Judo Kumikata Fundamentals: How to counter Hybrid players

What are Hybrid players?

Hybrid players switch their stance in order to protect their strong side and to reduce their opponents chances of getting a strong grip on them. Once they get their first grip they will return to their natural stance to place their second grip.

Here’s a example of a typical Hybrid player pattern using the Khabarelli grip:

What is the weak spot of the Hybrid player?

After placing his first grip, the Hybrid player needs to switch back into his natural stance. This is his weak spot:

• If he can’t change back, he will not be able to fight from his natural stance
• At the moment of the switch he is exposed to attacks from his opponent

This picture illustrates the critical moment of the Hybrid player:

How to counter the Hybrid player?

The Hybrid player can be countered by blocking him in the Hybrid stance after he has placed his first grip:

This grip makes it very difficult for the Hybrid player (here Uke) to close his stance again. Uke will either keep fighting in the open position, but not be able to throw or he will try to switch his stance and risk to get thrown or countered.