Tournoi International de Paris
Ile de France 2002
Picture 1 shows Great Britain and Netherlands Grip Fighting
Pictures 2 and 3 show Japan Scoring Ippon on France
All to often a fight is won or lost on grips. No serious judoka can afford not to work on winning their grips and being able to throw from various grips. See your judo club coach for instruction and tips. Picture 1 shows neither judoka has supremacy as both battle for their chosen grips. Muramoto of Japan was one such player. Having battled for some time against his worthy French champion, he seemed almost surprised when he eventually got the perfect grip for his position. Muramoto attacked with a slow but mighty Osoto Gake (Major Outer Hook). Seemingly surprised and his successful throwing entry, he hesitated for a split second. Taking a second deep breath he threw his opponent with all his might. Two thirds of the way into his throw his heart and spirit took over. Gaining even more momentum as he finished literally bouncing on his opponent with glee. Instantly he new it could only be Ippon and proceeded to roar with excitement like a lion slaying his prey. The second and third picture capture the moments.
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Dave Quinn