Use the Armpit Grip to Dominate Ai-Yotsu and Hit Strong Uchi Mata & Osoto

🥋 The Armpit Grip Secret: How Japanese Judoka Dominate Ai-Yotsu Most people think that in ai-yotsu (same stance), you should immediately take the standard sleeve-and-collar grips. But top Japanese judoka know that if you start normally, the opponent gets the exact same grips — and the position becomes 50/50. So instead, we use a different sequence: 1️⃣ Control their right collar before they grab yours If you reach for the opponent’s right collar the normal way, your own collar becomes exposed and they’ll grab it first. That’s why Japanese players often use the armpit grip — grabbing the seam near the armpit for stability and control. 2️⃣ The armpit grip makes their high grip impossible From this grip: • your arm blocks their reach • your posture stays strong • you can control the distance without getting gripped This instantly shifts the exchange from 50/50 to a dominant position. 3️⃣ Build powerful entries: Uchi Mata, Osoto, Seoi Once you shut down their high grip and control the right side: • Uchi Mata becomes cleaner • Osoto becomes heavier • Ippon Seoi Nage becomes easier to launch This is a common sequence used in Japan, but it’s rarely taught overseas. If you master this grip concept, you won’t just react to gripping — you’ll create dominant positions on your terms and hit stronger throws. 📍 Based in New York City? I offer private judo lessons and customized training sessions. 📧 Book a lesson or seminar: https://gunjijudoacademy.carrd.co/ 📲 Follow me for more content: Instagram:   / ken_judo_nyc   TikTok:   / ken_judo_nyc   Website: https://gunjijudoacademy.carrd.co/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep-dive judo content! #Judo #Ippon #JudoMindset #bjj #jiujitsu #Ippon #Randori #UchiMata #GunjiJudoAcademy #MartialArts #柔道 #一本 #メンタル #Judoka #gripfighting