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Kosen Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Exploring the Grappling Connection

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are deeply connected to the history and evolution of grappling arts. One of the most fascinating influences on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is Kosen Judo, a specialized form of judo with a strong emphasis on ground fighting, or ne-waza. Understanding the connection between these two arts can enrich our approach to BJJ and shed light on how the grappling world evolved.

What is Kosen Judo?

Kosen Judo originated in Japan in the early 20th century as a subset of traditional judo. While judo, founded by Jigoro Kano, is known for its dynamic throws and stand-up grappling (tachi-waza), Kosen Judo placed much greater emphasis on ground techniques, including pins, joint locks, and strangles. The style developed largely within Japan’s university system, where teams competed under special rules that favored longer periods of groundwork, unlike traditional judo competitions.

Kosen Judo quickly became known for its sophisticated and technical approach to controlling opponents on the ground—a trait that heavily influenced the development of BJJ.

The Evolution of BJJ from Judo

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu owes much of its foundation to judo, and especially to Kosen-style ne-waza. When Mitsuyo Maeda, a Kodokan judoka, arrived in Brazil in the early 20th century, he passed on his grappling knowledge to the Gracie family and others. Maeda’s teachings included many of the ground-fighting techniques that had been refined in Kosen Judo, which eventually evolved into the distinct style we know as BJJ today.

While early judo retained a focus on both throws and groundwork, BJJ took the groundwork aspect to a new level. Practitioners honed their skills in controlling, submitting, and neutralizing opponents on the mat, developing a vast array of sweeps, guards, and submissions.

Key Similarities Between Kosen Judo and BJJ

  1. Emphasis on Groundwork: Both arts prioritize the ability to control an opponent on the ground. While Kosen Judo does incorporate throwing techniques, the majority of the strategy revolves around transitioning to the mat and gaining a dominant position.
  2. Submissions: Just like in BJJ, Kosen Judo includes various joint locks and chokes. The key difference is that BJJ refined these techniques further, allowing for even more diverse and fluid submissions from various positions.
  3. Guard Play: Kosen Judo’s influence can be seen in the way BJJ developed guard positions. Guard, in BJJ, is a key part of defense and attack, where a practitioner can control or submit an opponent from their back. Kosen Judo already contained the seeds of this idea, though it was in BJJ where it truly flourished.
  4. Competitive Focus: In modern judo competitions, groundwork is often limited due to rule changes that favor stand-up techniques. However, Kosen Judo, with its university competition rules, allowed for a much greater focus on groundwork, similar to how BJJ competitions play out today.

Why Understanding Kosen Judo Matters for BJJ Practitioners

As BJJ continues to evolve, understanding its roots in Kosen Judo can provide a deeper appreciation for the techniques we practice daily. By studying the methods of Kosen Judo, we can refine our own ground game, gaining insights into leverage, control, and the finer details of ne-waza.

In fact, some techniques used in BJJ today, such as certain sweeps, transitions, and escapes, can be traced back to the strategic groundwork of Kosen Judo. Recognizing this historical lineage helps us to approach BJJ not just as a modern martial art, but as part of a larger grappling tradition.

Bringing Kosen Judo Concepts to El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are always looking to grow and expand our grappling knowledge. By incorporating Kosen Judo-inspired drills and concepts into our classes, we can help students refine their ability to control and submit opponents on the mat. Whether it’s working on efficient pins, dynamic guard work, or chaining submissions together, the influence of Kosen Judo offers a wealth of techniques to explore.

So next time you’re on the mat, think about the roots of your favorite submissions and sweeps. They likely have a long history that stretches back to the mats of Japanese universities, where Kosen Judo was once king.

Let’s continue to grow, evolve, and learn from the best aspects of both Kosen Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as we develop our skills here at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu!

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Using Your Opponent’s Movement to Set Up a Counterattack in Jiu-Jitsu

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), success often comes not from sheer force but from the ability to outthink and outmaneuver your opponent. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using your opponent’s movement or attack as a setup for your counterattack. This concept lies at the heart of what makes BJJ such an intricate and beautiful martial art—turning your opponent’s aggression or momentum into an opportunity to advance your own position or secure a submission.

Understanding the Flow of Movement

BJJ is often described as a “game of human chess,” where every move has a counter, and each action creates a reaction. As you develop your skills, you’ll begin to understand how to anticipate your opponent’s next move based on their current position and momentum. This anticipation allows you to stay one step ahead, not just reacting to what your opponent is doing but also setting traps and creating opportunities for counterattacks.

The Art of Timing and Leverage

Timing is everything in BJJ. When your opponent commits to a movement—whether it’s a pass, a submission attempt, or a transition—they momentarily expose themselves. These moments of commitment are your windows of opportunity. By recognizing these moments and responding with precision, you can use their movement against them.

For instance, if your opponent tries to pass your guard aggressively, their focus is on getting around your legs and securing side control. This forward momentum can be used to your advantage. A well-timed sweep, leverages their commitment to the pass, turning their aggression into your advantage. Suddenly, the roles are reversed, and you’re on top, controlling the pace of the match.

Examples of Counterattacks in BJJ

  1. Guillotine from a Takedown Attempt: If your opponent shoots in for a takedown, their neck is often exposed. By recognizing the opening, you can sink in a guillotine choke as they drive forward. Their momentum helps you lock in the submission.
  2. Triangle from Overcommitment in the Guard: When your opponent postures up and tries to break your guard by pushing down on your hips or shoulders, they often leave their arm exposed. By quickly adjusting your hips and positioning your legs, you can set up a triangle, using their own pressure against them.

Training the Art of Counterattacks

To effectively use your opponent’s movement or attack as a setup for your counterattack, you need to drill these scenarios regularly. Start slow, focusing on the mechanics and timing of each technique. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the intensity, simulating the pressure and speed you’ll face in live sparring.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize the importance of sparring in the 30-60%—rolling with a partner at a slower pace to develop a deep understanding of transitions and counters. This type of training allows you to experiment with different reactions to your opponent’s movements and helps you build the muscle memory needed to execute counters in live situations.

Using your opponent’s movement to set up a counterattack is a fundamental aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that highlights the art’s emphasis on strategy and technique over brute strength. By learning to anticipate and capitalize on your opponent’s actions, you not only improve your own game but also embody the essence of BJJ—using skill and strategy to overcome even the most challenging opponents.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been training for years, this concept is one that will continuously evolve as you refine your skills. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re here to guide you on this journey, helping you master the art of the counterattack and elevate your BJJ game to new heights.