Judo and Wrestling are both similar grappling arts that complement each other. However, wrestlers seem to focus more on pinning. So can you do Judo throws in Wrestling?
Here’s what I found out:
Many Judo throws are applied in Wrestling. However, there is usually a need to modify them because most Judo throws are executed with a Gi on and with a straight posture. In Wrestling, on the other hand, there is no Gi, and throws are often employed with a slightly bent posture.
It might take some time and a bit of a learning curve, but there’s a lot of value in knowing both Judo and Wrestling and how to adapt throws from one to another.
You’ll end up becoming a more formidable grappler (even if you’re not MMA bound).
I have been involved in martial arts on and off all my life and seriously for the past 7 years. In this article, we’ll check out some riveting info around how Judo and Wrestling can be “blended.”
Let the fun begin…
Judo throws ❤️❤️💪💪👊
#judothrows #judo #judogi #bjjtakedowns #takedowns #jiujitsufight #bjjfight #bjj #jiujitsutournaments #competitions #bjjacademy #jiujitsuschool #jiujitsu #brazilianjiujitsu pic.twitter.com/sFz266esdU— jiujitsu news (@NewsJiujitsu) February 6, 2020
Do they use any throws in Wrestling?
Just like other grappling arts such as Judo and BJJ, a lot of throws are employed in Wrestling. They range from throws such as Biel throw, Fireman’s Carry Bulldog, Brainbuster, Bulldog, Catapult, and many others.
Throws are an integral part of Wrestling.
They’re a part of what the audience is there for. Who doesn’t like seeing a grown-up being thrown? Of course, there are rules so that injuries can be reduced.
Did you know that virtually all Judo throws can also be adapted and used in Wrestling? And tons of Judo throws are being used.
There are two reasons they need to be adapted.
In Wrestling, there are no jackets to grip, and the posture’s almost always slightly bent. If a Judo throw does not require gripping the opponent’s attire, it is usually the same thing in Wrestling.
Consider the Ura nage in Judo, known as suplex in Wrestling, or the Morote gari in Judo, the double-leg takedown in Wrestling.
But it’s worth noting that the Morote gari has been banned in Judo.
Even though most of the throws are common to both, there are vital differences between Wrestling and Judo, resulting in different rules.
German Wilfried Dietrich throws 180kg (400 pound) American opponent Chris Taylor with apparent ease. Chris is the heaviest American Olympian ever. @wrestling, super-heavyweight, freestyle #Munich1972 📸 Olle Seijbold/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/KaYUP7BxQ3
— Olympics (@Olympics) September 19, 2018
Does Judo help Wrestling?
Judo is helpful in refining Wrestling skills. This is because Wrestling is usually more about mass and force, while Judo is more about leverage. Judo has the potential to help a wrestler focus more on technique subtlety and effectively.
There’s a lot of grappling in Wrestling and, therefore, a lot of force and counterforce being expended.
The stronger, bigger, and generally better-conditioned wrestler (all things being equal) also has an edge.
One of the ways through which Judo can help is that it’s more about using the most effective ways to get things done. “Maximum effect with minimum resources.”
Judo throws are faster for taking an opponent down, and they require less power.
So, in addition to a mastery of Wrestling techniques, adding some Judo techniques to the mix, such as shoulder and hip throws, could be a game-changer.
Truth be told, Judo is kind of like Wrestling with a jacket on. Naturally, adapting some of its techniques would enrich one’s Wrestling game.
But can you learn Judo at home?
In a recent article of mine, I showed you that you can. I also offered actionable, cost-effective strategies that’ll help you. And I even outlined the 1 way to get a black belt at home!
Just click the link to read the article on my site.
I’m currently editing some teeny clips with some judo throws. 😊😊 pic.twitter.com/xZG1aHFOoe
— Inferno (@InfernoWrestler) April 23, 2018
What techniques in Judo can be applied in Wrestling?
Almost all Judo throws can be applied in Wrestling. They simply need to be modified because the postures are different, and there is no Gi worn in Wrestling. Therefore, the nature of the grips will differ.
Judo is focused on throws, chokes, holds, and groundwork, while Wrestling is mainly about groundwork and throws.
Judo chokes do not translate to Wrestling, and the holds are hard to use because they are based on Gis, so it is ideal to focus on throws. The throws are so similar. In fact, in some cases, there is no difference.
