Osaekomi: Judo Masterclass Book by Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki

Osaekomi - the holds of judo - is the root of all ground work. With a sound and secure knowledge of the mechanics of getting an opponent on his back and holding him there, comes an understanding of judo that, in a way, is second to none.

Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki is widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of osaekomi of the last decades of the 20th century. During a highly successful competition career culminating in the world title in 1981, the majority of his victories came from ground work and osaekomi in particular.

This is the first book ever to concentrate purely on osaekomi and, as such presents a considerable challenge. The range of the classic holds is relatively small - less than a dozen - but the numbers of variations and methods of application are enormous.

And they are changing and developing all the time.

In this extremely clear explanation, Kashiwazaki deals with the basic holds, the variations, the weaknesses and the escapes. And then, in what is perhaps the most revealing aspect of the book, he presents the applications - the turnovers that enable the judoka to apply the holds.

This is the hardest aspect of ground work, but the most crucial. Out of the tangle of arms and legs on the tatami comes a clarity which simply transforms the whole subject of ground work.

Katame-waza (ground work) is often likened to a chess match where, unlike tachiwaza (standing), there is time to consider, time to plan, time to lead the opponent into a trap which cannot be broken.

Osaekomi is the guide-book to a high level of mastery. A careful study will inevitably lead to a greater success in randori and competition - and a greater understanding of the fundamental principles of judo.

Contents:

Foreword.
A Personal View
A History of Osaekomi
A Technical Introduction
Yoko-shiho-gatame
Kami-shiho-gatame
Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame
Tate-shiho-gatame
Kesa-gatame.
Ushiro-kesa-gatame
Kata-gatame
Ura-gatame
Uki-gatame.
Applications
When your opponent is on all fours . .
When you are below your opponent . .
When your opponent is below
When you are below.
Various escapes and traps
Training Exercises .
Competition Osaekomi
Index

Softcover
112 pages
Language: English