[JudoSensei]

We enjoyed a two hour clinic with Jin Iizumi (7th dan creator of Soft Judo) at the Encino Judo Club Oxnard Dojo on Friday, March 7, 2008. I thought I'd share some photos. Gary Goltz (7th dan founder of Goltz Judo and USJA COO) assisted along with Chris and Nick Mechling (Kokusai Budokan), and Matt Farah (Goltz Judo). More than 50 attentive students filled the mat area, including a dozen black belts. Juergen Wahl, the founder of the Encino Judo Club, also attended.

Iizumi Sensei focused on teaching technique (waza) so that a small or frail person can achieve success with a much larger person. Although he was nearly the oldest and smallest person on the mat, several times he picked the largest person available to demonstrate throws to show that technique overcomes size. Iizumi Sensei began with an explanation of ayumi ashi, tsugi ashi, and jiku ashi and we practiced several methods of entering for techniques using various stepping patterns. We progressed into combinations after the partner would escape. He continued showing the key points to various techniques including deashi barai, ouchi gari, kouchi gari, osoto gari, seoinage, uchimata, and others.

Gary Goltz also contributed some fine points and, with Matt Farah, he demonstrated the Kodokan Goshin Jutsu. Chris and Nick Mechling contributed some nice newaza combinations. The time went too fast, but all attendees were very excited about the things they learned. Iizumi Sensei expressed his desire to keep traditional Judo alive, and we were pleased to have this opportunity to experience his teaching.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success, especially Jin Iizumi and Gary Goltz. I hope others who attended will add their comments and photos.

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[Cichorei Kano]

JudoSensei, on Mar 10 2008, 09:59 AM, said:

We enjoyed a two hour clinic with Jin Iizumi (7th dan creator of Soft Judo) at the Encino Judo Club Oxnard Dojo on Friday, March 7, 2008. I thought I'd share some photos. Gary Goltz (7th dan founder of Goltz Judo and USJA COO) assisted along with Chris and Nick Mechling (Kokusai Budokan), and Matt Farah (Goltz Judo). More than 50 attentive students filled the mat area, including a dozen black belts. Juergen Wahl, the founder of the Encino Judo Club, also attended.

Iizumi Sensei focused on teaching technique (waza) so that a small or frail person can achieve success with a much larger person. Although he was nearly the oldest and smallest person on the mat, several times he picked the largest person available to demonstrate throws to show that technique overcomes size. Iizumi Sensei began with an explanation of ayumi ashi, tsugi ashi, and jiku ashi and we practiced several methods of entering for techniques using various stepping patterns. We progressed into combinations after the partner would escape. He continued showing the key points to various techniques including deashi barai, ouchi gari, kouchi gari, osoto gari, seoinage, uchimata, and others.

Gary Goltz also contributed some fine points and, with Matt Farah, he demonstrated the Kodokan Goshin Jutsu. Chris and Nick Mechling contributed some nice newaza combinations. The time went too fast, but all attendees were very excited about the things they learned. Iizumi Sensei expressed his desire to keep traditional Judo alive, and we were pleased to have this opportunity to experience his teaching. I hope others will add their comments and photos.

Great initiative ! Thanks for posting this, JudoSensei.

[Kal-El in SLO]

I had a great time. I hope i can still throw some guys around like that when I'm his age.

[EJC Judoka]

Definitely a great clinic. Iizumi sensei is doing what I want to be doing at that age. Goltz sensei always shows a great passion for judo that is infectious. Chris and Nick Mechling sensei both had wonderful technique. Like I said, a great clinic.

[7 Judoka]

Sensei Iizumi is very good at teaching Judo. It's a pleasure to learn Kodokan Judo from him, here in San Diego.

[ptnippon]

He's not very big but he has tossed me around when he was younger.

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[Ben_Holmes]

I'd like to add a description of one of the techniques shown.

Starting with a regular right handed grip (left hand on sleeve, right hand on lapel), pull uke with your lapel hand so that he takes a step with his left foot... at the same time (or slightly later), take a diagonal step with your right foot to your left. Your right foot is now somewhat to the front and outside of Uke's right foot. Then spin to your right, insert your left leg in for Uchimata.

It strongly resembles the entry for Oguruma, and as Uke is traveling in the direction he get's thrown, it's a wonderful technique for a small weaker tori against a larger & stronger Uke.

This could also be done with a left-handed grip, but was shown with a right-handed grip... I really like throws that 'go left' from a regular right-handed grip - as it's a powerful attack against someone expecting a throw to the opposite side.

If I recall correctly, the comment was made that this throw was taught to Iizumi by K. Mifune.

[Cichorei Kano]

Ben_Holmes, on Mar 11 2008, 03:32 AM, said:

I'd like to add a description of one of the techniques shown.Starting with a regular right handed grip (left hand on sleeve, right hand on lapel), pull uke with your lapel hand so that he takes a step with his left foot... at the same time (or slightly later), take a diagonal step with your right foot to your left. Your right foot is now somewhat to the front and outside of Uke's right foot. Then spin to your right, insert your left leg in for Uchimata.It strongly resembles the entry for Oguruma, and as Uke is traveling in the direction he get's thrown, it's a wonderful technique for a small weaker tori against a larger & stronger Uke.This could also be done with a left-handed grip, but was shown with a right-handed grip... I really like throws that 'go left' from a regular right-handed grip - as it's a powerful attack against someone expecting a throw to the opposite side.If I recall correctly, the comment was made that this throw was taught to Iizumi by K. Mifune.

But this applies to most throws. You can do uchi-mata with right grip spinning entry left or right, and you can do that for virtually every throw that requires turning in.

ptnippon, on Mar 11 2008, 03:13 AM, said:

He's not very big but he has tossed me around when he was younger.

I need to talk to him, and I am sure, so does your wife.

This post has been edited by Cichorei Kano: 10 March 2008 - 11:55 PM

[JudoGary]

Neil:

On behalf of Jin Iizumi and myself once again thank you for inviting us to visit your dojo. It was a wonderful experience to be with your students who were all so eager to do judo. Like I said many times during the clinic, all the traditional judo basics are in the book you wrote which I have sold more then 50 of to my students. We really appreciate all you do for judo!

Gary
Visit My Website

This post has been edited by JudoGary: 11 March 2008 - 07:39 AM

[Kozushi]

Looks like it was fun!

[JudoSensei]

I'm going to be doing an interview with Iizumi Sensei for JudoInfo.com. Anyone have questions they want answered?

[EJC Judoka]

JudoSensei, on Mar 13 2008, 10:04 PM, said:

I'm going to be doing an interview with Iizumi Sensei for JudoInfo.com. Anyone have questions they want answered?

What is a most memorable moment training under Mifune Sensei?