Training At Our Club

Our club insists on three different ways of practice (randori), borrowed from the original ideas of Jigoro Kano. Practice must be according to the proficiency of the opponent while keeping in mind your purpose and aims.  The type of practice partners can be divided into three:

1. Practicing with opponents of a higher standard
You should try your own techniques with full strength for improvement of skill, and should not be defensive.
Defence towards the opponent should be with only tai sabaki or body management, but you should not mind being thrown if the skill of the opponent exceeds your defence.

2. Practicing with opponents of an equal standard
You should try your own skill and strength as much as you can, but remember that practice is not contest.  Spend a large part of your practice time attempting techniques with which you are not proficient.

3. Practicing with opponents of a lower standard
You should bear in mind the principle of techniques and try to throw the opponent with reasonable and suitable techniques.  Sacrifice throws (sutemi waza) and throws where you fall with your opponent to the mat (maki komi) should not be attempted. You should also give the opponent enough opportunities to try techniques so that the opponent can improve as well.  Pass your knowledge onto your opponent and in so doing you will gain respect.

Moreover, when you practice with a teacher, you should be careful to learn the principles of techniques without excessive defence because you are learning for your own improvement.

When you practice with children, you should be careful to give them the chance to use the techniques they know and allow them to throw you if the technique is applied with good skill. In this way children gain confidence and improve their skills.  Above all they must trust and respect you.  Be friendly but not patronizing.