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When previously presenting different aspects of judo, I have tackled the strangulation issues. (Judo-Ron 38/39)i. Now, the time has come to seek what is hidden in the joint ventures we so often take for granted as we move about the tatami or apply different arm bars and wrist locks to our opponents/partners. Most of us were taught to do a technique based upon the physical model our teacher demonstrated. We engaged in their repetition and reproduction as best we can without too much questioning. If it is effective, then, who am I to challenge the principles used by the teacher? We take it for granted that the Kuzushi (breaking of the balance) will occur without neither preparation nor timely intervention. We repeat and mimic the process without truly understanding the consequences of applying excessive torque to a body part or overextending an articulation. This article will attempt to expose some of the mechanical principles associated with the movement of our human body by exploring the functions of the joints. Our exploration is a prelude to identify what constitute our assured strength and weakness and perhaps discover similar elements of suppleness and firmness as we might find in a tree. In the next few pages, I will try to summarize the various types of cooperative formulae needed or which could be applied at various muscles/bones and joint levels to ensure we maximize the judo principle of intelligent use of energy for a greater efficiency.
/public icons The principal aim of our judo training model can be described by the word AGASTSU. Conquer yourself first before attempting to master the opponent. That is the goal. If we believe that the true opponent to be overcome is oneself; can we really conquer self by remaining ignorant of what we are?
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Looking at our own blue print We need not be a guru of physiology nor anatomy to pursue our judo learning or development. It is sufficient to take some time to understand what we are made of. We are an agglomerate of skin, bones, muscles, water and lots of chemicals. Our architecture comprises a complex system of bones, associated cartilages and joints. When complementing each other during various functions or activities, these structures and components ensure both our equilibrium and maneuverability. The judo scientist Attilo Sacripanti in the introduction of his research compendium mentioned:iii Mystic understands judo roots, but dont understand his branches; Scientist understands judo branches but not his roots. Science doesnt need Mysticism and Mysticism doesnt need Science, but perfect judoka needs both.
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A short expos of key principles In our judo practices, we adopt different postures, perform mixed gestures, and make use of different limbs for multi purposes. We engage in a constant struggle to master the opponent motions and turn them to our advantage. To obtain a minimum deployment of energy and get the maximum results, we need to appreciate how these elements cooperate amongst themselves and how vulnerable they can be. To attain a certain level of Judo mastery, we need to be able to execute techniques with spontaneities and savoir faire. We know that superior techniques stem from the combination of intelligent use of our energy in compliance with the principles of assorted mechanical laws. It is therefore important to know how joints operate and how much freedom or restriction they can inflict upon our free movement.
Words of a Connoisseur An overall description of the tandem application can be found in an earlier text produced by Sensei Koizumi Gunji, one of the first Kodokan Judo representatives in England, when in a 1945 address, he stated: iv The most effective application of the body mechanism naturally is governed by the dynamic law or the principles of leverage and balance.
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As I stated earlier, we cannot address the study of human movement without the minimum understanding of its mechanical components and of key elements that are at play. As such, the human skeleton can be divided into two large entities: Axial and Appendicular. Axial: establishes the axis of human body. It consists of the skull, vertebral column and thoracic cage. The skull forms the bony framework of the head. It consists of 22 different bones that are divided into two groups: bones of the cranium and bones of the face. We include in this group, the vertebral column connecting the trunk, the skull and the appendages. It is composed of 33 vertebrae which are divided into 5 regions: Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, and Coccygeal. In the thoracic region, we have the rib cage consisting of a bony enclosure for our vital organs and formed by the sternum and ribs. We have 12 pairs of ribs that are divided into three groups: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs. Appendicular: The components define our silhouette, size and contour. It consists of the shoulder girdle, the upper limbs, the pelvic girdle and the lower limbs. Shoulder Girdle: It attaches the upper limb to body trunk and is formed by two bones: clavicle and scapula. Clavicle is a modified long bone while scapula is a pear shaped flat bone that contains the cavity for the shoulder joint. The Upper limbs: There are 30 bones. These are: Humerus, Ulna, Radius, Carpals (8), Metacarpals (5), and Phalanges (14). Pelvic Girdle: There are two pelvic girdles (one for each lower limb) jointed together in the sacral region. The Lower limbs: Each lower limb consists of 30 bones. The bones are; Femur, Tibia, Patella, Tarsals (7), Metatarsals (5), and Phalanges (14).
