Kuzushi To Ne-Waza: The Judo Player's Ground Flow Setups

Apply judo throwing principles to ground fighting, focusing on creating kuzushi (off-balancing) from standing positions to secure dominant ground control. It bridges tachi-waza (standing techs) w/ ne-waza (ground techs) through strategic grips & entries, continuous pressure & positional advancement

Flow outline

  1. Standing

    • Key detail: initial tachi-waza position where kuzushi is established through proper posture, gripping strategy, and movement. is where you create breaking of balance that leads to effective throws and takedowns

  2. Grab Sleeve And Collar

    • Once set, a fundamental judo grip that controls uke's upper body, allowing for kuzushi in multiple directions. grip sets up ashi-waza (foot techniques) and hip throws by controlling posture and creating openings

  3. Grab Sleeve

    • Key detail: quick note: a single-sleeve grip that isolates one arm, creating lateral kuzushi. grip is excellent for setting up arm drags, foot sweeps, and attacks to exposed side of uke's body. angle matters

  4. Arm Drag

    • Key detail: a kuzushi technique that pulls uke's arm across their body, breaking their posture and creating an opening for back exposure or takedowns. is essentially applying tsukuri (fitting in) for a rear attack

  5. Shoot

    • Quick note: A committed entry similar to a judo penetration step, designed to close distance and secure leg attacks. requires proper kuzushi to avoid being countered with a sprawl or defensive posture

  6. Single Leg

    • From here, usually a leg attack that isolates one of uke's legs, applying kuzushi forward or sideways. control of leg is maintained through proper head position and driving pressure, similar to maintaining control in a throw

  7. Double Leg

    • A powerful leg attack that takes both of uke's legs, driving through with full body commitment. requires explosive kuzushi forward to break uke's base and secure takedown. Angle matters

  8. Sprawl

    • Most of the time A defensive counter to leg attacks that uses hip pressure and base to defend against takedowns. is essentially applying defensive kuzushi to maintain your standing position and counter-attack

  9. Standing Back

    • If they frame, a position where you have achieved control of uke's back while standing, creating maximum kuzushi for rear takedowns. is standing equivalent of having back control in ne-waza. switch if it stalls

  10. De Ashi Barai

    • Key detail: when it happens, a timing foot sweep that sweeps uke's advancing foot, using their forward momentum against them. classic ashi-waza technique requires precise kuzushi and timing to execute effectively

  11. Foot Sweep

    • when it happens, a general category of ashi-waza techniques that use foot to sweep uke's supporting leg. these require proper kuzushi to unbalance uke before executing sweeping motion

  12. Schoolboy Takedown

    • If they frame, a simple takedown that uses over-under control to take uke to mat. applies basic kuzushi principles through control of uke's upper body and off-balancing. pay attention to posture

  13. Rear Trip Takedown

    • Once set, most of the time a takedown from back position that uses a trip or hook to take uke down. applies kuzushi backward or sideways while maintaining control of uke's upper body

  14. Tai Otoshi

    • A hand technique throw that uses body drop and arm control to throw uke over leg. requires strong kuzushi forward and proper tsukuri to execute throwing motion. Switch if it stalls

  15. Ground

    • Often transition to ne-waza after a successful throw or takedown. is where you maintain kuzushi from throw to establish dominant ground control and continue attacking

  16. Grab Wrist And Armpit

    • A grip that controls uke's arm and upper body, similar to judo lapel and sleeve control. grip creates kuzushi for hip throws and upper body attacks. Timing over strength

  17. Ogoshi Grip Uchimata

    • Quick note: A variation of uchimata executed from an ogoshi (hip throw) grip. combines lifting power of ogoshi with leg action of uchimata for a powerful throw. Don’t force it

  18. Ogoshi

    • From here, a fundamental hip throw that lifts uke over hip. requires deep kuzushi and proper tsukuri to get uke's center of gravity over your hip for throw

  19. Ground

    • Key detail: usually ne-waza position achieved after a hip throw. from here, you maintain kuzushi from throw to secure osaekomi (hold down) or transition to submissions

  20. Ankle Pick

    • A leg attack that targets uke's ankle, using a pulling motion to take them down. requires precise kuzushi to break uke's balance before securing ankle

  21. Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi

    • When it happens, A foot technique that blocks uke's advancing foot while lifting their upper body. creates kuzushi in a circular motion, throwing uke to mat. Pay attention to posture

  22. Okuri Ashi Harai

    • When it happens, A sweeping foot technique that attacks both of uke's feet in a sliding motion. requires timing and kuzushi to sweep uke's feet out from under them

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