[quote]Sentoguy wrote:
How are you throwing the Uchi Mata (Koshi Waza style or Ashi Waza style)? Are you trying for a direct takedown or using it to set up other takedowns/throws? Most Uchi’s I see being taught and done in competitions are more of the Koshi Waza style and usually result in “rolling Ippons” and as a result I don’t like this type of Uchi Mata. If you look at the original Kodokan though, Uchi Mata is an Ashi Waza technique.
Ashi Waza techniques are based on the principle of the body weight shifting from one foot to the other as we walk/continually lose and catch our balance (where as Koshi Waza techniques are based on the concept of the Screw) and interrupting that ability to catch our balance or accelerating/exaggerating the shift faster than we can handle. An Ashi Waza type Uchi Mata does not require the hip to insert, does not require massive amounts of Kuzushi, doesn’t necessarily require you to turn your body so both of you are facing the same direction/turn your back (since you aren’t using your hip as a fulcrum to throw them over), and is based on the process of getting your opponent’s weight to shift to their far leg (60% is usually enough, but obviously more is better) and then powerfully twisting their body around that leg as you kick (and further accelerate) their near leg back around behind them. People don’t generally go flying through the air with this type of Uchi, but it is usually a more controlled fall that is nonetheless difficult for them not to take and can lead to a more stabilized throw for you. You may not get an Ippon out of it if doing it in a Judo competition, but if you are wrestling or doing submission grappling that shouldn’t matter too much). To do this though you can’t really throw it with an over hook but instead need to use a collar tie, inside control, or lapel grip (Tsurikomi grip). All of these will allow you to push the near shoulder away as you pull the far shoulder towards you (causing the rotation around their far leg). An overhook on the other hand will not allow their body to rotate away from yours and will stop rotation all together (unless you yourself spin, which often winds up getting used against you and you getting re-rolled once you hit the ground, if the throw is successful).
If I throw the Uchi with a near overhook my intention is always not to get a direct takedown but instead to set up an ankle pick or knee tap on their far leg or set up a front headlock or Quarter Nelson. In these cases though I allow their far arm to be free and for them to post it (because I actually want them to separate from me and to save their balance, I just want to get their weight onto their far leg so I can trap it and run them over it, or put their hand and head down so I can get my weight/chest on the back of their head). It’s also possible to hit a Tai Otoshi with this set up, but again since Tai O usually involves being able to push the near shoulder away and a really good wrestler might lateral drop you should you try to throw them like this with the near overhook I’m not a big fan. If you had the lapel grip you could use that combination well though.
And finally, timing of all Ashi Waza skills is crucially important and will make the difference between hitting a nice easy throw and trying to power through one. Hope this doesn’t confuse you too much and is helpful.[/quote]
I was throwing the Uchi Mata Koshi Waza style. Whenever someone is trying to shoot in for a takedown, I find myself stuffing the takedown and going into an overhook in which I tend to be parallel to my opponent, and then I go for the Koshi Waza style throw.
I noticed in sparring that the uchi mata koshi waza style throw worked well against guys who weren’t near my strength level and weight class. The last time I was sparring in Wrestling, whenever I had overhooks on one guy who was near my strength level, he would immediately go for a bodylock and throw me. I was drilling today the underhook position into the front headlock and into a throw. I really like this position and hope to use it in sparring.
I have a long way to go. As you know, I go to a number of gyms to train. I go to a judo dojo, thai boxing gym, a western boxing gym, and another gym which offers Muay Thai, BJJ, Wresting, and MMA. I just received the nod to train in the MMA class which is held once a week.