Physical Attributes for judo

**Lindz** · Posted On: 3/03/2011 8:05pm

I dunno about grip strength. But something to toughen up the pads on my fingers would be great. My first few randori intensive practices it felt like I'd sliced the ends of my fingers open a thousand times with super fine razor blades.

**TheMightyMcClaw** · Posted On: 3/03/2011 8:40pm

Originally Posted by Dave R.

I don't really agree with the suggestions on grip strength. I don't think grip strength is all that important to progress in Judo.

Could you elaborate further? I was under the impression this was an important aspect of judo conditioning.

**Dave R.** · Posted On: 3/03/2011 10:22pm

Originally Posted by TheMightyMcClaw

Could you elaborate further? I was under the impression this was an important aspect of judo conditioning.

First let me say that I think over the course of training in either Judo or BJJ that one naturally develops grip strength. I've been told that I have a strong grip that is tough to break but I honestly don't think I have a strong grip. My grip feels strong because of the way I move and the way I position my body. Unless a person knows what they are doing in terms of grip fighting they won't get my grip off and it's not because I'm holding on tight. This is hard to explain but I grip the judogi in a way where I'm loose but strong. I don't make my hand into a fist on the jacket. I actually just kinda let my fingers hang there a little. If you use one of those grip strengthening devices and then try to grip the judogi in that manner I think you expend a lot of energy in the arms and you're less apt to feel what your opponent is doing. In Judo feel is extremely important. I would venture to guess it's the same in BJJ once you reach purple belt and up.

**dwkfym** · Posted On: 3/04/2011 1:51am

(OP should listen to Dave R instead of me)

**judoka_uk** · Posted On: 3/04/2011 4:19am

My experience is the same as Dave's, a strong grip is more than just the physical ability to crush something with your hand.

Although gi pull ups probably wont hurt your grip they're not going to make that big an impact on your Judo. Or your ability to control your partner through your grip. Although you may see short term improvements in your ability to resist grip breaks.

I think people confuse a strong grip with the skill of gripping, which in Judo is more than just holding on so tightly the other person can't get away. Its about establishing control over the upper body of the person you're gripped up with.

**MMAMickey** · Posted On: 3/04/2011 4:41am

Originally Posted by judoka_uk

I think people confuse a strong grip with the skill of gripping, which in Judo is more than just holding on so tightly the other person can't get away. Its about establishing control over the upper body of the person you're gripped up with.

This.

I do feel that grip strength gives me an advantage in grappling in general, but it's the same benefit as strength gives you in general; mostly I find it amounts to just a little more chance of 'making it work' or giving me alittle more time to escape/stop them escaping. Gripping mechanics in most grappling styles are stronger than grip strength alone.

**Cayvmann** · Posted On: 3/08/2011 8:09am

Originally Posted by Tom Kagan

You'll thank me when you become old.

I'll thank you now, as I'm already old, and my knees need some of this.

**risingphoenix73** · Posted On: 3/08/2011 3:42pm

Grip strength and neck strength (if you're not already working them)

**risingphoenix73** · Posted On: 3/08/2011 3:44pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgufVvEgVNQ

**Jim_Jude** · Posted On: 3/08/2011 8:11pm

Originally Posted by Lindz

This occurred to me while I was in the physio struggling to stand on one foot.

Apart from strength and flexibility is there anything a judoka could work on in the gym. Like one legged balance or wobble boards or, I dunno turning speed.

Get a copy of Draeger's Judo Training Methods.