Picture courtesy of Tobstone
In judo and aikido, the thrower tends to end up in different places in relation to the guy being thrown. These differences are related to the different goals of the two arts.
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In judo, most of the throws happen straight into the ground and the thrower ends up beside the faller, holding one arm or sleeve, frequently with one knee pressing the faller's belly (ukigatame) to keep him from turning over. This ending position in judo facilitates the thrower continuing the attack by moving into groundwork toward a pin or submission.
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In aikido, the throws tend to project the faller away, separating them from the thrower completely. Or if the thrower and faller do stay in contact then the thrower ends up standing above one of the faller's shoulders, diagonally away from all the faller's limbs except the one being controlled. This is a position of safety, from which it is relatively difficult for the faller to continue an attack.
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In either case, whether you intend to continue the attack or make it harder for the other guy to continue his attack, controlling this ending position is an important part of zanshin (follow-through or awareness). During practice I recommend my students end up in the appropriate ending place for whichever art we are doing.
____________Patrick Parker, is a Christian, husband, father, judo and aikido teacher, Program Director for a Cardiac Rehab, and a Ph.D. Contact: mokurendojo@gmail.com or phone 601.248.7282
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