Kumikata
組み方
The way of gripping the opponent in judo and the fight for a favourable grip. Whoever controls the grip sets the direction of off-balancing and so which throw can be done.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Kumikata (組み方) means “way of gripping”: kumu is to grip or to join, kata is way. In judo it is how a fighter holds the opponent's jacket and the whole contest for the grip that precedes almost every throw in competition. The basic grip consists of two hands with different roles. Hikite, the pulling hand, usually holds the opponent's sleeve. The other hand holds the collar or lapel. Depending on whether both fighters grip with the same side, there is ai-yotsu, both right or both left, and kenka-yotsu, one right and the other left. The position of the grip decides in which direction the opponent can be off-balanced, and so which throws are possible at the moment.
In practice
The fight for the grip starts right after the command hajime. The fighter tries to get their own grip and at the same time to break or deny the opponent's. Beginners usually learn the standard sleeve–collar grip, in which most basic throws can be done.
Relations to other terms
Often confused with
See also
Breaking the opponent's balance. In judo the first of the three phases of a throw, without which the throw rests on brute strength alone and often fails.
Nage-waza投げ技Collective name for all throws in judo and jujutsu. The Kodokan lists 68 of them, divided into standing throws and throws that sacrifice one's own balance.