opinion, it is the ippon seoi nage or shoulder throw. This is used in competition and tournaments to throw an opponent onto their back, or you can drop your knees and drive them onto their forehead if you are in a serious situation.
Osoto Makikome: The Ultimate Painful Throw
The osoto makikome is a throw where the judoka places their body in a spin, trapping the opponent's shoulder, and simultaneously forcing the supporting knee away. As a judoka, I remember using this throw, and it dislocated my opponent's shoulder and tore the ligament in the knee. Needless to say, it was a powerful and painful move.
“This throw, when done correctly, can be incredibly destructive. You throw your opponent over your side by springing them up using your leg and your weight. In one motion, they are thrown a couple of feet into the air and brought back down. The move is quite destructive; opponents are often landing on their head, shoulder, or back, often ending the match,” the judoka explains.
Hane Makikomi: A Highly Dangerous Move
Finally, we have the hane makikomi, a powerful throw that combines a jump and a spin. The move involves throwing the opponent over your side, but it can be destructive if not performed correctly. This was known to us as “holding through impact.” The move is quite destructive, and opponents are often land on their head, shoulder, or back, often ending the match.
“The hane makikomi is my favorite throw. When performing this move, you spring your opponent up using your leg and their weight. In one motion, they are thrown a couple of feet into the air and brought back down. The move is quite destructive, and opponents are often landing on their head, shoulder, or back, often ending the match,” the judoka states.
“However, it is important to note that the move is highly dangerous. In 1980, a match involving a kane basame or flying scissors throw resulted in the opponent's knee being forcibly twisted in an unnatural way. This resulted in the move being banned because it poses a significant risk of severe injury.”
Conclusion
While the sport of judo is filled with beautiful and skillful techniques, some can be quite painful and dangerous. From uchi mata to hane makikomi, these throws can leave a lasting impact on the judoka and their opponent. However, it is important to note that some of these throws have been banned due to their potential to cause serious injury. As a judoka, it is crucial to practice these techniques with caution and under the supervision of experienced instructors.