In this episode, Mike Swain talks about the highlight of his career, and his move into the martial arts industry, begining with Swain Mats and later with Dollamur Mats.  Today Swain Mats are used by some of the biggest MMA fighters such as Fedor Emelianenko, Matt Hughes, Shane Carwin and more.  Mike Swain also sits on the executive board of USA Judo.  Also, we are joined by The European Judo Podcast’s own Lance Wicks at the end of the interview for a brief time to talk about the new qualification system for the 2012 Olympics.

Justin Tyler Anthony….Sankyu….Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sensei…..Mr. Patrick Burris

Kai Shin….Sankyu….Charlottesville, Virginia, Sensei……Mr. Gene Tey Shin

So this will be my first review and while it isn’t going to be on a DVD, it might as well be. I recently purchased the “Smashmouth Judo” APP from iTunes. I really enjoy this app. A few of the videos inside the app show moves that are no longer legal in Judo (IJF Rules) and would result in honsokumake. However, in Freestyle Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and No-Gi submission wrestling every video can apply. Here is the description provided:

Smashmouth Judo – Judo for Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Artists, is a video app featuring 2008 US Judo Olympic Alternate Brian Picklo. In this app, Brian demonstrates 8 throws that can be used in a multitude of combat sports, in both gi and no gi form. Brian was also a 2 time All American and Big 10 Champion in wrestling for Michigan State University. Brian currently owns and instructs at his own grappling school, Matrix Grappling.

Smashmouth Judo features nearly 30 minutes of HD video content, compressed specifically for the iphone, with clear audio instruction, all embedded in the app itself, so there are no streaming issues.

Assisting Brian is Mike Darter, founder of OKCDT Judo and The Judo Podcast.

Throws covered are:
*Morote Gari- Double Leg Reap
*Kata Guruma- Shoulder Wheel
*Te Guruma- Hand Wheel
*Koshi Guruma- Hip Wheel
*O Uchi Gari- Major Inside Reap
*Seoi Nage- Shoulder Throw
*Harai Goshi- Sweeping Hip Throw
*O Soto Gari- Major Outside Reap

Look for more apps coming soon!

Introductory price of $2.99 for a limited time only.

Each video is provided in both the Gi and without. I am glad that they show both. I believe that having the knowledge of both ways helps each side of your game. There may be times where, even with the gi, you could throw without using it. The videos provide the details and accompanying visuals that are needed to perform the throws.

I love that this is an app and I can take with me on my phone. This is where I think it exceeds the usability of DVD’s. If I am training and want to know what little details I am missing I can review it straight from my phone. Additionally, the clips include step-by-step detail with multiple camera angles shot in high quality video. All around, I really enjoy this app.

The only downside to this app is that I want to see more. I am really looking forward to updates in the future with new throws.

Be sure to check out Matt’s Beyond Grappling YouTube page as well for some great training tips, drills, and competition videos! We are planning on following up with Matt after he returns from Japan later this summer. Episode 52

Download audio file (Ep52.mp3)

The Clinic: Based on Evidence Based Judo

Lance introduced the idea of evidence based judo and a fundamental look at what exactly makes up a judo match.  In studies based from his participation with the Bath University program, he talked about a judo match being much more than just a 5 minute match.  Within that match is a series of events, in most cases 14 events, that make up the entirety of the match.  In judo, there are a basic set of events that take place between hajime and the end which are grips, movement, attack, transition and matte.  These events generally have about 20 second increments of short energy bursts, ending with a throw or attack and a transition.  After matte, those events take place again, and again, and again.

The Goals and Objectives:

After a brief introduction, Lance then introduced them to each component of the clinic. With the kids, it was a little more basic, less explanation, and with the adults, there was more explanation and more effort to establish particular movements with specific throws.

Grips

The first part of the clinic involved grips.  This is pretty basic stuff, but set the example of the series of events within the match.  There was nothing special about the gripping, no special sequence, or long grip fighting, however, at times, that is obviously going to exist.  For the kids, it ended there, nothing more than on hajime, or “Yee Haw”, as he felt more in place for Oklahoma, and them getting a grip.  For the adults, it included a short burst of movement after initial grips.

