Judo master Shintaro Higashi provides practical advice for using Judo techniques in tight, crowded spaces like a subway. Here is his comprehensive guide for anyone looking to use Judo for self-defense in close-quarter environments.
Understanding the Environment
Higashi begins by emphasizing the uniqueness of the subway setting – it’s confined and often crowded, which limits the range of movement and types of throws you can effectively use. He points out that in such environments, having a strategy for close-range combat is crucial.
Effective Techniques for Subway Scenarios
- Body Lock Uchimata: Higashi demonstrates this technique where you clamp the opponent’s shoulder, pivot, and then elevate their leg. This move is useful when there’s not enough space for broader throws.
- Ouchi Gari in Tight Spaces: In situations where you can’t execute a full leg reaping due to space constraints, Higashi suggests modifying the Ochi Gari. By locking in and pinning the arm, you can back step, hook the leg, and use your weight to bring the opponent down.
- Switching Places Using the Wall: An essential tactic in subway self-defense is the ability to use the environment to your advantage. Higashi shows how to use the wall to push off and switch places with the aggressor, creating an opportunity for a takedown.
- Using Kouchi Gari and O Goshi: When you’re being pushed against a wall, Higashi advises dropping your shoulder to drive the opponent’s body upwards, making their legs vulnerable to attacks like Coochi Gari and O Goshi.
- Situational Awareness: A critical aspect Higashi stresses is awareness of the situation, like the instability of the subway as a fighting platform and the possibility of other people getting involved.
Practical Tips for Subway Self-Defense
- Avoid Conflicts: Higashi strongly advises against getting into fights on the subway.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Understanding the limitations and variables of the subway environment is key.
- Use Judo as a Defensive Tool: The techniques demonstrated are meant for self-defense and should be used responsibly.
Shintaro Higashi’s video is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in using Judo for self-defense in close-quarter situations like a subway. His instructions are clear, practical, and mindful of the unique challenges presented by such environments.
