How to Use Judo Techniques for Mixed Martial Arts

Judo is one of the best suited martial arts to use in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting. The style's focus on closing distance and shooting for take-downs can immobilize an opponent who doesn't have the same kind of grappling mastery that judo provides its students. Read on to learn how to use Judo techniques for MMA.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Master judo's excellent throwing forms since a powerful, technical throw can give you an edge over an opponent who doesn't know what to do in a clinch. Throws such as the hip throw (koshi waza) can be modified to get opponents from a variety positions onto their backs. Judo's foot sweeps and throws (ashi waza) are also extremely useful in MMA grappling.
2. Learn judo's shooting techniques so you can quickly close distance between you and an experienced striker. Shooting for the body or legs allows you to disable your opponent's deadly fists and feet so you can control the MMA fight by redefining its parameters. From the shoot, you should know how to seamlessly transition to a take-down.
3. Refine your use of the guard and the major grappling positions (commonly associated with Brazilian jiu-jitsu) by studying judo's take on these positions. The guard, or body scissors, and half guard are staples of judo technique, so getting very skilled in using these moves will help you win MMA matches.
4. Get familiar with judo's many joint locks (kansetsu-waza) which can help you end an MMA fight safely (for you). The arm bar is a staple of both judo and MMA grappling, so you should take advantage of the high degree of accuracy with which judo teaches the armbar. Wrist locks, foot locks and knee locks are also excellent judo joint lock techniques that will boost your grappling power in the MMA ring.