Movement

After establishing a grip, there was movement added.  Not just simple movement or pushing, but a specific movement.  Rather than moving in a typical Tsugi ashi step to move your partner, there was an introduction to a movement based on studies of other sports at elite levels.   After studying badminton, and later other sports, Lance found that elite players in that field moved a certain way during drills and in play.  This step is similar to what one might see from a high level judoka, and can be seen on many throws in international, Olympic and World matches.  It is not just a step forward, but a burst of energy from a back step, or step in the opposite direction before moving in the desired direction.  To drive someone back, for example, rather than simply pushing them back, in a typical tsugi ashi step with your right foot leading, you would step back with your left leg in a stomping action to deliver power to the right leg driving your partner back. This movement action was practiced both forward and backwards, side to side, and in a circular pattern.

Attack

After spending a few minutes with getting simple grips and adding movement, then attacks were added.  The attacks were based on the direction of the movement, and gave the juniors and adults alike a chance to design specific throws that could be executed with specific movements.   For example, a quick forward drive could easily transition into a seoi nage, tai otoshi, hane goshi, etc.  Side to side movements transitioned into o soto gari, and morote eri osoto gari.   This is standard basic judo, but in the way presented, with specific and deliberate explosions of movement, it added a bit more than standard movement and throwing sequences.  It also highlighted the obvious, that basics are essential.  Basics win. The movement, or stepping pattern can also be seen as a “switch” or “scissor” step when transitioning into an attack.

Transition

After that attack, next we practiced proper transition. Whether it be simply dropping to a kesa gatame, muni gatame or other pin, or transitioning to another throw if the attack failed, both groups of players practiced proper transitions. Another example of the importance of the basics.

Dinky Doo Uchi Mata

One of the drills from the clinic was the “dinky doo uchimata”.  After being told that there was no way to teach kids uchi mata, Lance came up with Dinky Doo.  In this drill you load your partner on your back, in a o goshi style lift.  While holding your partner, you lift your right leg while saying “dinky doo”, then your left leg while saying “dinky di”, then a “yee haw”, in our case, called a sweep forward and back with the right leg.  The throw looks more like harai goshi at first, but with practice, and better body structure, several began hitting a great uchimata during the drill. Within about 15 minutes, most of our kids were throwing uchi mata.  For the adults, this was also a great practice, as by lifting the legs slower allowed you to really focus on your balance, coordination and strength of your support leg.

Parts of this post were originally written and published on OKCDT Judo in January.

The 2010 “Evidence based Judo” clinic of Lance Wicks in Oklahoma City will be another Special Feature that will be added soon.

Bam started judo a couple of years ago at OKCDT with Mike, and Cord, who had studied judo earlier in life, picked it back up as well.  In 2009 Cord asked Mike  if he could start a small class for the Edmond Generals Youth Wrestling Team.  Mike agreed, and within a short time, he had 10 solid wrestlers in the class.  “This wrestling season was the first that we actually began to mix the two disciplines with a strategy” Cord said, “and the proof is there.  We had a unbelievable season due to the ability to be able to incorporate judo in our wrestling game.”

Stay tuned after the podcast for some additional tips from Gene on throws against a bent over style wrestling stance. Episode 51

Download audio file (Ep51.mp3)

“Smashmouth Judo- Judo for Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts” has been released, created by Judo Podcast founder Mike Darter and Brian Picklo. Brian was featured in Episodes 11 “Hands On Judo”, 30 “For The Love of The Game”, and 35 “The People’s Champ”, and was the 2008 US Judo Olympic Alternate for the Beijing Games. In this app, Brian shows 8 judo throws that can easily be used in a multitude of combat sports. The throws are shown in both gi and no gi form. The app is available on iTunes for a limited time for only $2.99. After the limited time offer, the app will increase to $4.99.

While this is listed as a judo app, it has an entire section dedicated to no gi. The videos are in great quality, and the instructor knows his stuff. Great app to learn new stuff or take a last, reassuring look at a couple of throws before your next match!- laxpole17 on iTunes

After buying OKCDT’s “black belt journey” and loving it, I decided to pick up their newest offering “smashmouth judo” and I’m glad I did!!! This app features former big ten champion wrestler and Olympic alternate (should have been Olympic representative) Brian Picklo. The presentation is bright, the audio is super clear and there is a great Picture in Picture feature that shows different angles of throws. This is a great app for wrestlers /bjj guyswho want to spice up their takdowns with some dynamic throws or judoka who want an easy reference from a top competitor

Great job OKCDT keep the awesome apps coming!- judomatt on iTunes

Brian and Mike are currently working on a second video based app on pickups. Look for more in the iTunes store soon!