Judo Kumikata Fundamentals: How to coach

This page describes a method on how to communicate with your athlete about grip fighting (Kumikata) in a Judo fight.

The communication challenge: “Left and Right”

As a coach you are coaching left and right handed players. Your players will be facing right and left handed players. Oftentimes you want to give instructions on which grip moves to make, for example: “Grip her left lapel!”.

In the heat of the moment you want to give instructions the demand the least unnecessary thinking and the most clarity possible. Also you want to be able to communicate tactical patterns in same way no matter if you are coaching a left or right handed player.

The proposition: Use the “First and Second Side” method

In this method the coach does not use the word “left and right”, but refers to the “first” and “second” side:

• The “First Side” is the player’s side which is closer to their opponent
• The “Second Side” is the player’s side which is farther away from their opponent

Definition of “First Sides”

Definition of “Second Sides”

The First Sides in the closed position

Application

The terms “First and Second Side” are are applied to the positions where Judokas can place their hands, like sleeve, lapel, collar (high grip), etc.

Examples:

• “Grip his first lapel“
• “Get her second sleeve“
• “Protect your first lapel“
• “Defend with your first hand“

Examples of coaching instructions using “First and Second Side”