Tree Uchikome

[LA3390]

Hi everyone. I've just recently started coming on these forums regularly and I can say I am sorry I didn't start sooner. Anyway, on to my question:

I've started doing I'll call it "tree uchikome" at home to improve my pull and form for judo. For those who dont know(which I doubt are many) its where you tie a belt around a tree, hold it with both hands like you hold a opponents gi and perform about 100 uchikomes for Ippon seoi nagae. Now, my question is this: do I just pull as hard as I can against the tree as I do the practice? Is it normal to feel your back and shoulders slammed into the tree? Or am I doing something wrong, and ignoring some subtle details? Cause I pull, hard. So hard, my back has bruises from being slammed into a tree. Repeatedly. And I feel as if I'm backing into my "practice partner" and I know that's wrong. Plus, my back hurts. (I'm not complaining, but I'm just wondering whether it goes along with the exercise).

Also, we started doing more judo randori in the dojo and since I'm smaller than everyone else in the dojo, I'm not doing very well. I know its me, and that I need to be more sudden and "like a empty judo gi" as my sensei states. And I'm working on it! I'm just wondering if anyone else who has been in my position and can offer other tiny helps for a guy of smaller size. Like "instead of doing ippon seoi nagae the regular way, do this on a taller guy, it will help you throw him easier" or something of the like.

Thank you everyone who took the time to read my long post and take the time to reply. Any help is welcome!

[LA3390]

Before anyone asks, I'm 5'5, 15, and have been doing martial arts for about 7 years. I weightlift regularly and weight about 140lbs.

[starkjudo]

Hey Cal,

There are a number of people who advocate what is basically static uchi-komi. The problem with that is that i'm not one of them.

Static uchi-komi can lead to a lot of "false sense" in your throws. Gerald Lafon, an international coach in San Diego, says:

"Classical drill training or uchi komi involves little or no movement contrary to the requirements of competition. Realistic, dynamic movement patterns in conjunction with grips should be used to bring your opponent into the right position to effectively throw him. Make sure that the movement pattern you use in training is the same one you will use in competition."

A tree is going to thwart your practice for two reasons.

1. You're not going to off balance a tree.
2. You're not going to get the complete throw on a tree.

If your dojo has a heavy bag, or at home, try tying your belt around it and throwing it over your shoulder. You won't generate as much force behind the technique as you will slamming into a tree, but you will generate the entire throwing action, which IMHO is more important.

For the best practice, though, as i'm sure you're aware, NOTHING beats a partner with a good sense of ukemi that can take a couple dozen throws in short order.

Heck, you could always come up to Mississippi for a weekend and work out with us

[Webmaster]

Cal:

Using a belt is good, using a bike intertube is better. It stretches.

See me at class next week and bring a bike intertube with you.

[LA3390]

Thank you Sensei, I'll do just that!

[Abbax8]

I'm one who likes static uchikomi and moving uchikomi. I've done in my days as many as 1000 a night. It is good for aerobic training and if done properly will help train kuzushi. Concerns about it are you must maintain good technique in your practice or you will hurt your progress. If your back hurts from slamming into the tree, stop doing that. You should select your distance from the tree, I used a pillar, such as your back just touches.

Best advice though is see and listen to Robert, your teacher.

Peace

Dennis