Northampton Judo Club

MONDAY NIGHT, JUDO
SPEED, MOVEMENT & APPLICATION

Following on from last week’s sessions focusing on precision, movement, and developing Kuzushi, this week, we take it up another level.

There were no new techniques tonight.

Instead, we focused on making the techniques we already know work better.

Uchi-komi & Nage-komi
• Speed
• Explosiveness
• Movement
• Timing
• Technique under pressure

We’ll worked both stationary and on the move, with plenty of coaching points to help you make our Uchi-komi more effective.

Uchi-komi isn't about simply doing as many repetitions as possible.

Every repetition has a purpose.

We also worked on breakfalls. Ukemi isn't just something we do during the warm-up, it is a fundamental Judo skill, and being a good Uke is essential for safe, productive training.

Then we rolled into one of Imi's favourite Russian Roulette games… with a twist!

And after that…

WE FIGHT. 🔥

With several players potentially competing soon, we're moving towards the next stage:

Technique → Movement → Speed → Application → Randori → Competition

It's one thing to perform a technique in a drill.

It's another thing entirely to recognise the opportunity and make it work against someone who doesn't want you to throw them.

Matt from Shudan was sharing our tatami this evening, so some quality rounds in the bag.
And welcome to our new & returning members

We are always ready to work, learn, and push yourself.

Monday night, Judo. Let's go. 🥋🔥

Do you step onto the tatami for randori and feel like everything becomes a blur?

The problem usually isn't that you don't know enough techniques.

It's that you don't yet fully understand the principles that make those techniques work.

Judo isn't about collecting throws. It's about recognising balance, movement, timing, posture, grips, space, and opportunity.

When you understand these principles:

✔ You begin to see attacks developing before they happen.

✔ You recognise opportunities instead of forcing techniques.

✔ Your gripping has purpose.

✔ Your kuzushi becomes natural.

✔ Your randori becomes calmer, clearer, and more effective.

✔ You become a safer training partner

At Northampton Judo Club, we don't just teach techniques. We teach the principles that underpin every throw, transition, and exchange.

Techniques may vary, but the principles remain the same.

Master the principles, and you'll know why something works, when to apply it, and how to adapt when things don't go to plan.

That's how judoka stop reacting... and start understanding.

🥋 Week 6 Complete – Beginners Judo Course!

Another outstanding session on the tatami at Northampton Judo Club!

This week, our beginners built on last week's learning by linking De Ashi Barai (Advancing Foot Sweep) directly into Mune Gatame (Chest Hold), introducing the important concept of transitioning seamlessly from standing techniques (Tachi-waza) into groundwork (Ne-waza).

The standard throughout the class was exceptional. It was fantastic to see everyone demonstrating such focus, enthusiasm and attention to detail. The techniques were executed with increasing confidence, and the improvement in timing, movement and control from week one has been remarkable.

One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is watching beginners develop an understanding that Judo isn't simply about throwing—it's about balance, precision, control and flowing naturally from one technique to the next.

A huge congratulations to everyone for your hard work and commitment. The progress you're making each week is a credit to the effort you're putting in, and it's a pleasure to watch you all grow as Judoka.

Special thanks to our coach, Imi Baricz—4th Dan, former Hungarian International & Olympic Team member, International Judo Federation (IJF) Coach and British Judo Association Level 2 Coach—for another excellent session and for sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.

We're looking forward to Week 7 as we continue building towards your British Judo Association Red Belt grading.

🥋 Interested in joining our next Beginners Judo Course?

📧 [email protected]

Come and start your own Judo journey with us.

Northampton Judo Club
📍 NN4 8DG

More than a sport. A way of life.

Double details tonight from Kazushi strategies
& Newaza escapes

🥋 Week 5 Complete – Beginners Judo Course!

Another fantastic evening on the tatami at Northampton Judo Club!

This week we revisited Osoto Otoshi (Major Outer Drop), reinforcing the key principles of balance (Kuzushi), movement (Tai Sabaki), posture and control. Revisiting techniques is an essential part of Judo, helping students build confidence and develop good habits through repetition.

We then introduced our second throwing technique, De Ashi Barai (Advancing Foot Sweep). Students learned that successful foot sweeps rely on timing, precision and feeling an opponent's movement, rather than strength alone. It was great to see everyone embracing the challenge and beginning to understand the finer details of the technique.

Week by week, the improvement across the group continues to impress. Confidence is growing, techniques are becoming more fluid, and the team spirit developing within the group is exactly what Judo is all about.

A huge thank you to our coach, Imi Baricz—4th Dan, former Hungarian International & Olympic Team member, International Judo Federation (IJF) Coach and British Judo Association Level 2 Coach—for another excellent session and for sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.

Congratulations to everyone on completing Week 5. Keep practising, keep asking questions and, most importantly, keep enjoying the journey.

🥋 Interested in joining our next Beginners Judo Course?

📧 Email: [email protected]

We'll be delighted to send you all the details.

Northampton Judo Club
📍 NN4 8DG

More than a sport. A way of life.

Never stop being a student.

Last night, Northampton Judo Club was proudly represented by coaches Imi and Steve, alongside Jessica (3rd Kyu) and Luke (6th Kyu) at the outstanding Shelley Ludford Seminar, hosted by Higham & Rushden Judo Club.

No matter your grade or experience, there is always something new to learn. The best coaches continue to study. The best athletes never stop developing.

Investing time in opportunities like this doesn't just improve the individuals who attend—it strengthens our entire club. Every lesson learned on the mat is brought back to Northampton Judo Club to help develop the next generation of judoka.

A coach's responsibility isn't just to teach it's to keep learning. Every seminar attended, every technique refined, and every conversation with experienced judoka adds value that is passed directly on to the students we coach.

We're grateful to Shelley Ludford for sharing her knowledge and to Higham & Rushden Judo Club for putting on an excellent event.

The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing. Our students deserve coaches who never stop improving.

Learn. Develop. Improve. Repeat.