In the world of grappling, there are few things more thrilling than taking down an opponent with a perfectly executed throw. And while Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) are both excellent martial arts in their own right, BJJ practitioners often miss out on the fun throwing another human being into the air and through the floor.
Tomoe Nage is a godsend for BJJ athletes because its a high amplitude throw with the motor patterns of a guard pull. That make it a great way for BJJ students to discover the joy of throwing an opponent. Unlike for example, Ippon Seoi Nage, Tomoe Nage requires an easy-to-obtain and safe gripping position, and if you screw it up, you can always go back to playing guard.
In fact, if you are more the cunning than the athletic type, you can pull guard, let your opponent stand back up, and then throw them with Tomoe Nage before they can recompose their stance. The high amplitude followed by solid impact makes it a crowd-pleaser, and a great addition to any grappler’s arsenal.
But the benefits of cross-training don’t end with just one throw. By combining Judo and BJJ, you can gain a more complete understanding of the art of grappling. Judo requires a greater degree of physical toughness than BJJ, which can help build your strength and endurance. Meanwhile, BJJ is one of the few sports you can play sitting down, making it a great way to build your ground game and develop your defensive skills.
The combination of Judo and BJJ creates a unique style of grappling that is both powerful and effective. Risking your safety with throwing builds mental toughness and earns a kind of respect you can’t always get from leg-locking. You might be in a bit more pain 20 years from now if you add judo to the mix, but you will have better memories.
For fans of Japanese culture, cross-training in Judo and BJJ can also offer a unique perspective on the history and evolution of these martial arts. The techniques and traditions that have been passed down over centuries can help to develop a greater appreciation for the art and the people who practice it. Even the naming system Judo uses offers insight into techniques. Tomoe Nage could be quickly translated as 69 throw, but explaining what a “Tomoe” is would take a whole other article.
Judo and BJJ can help you develop the skills you need to come out on top and then stay there until you get a submission. The controlled danger is part of the fun. After all, as Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” Exactly what your training partners will say when they hit the floor.
