The Kumikata Bible

Judo Kumikata Fundamentals: Stances

This page describes the the different stances in Judo grip fighting (Kumikata).

The Closed stance (Ai-Yotsu)

In the closed position both players have the same stance:

Judo Kumikata grip closed stance (Ai-Yotsu) for two right-handed players
Right against right
Judo Kumikata grip closed stance (Ai-Yotsu) left
Left against Left

The Open stance (Kenka-Yotsu)

In the closed position both players have the opposite stance:

Judo Kumikata grip open stance (Kenka-Yotsu) left
Left against right
Judo Kumikata grip open stance (Kenka-Yotsu) for two right-handed players
Right against left

The Hybrid stance

In the closed position (for e.g. right handed player against right handed player) a player can decide to switch the stance by standing left instead of right. He then appears to be a left-handed player, when he actually is a right handed player.

This position is called the hybrid stance.

Judo Kumikata grip closed stance (Ai-Yotsu) for two right-handed players
Blue is naturally a right handed player
Judo Kumikata grip hybrid stance for two right-handed players
Blue changes into the hybrid stance

The advantage is, Tori protects his right side by turning it away from Uke. This makes it difficult for Uke to reach Tori’s right side.

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