Judo: Kouchi-gari, Zednek Matl Style

Zdenek Matl is a neat guy. He was a national level coach in Czechoslovakia. He has developed an incredibly soft style of Judo…. so soft you could practice it on carpet.

George created a DVD (item # 5075) titled “Some Effective Variations of Judo” featuring Zdenek. While not shown on the DVD, this is one of my favorite techniques Zdenek performs.

Begin in normal grips. Cameron Siemens, uke (on left), is stepping back with his left foot.

As uke steps back, we step forward normally. At the end, lightly brush uke’s left ankle back with your right foot. Keep your right foot close to the floor and try not to accelerate uke’s foot.

This creates an off-balance condition which is used to mount the attack.

Tori brings his left foot directly under his center…

And executes kouchi-gari with his right foot.