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Identification of Types of Levers A cursory look at the interactions between muscles cartilages and bones will identify three types of levers. Class 1: Skull and Neck
The pivot is the place where our skull meets the top of our spine. Our skull is the lever arm and the neck muscles at the back of the skull provide the force (effort) to lift our head up against the weight of the head (load). The load and the resistance being at equal distance to the fulcrum will have a tendency to stabilize. As a consequence, when the neck muscles relax, or when the forces are greater to the load, there is a reaction: our head nods forward. In this kind of lever, the pivot lies between the effort and load. When in full balance and resting comfortably on the shoulders, the head should feel like as if we were suspended in the air by an imaginary sky hook. In such a position, the flow of energy is left undisturbed and we benefit of more mental acuity. When we tilt the head down during a fight, we not only displace 40-45 pounds that we need to cope with, but we also obstruct our reaction time. As with most other animals movements, we should try to use the head as a prolongation of our spine and let it guide the direction of our body. This kind of lever is also used as a combined moment of force, when the two opponents hold each other and we witness two directions of movement linked by the single contact point on each other( as in O-Uchi Gari when pushing away the upper limb and drawing forward the lower limb) Class 2 lever: Standing on tip toes
The pivot is at our toe joints and our foot acts as a lever arm. Our calf muscles and Achilles tendon provide the effort when the calf muscle contracts. The load is our body weight and is lifted by the effort (muscle contraction).
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In this case, the pivot is at the elbow and the forearm acts as the lever arm. The biceps muscle provides the effort (force) and bends the forearm against the weight of the forearm and any weight that the hand might be holding is now moved. This kind of lever is more evident when we perform ground work where the arm of the moment of force is shorter. In order to extend the arm of force, one must hold the opponent by adding the weight of the abdomen and even extending the legs outward. When applying Kuzushi, if our hands pull the opponent horizontally, they are likely to serve as shackles that tightly bond his body to ours. Another consideration is to push him back, in this instance, they will serve as rigid rods that will make him turn in the direction of the push and displace his weight about the axis when the force of gravity will have a greater effect. Extend of freedom of joint movement Joints are also subjected to some stress when we try to over reach in selected direction or when undue pressure is being applied at their intersection. You may also have noticed in your practice, that when trying to rotate your body in Tai Sabaki, there is a marked difference in the easiness of the movement if your arms are extended to the front as compared to experiencing a faster move when your arms are more tucked in (flexed) and closer to the body. You may even have shown favoritism towards a turn to the right side or the left. Favoring one side to the other is often seen as a flaw that must be quickly corrected if you are to maximize your flexibility by profiting from the interaction of antagonistic muscles groups contained in the girdle area.
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What could happen when we overdo it? When we extensively displace some of the elements making the joint connections we are asking for troubles with consequences: 1. We may dislocate it. This is a condition in which the articular surfaces of the joint are abnormally displaced so that one surface loses its contact completely with the other. When a partial contact is still retained, it is better called subluxation. 2. We may cause a sprain: It is the severe pain in the joint caused by ligamentous tear, but without any associated dislocation or fracture. The tear leads to effusion into the ligament and joint causing great pain. What happens when we feel the effect of cold? With the cooling of the joint caused by inaction or cold weather, the viscosity of the synovial fluid increases and stiffness is felt. If the joint is left immobile, the rigidity will persist. It is thus important to move and exercise the joints during the warm up period to facilitate their lubrication.
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Ronald Dsormeaux, Zuihitsu, Random notes about judo No 38-39 www.Scribd.com, 2008 Watanabe Jiichi and Avakian Lindy, The Secrets of Judo, Charles E Tuttle, Tokyo, 1960, page 18 iii Attilo Sacripanti, Advances in Judo Biomechanics Research, VDM Vewrlag/Muller, Germany, 2010 iv Koizumi Gunji, Budokwai Quarterly Bulletin, April 1945 republished January 1946, pp. 20-21. .
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