Ashiwaza I: Judo Masterclass Book by Nobuyuki Sato

Footsweeps are one of the most effective techniques in judo. Even the very strongest opponents have to move at some point, which makes them immediately vulnerable to a sweep, no matter how strong their gripping defence.

This volume on ashiwaza deals with four of the most dramatic judo footsweeps: de-ashi-barai, okuri-ashi-barai, harai-tsuri-komi-ashi and sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi. Most top competitors have at least one of these in their repertoire, and they are seen regularly in competition.

Nobuyuki Sato used them in his highly successful competitive career, which included winning two world titles and the coveted All-Japan Championships title - even though he was only a lightweight. As a manager of the men's team in the 1970s and 1980s he put his knowledge to good effect.

Ashiwaza represents, therefore, an accumulation of unrivalled competition and coaching experience at the very highest level. It is an absorbing study, especially in the way he considers each technique in terms of the grip that makes the throw possible. This, on its own, makes the book the most original and useful analysis of judo ever written.

Sato looks at the history of footsweeps before considering the four throws individually. He explains the basic styles, combinations and counters through copious illustrations, designed to give the feeling of the smooth, sweeping actions.

As in all the Masterclass series, Sato also considers the self-defence applications, and concludes with an inspiring collection of contest photographs from major international events. Ashiwaza is essential reading for all practising judoka.

Contents:

Foreword
Ashiwaza: A Personal View
A History of Ashiwaza
The Basics
De-Ashi-Barai
Sasae-Tsuri-Komi-Ashi
Harai-Tsuri-Komi-Ashi
Okuri-Ashi-Barai
Training for Ashiwaza
Self-Defence
Competition Ashiwaza
Index

Softcover
111 pages
Language: English