KODOKAN BRINGS BACK LEG GRABS IN JUDO!!!!!!!!

Summary

In this video, the speaker excitedly announces that leg grabs will be reintroduced to Judo at the All Japan Judo Championships starting April 29th next year. They break down the new rules, explaining that no penalties will be given for leg grabs when in a standing grip, but will be penalized if no grips are established. The speaker reflects on how the Kodokan has diverged from the International Judo Federation (IJF) in recent years, becoming more independent. This change could pressure the IJF to follow suit. They also discuss changes in Japan’s Judo coaching team and encourage viewers to share their thoughts.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Leg grabs are officially returning to Judo starting at the All Japan Judo Championships on April 29th next year.
• 🏅 The championships will continue using flags (hatah) to determine the winner by the end of the time limit.
• 🤼 Attacks or defenses involving hands under the belt are allowed when both fighters are gripped up, but Shido (penalty) will be given for leg attacks if they haven't gripped up.
• 🤔 The speaker thinks this is the best interpretation of leg grabs in Judo and is excited about the opportunities it presents.
• 💪 Techniques like Ko-uchi and ankle picks are expected to make a comeback, and leg grab defenses will create new dynamics in matches.
• 📜 Leg grabs were banned in Judo in 2010 by the International Judo Federation (IJF), and now the Kodokan is reintroducing them independently.
• 🇯🇵 Kodokan and IJF have diverged in recent years, with the Kodokan no longer closely following IJF rules.
• 🌍 There is speculation that the IJF might eventually follow Kodokan's lead and bring back leg grabs globally.
• 🏆 Kodokan's decision could put pressure on the IJF if this new leg-grabbing Judo gains popularity in Japan.
• 🔄 The Japanese Judo coaching staff has been restructured, with Suzuki now the male head coach and Scota Mikey the female head coach.

Q & A

What major rule change was recently announced for the All Japan Judo Championships?

The major rule change announced is the return of leg grabs in Judo, starting from the All Japan Judo Championships next year, on April 29th.

What are the specific rules regarding leg grabs that will be implemented?

No penalties (Shido) will be given for attacking or defending with hands under the belt when in a standing position with grips. However, if neither opponent has gripped up, Shido will be given for attacks under the belt.

What was the significance of the leg grab rule in 2010?

In 2010, the International Judo Federation (IJF) decided to change the rules and disallowed leg grabs in Judo, significantly altering the way the sport was practiced.

Why is the return of leg grabs considered a significant development for Judo?

The return of leg grabs is significant because it represents a major shift in Judo competition rules, allowing for more diverse techniques like ankle picks and Ko-uchi gari, which were limited after the 2010 ban.

How does the Kodokan’s rule change reflect its independence from the IJF?

The Kodokan's rule change reflects its independence because the Kodokan is no longer following the IJF's lead. It made the decision to bring back leg grabs without waiting for the IJF to do the same.

What potential effect could the Kodokan’s decision have on the IJF?

The Kodokan’s decision to bring back leg grabs could put pressure on the IJF to follow suit, as the Kodokan holds significant influence in the Judo community, and its exciting rule changes might prompt the IJF to consider similar adjustments.

How did the IJF and the Kodokan work together in the past regarding rule changes?

In the past, the IJF and Kodokan worked closely together, with the Kodokan often adopting the IJF’s rule changes within six months to a year, including rules around flags, golden score, and Shidos.

Who are the new coaching staff members for the Japanese national Judo team?

Suzuki has moved to Head Male Coach, while Mikey Scota is now the Female Coach, and H. Yam Toshi is the top head coach of the team.

What are some techniques that the speaker is excited to use with the return of leg grabs?

The speaker is excited to use techniques like Ko-uchi gari and ankle picks, which were restricted after the ban on leg grabs.

Why is the speaker unsure about fully embracing unrestricted leg dives in Judo?

The speaker expresses concerns about unrestricted leg dives as they prefer Judo to maintain its gripping and stand-up combat dynamics, rather than just diving for the legs, which might take away from the traditional flow of the sport.