When there’s nothing else on television I will surf by the various MMA shows on SPIKE TV. I’ve done an awful lot of surfing these past weeks and one thing I keep hearing is references to Greco-Roman Wrestling. One thing I noticed in Greco-Roman is a lack of trips, sweeps, and Judo-like throws. So, I started to wonder — is their any Judo in MMA?
This restriction results in an emphasis on throws, since a wrestler cannot use trips to take an opponent to the ground or avoid throws by hooking or grabbing their opponent’s leg.
Okay – part of the riddle is answered. Greco-Roman trains in certain techniques so that’s why I’m not seeing anything that resembles Judo. I’m also making the assumption here that the BJJ crowd does not emphasize Judo trips, throws, and sweeps. (at least if it does I’m not seeing it on TV)
Well a quick visit to YouTuber and I can see that Judo is alive and well in MMA.
I’ve had some very limited exposure to Judo. My old Tae Kwon Do curriculum had some self-defense techniques from Judo and Hapkido. In addition, one of my Sabums was a former brown belt in Judo. So I’ve been taught a few basic throws.
Anyhow, this appears to be more about my lukewarm MMA viewing habits than anything else!
-BCP
I watched an older UFC with a Judo practicioner. That guy kicked butt and he dropped that guy over and over. His follow up was not so great but he could drop him in a heartbeat.
His skill of closing the distance was great and he offset his balance with precision. Yes it is a live.
However, not very many guys do it very often. Everyone is into the Brazilian Ju Jitsu thing now and that is not the only game in town. I do BJJ but there is always more out there that works well.
Hey Bob,
Thanks for finding this! I’ve often wanted to learn Judo as it would seem to be the perfect transition art to round out some striking.
I’ve just started some BJJ this year. I also would love to take some Aikido too… not sure if there are enough years left.
Pat – Yeah, I suspect it all ties into what is currently “hot” within the MMA world.
John – From what I hear Judo has ground stuff. Just not as much emphasis as BJJ. From a street self-defense perspective I think the stand-up game of Judo would be very useful — the clinch, all the power throws, trips, etc.
I hear you re: years left! I’d love to try BJJ or Judo. However, I have an old injury that might not agree with those arts. Aikido is also on my list. Right now I’m in a holding pattern and focusing on my career. Once I know where it takes me I’ll start looking for the next big art!
I have been studying Martial arts for 20 year and I wish I could’ve studyed MMA 20 years a go, unfortunately I have done my knee for the second time now and I need a full reconstruction.It is time to go back to my less painful Katas.
Andreas,
What I’m learning is not pure MMA or BJJ. It’s an amalgam of techniques for the street and it’s designed for those with past experience or no experience at all. I hear you on the injuries — a past injury and age definitely is a factor I consider.
I have competed in a few amateur MMA matches with a background in Sanshou and Judo, and I’ve fouynd the Judo to be invaluable. Sanshou is a stand up martial art (which is my primary discipline) and even though amateur mma rules don’t allow strikes to the head while on the ground, I’ve found that me Judo background lets me neutralize Bjj/wrestling opponents with their characterisic apporoaches, and allow me to keep the game in my arena. I’ve been doing a lot of ‘ground and pound’ training in preperation my first pro fight, and I legitimately don’t think I’d have a reasonable chance if not for my limited judo training which really supports such a fighting strategy. I think that as time goes on the number of MMA fighters using Judo to counter bjj fighters will only increase.
Pedro,
Thanks for your feedback and good luck on your bid to turn pro!