So, the throws are one area to focus on.
Take the Uchi Mata in Judo, it’s a great throw to add to your Wrestling arsenal. It’s just that instead of gripping your opponent’s clothing, you use an under hook to hoist them over your thigh and throw them.
Another Judo technique, Harai Goshi, can give you an edge.
In the adaptation, you execute it with your arm around the back of the head of your opponent and throw them over your hips. At the same time, make sure to reap with your leg.
But can Judo help you build strength?
Check out a recent article of mine where I showed that Judo does help with strength building. In it, I also explained that it’s highly physically demanding.
Just click the link to read it on my site.
𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗹
/𝚜𝚙𝚛ô𝚕/A move used to counter a leg shot. The wrestler throws the legs back and arches the hips into the opponent to break the hold.
“The Iowa coaches told @nelsonrbrands to sprawl hard.”#NCAAWrestling x 📸 @Hawks_Wrestling pic.twitter.com/M8Jp2ljR30— NCAA Wrestling (@ncaawrestling) January 26, 2021
Is it illegal to slam someone in Wrestling?
It is illegal to slam an opponent in Wrestling. A slam can be committed by either party and occurs when one party lifts the other off the mat and drops them with unnecessary force, which can cause serious injury.
Slams are helpful in the quest to win a Wrestling match and are fun to watch, but they can result in devastating injuries.
They could break some body parts, make the receiver of the slam lose consciousness if they land on their heads, and even lead to paralysis! It’s a no-brainer why they’re illegal.
Slamming an opponent is not the only wrong thing that’s illegal.
There are others, and the general rule is that any move that’s likely to injure an opponent or endanger their life is illegal. The wrestler who inflicts harm is likely to be disqualified.
Learn to break fall, and you can be thrown safely like this!
Want a photoshoot with you and your passion? Get in touch https://t.co/y7kxhRfhhi #judo #aikido #martialarts #dojo #sportsphotography #fitnessphotography #throws #takedowns #llanelli #llanelliphotographer pic.twitter.com/5aU3jQTXbf
— Photography First (@Photography_1st) December 12, 2018
Is Judo better than Wrestling?
If competing in the Olympics is the goal, both Judo and Wrestling are equal. However, if self-defense is the goal, Wrestling is a better choice as Judo has certain attributes that don’t work as well in the context of a real fight.
If you’re thinking of which one would help you prep well for MMA, I’d say choose wrestling, and I’d say the same thing if self-defense is your concern.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Judo is also good for self-defense. But we’re looking at which one’s better.
There are two things about Judo that could turn out to be huge flaws in a real fight. When we watch a Judo tournament, we’re captivated by the seemingly effortless and graceful show of skills.
While that’s great in a spectator sport, it may not translate well to real life. In a tournament, the fighters are wearing Gis.
The fluidity and mastery we see depend to some extent on these strong and thick jackets.
In a street fight, your opponent would not be wearing one, and maybe wearing light clothing that you can’t grip!
The second and perhaps more serious thing is that “ground fighting” is not Judo’s strong suit. Of course, there are techniques that can be applied while on the ground.
But they are not drilled into practitioners seeing as most are more focused on executing throws.
A wrestler grapples effectively without gripping an opponent’s clothes, and they also have a superb ground game.
And, are used to contesting with (read: grappling with) others for a considerable length of time, which is more like what happens in real fights.
Lastly, Wrestling offers you better footwork.
You’re more balanced when Wrestling. In fact, this is one of the reasons it’s preferred over Judo by MMA fighters.
You’re more mobile, explosive, and solid. In Judo, you’re not as nimble, and you can be easily swept off the ground!
Conclusion
Judo and Wrestling are very similar.
In the article, we learned that most of the throws used in Judo are also used in Wrestling. We also learned that being hip to some Judo techniques can help take one’s Wrestling to the next level.
And, we checked out the techniques that are most adaptable to Wrestling. Yes, slamming is wrong, and we wrapped things up by comparing Judo to Wrestling to determine which one is better.
Photos that require attribution:
Olympic Judo London 2012 – Karina Bryant by Martin Hesketh and 2018-04-09_19-07-42_ILCE-6500_DSC03701 by Miguel Discart are licensed under CC2.0 and were cropped, edited, merged, and had a text overlay added.