AboutNeil Ohlenkamp Expertise Mr. Ohlenkamp can answer any questions about Judo having practiced it since 1968. Author of a best-selling book on Judo and a 6th degree black belt, he has compiled a comprehensive web site (JudoInfo.com) to provide the information to everyone.
Experience Mr. Ohlenkamp has been practicing Judo continuously since 1968, and has been the head instructor of the Encino Judo Club since 1985 responsible for classes in four locations teaching over 200 students each year, with the help of other black belt members of the Encino Judo Club. He is widely recognized as a leader in the teaching and promotion of Judo for sport and self defense. He has developed highly successful Judo, jujitsu and self defense programs for various health clubs, churches, schools, employee groups, community centers, youth centers, and recreation centers throughout Southern California. He has trained athletes and coaches in seminars and clinics around the world. He has trained national and international competitors, as well as recreational Judo students.
Affiliated Organizations United States Judo Inc., United States Judo Association, United States Judo Federation, Nanka Yudanshakai, United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan, Encino Judo Club.
Publications As a pioneer in promoting martial arts around the world through the internet, Mr. Ohlenkamp created one of the first web pages devoted to Judo. Since 1995 his Judo Information Site at JudoInfo.com has been the most highly acclaimed, most popular, and most comprehensive Judo web site on the internet. He also runs several other Judo sites like JudoForum.com, DoJudo.com, and BlackBeltJudo.com. He has also authored a book on Judo, contributed to other martial arts books, and had articles published in most of the major Judo publications in the US. The U.S. edition of the book is called Judo Unleashed (2006, McGraw-Hill) but is also available under other titles in the UK, Germany, Russia, and The Netherlands.
Education/Credentials Mr. Ohlenkamp is a 6th degree black belt and has been nationally certified as a Judo instructor, coach, and rank examiner. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development with a specialty in recreation from California State University, Northridge.
Awards and Honors 6th degree black belt in Judo and Jujitsu, US Judo Coach of the Year-1999, U.S. Team Coach at the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul, Korea, the 1989 World Championships for the Blind in Manchester, England, and the 1990 World Championships and Games for the Disabled in Assen, Netherlands, and member of the International Blind Sports Association Judo Technical Committee from 1988 to 1993.
Question This question is for a novel I am writing. I know little about Judo, but would like the main character (who is basically non-violent) to use Judo to defend himself from an individual who tries to attack him with several boxing jabs to the face. I would like my main character to be able to put this attacker on the ground in a definitive way but without causing much harm (if that is possible). I will be happy to list your name in the book's acknowledgements section (if I am able to sell it). Can you briefly describe what my character would do as well as what the correct names of the throws or kicks are called?
Many thanks!
Answer Here is a typical Judo response, and one that every black belt should be able to do, as well as most students.
Step back and parry the first few jabs forcing the attacker to step forward, commit himself, and try a more powerful punch like a cross, roundhouse, or hook. (The essence of Judo is to use your opponent's force against him, allowing you to defeat a bigger stronger assailant. With the attacker's forward momentum and a more committed, angry, or reckless punch this is easier to do.) Assuming he punches with his right hand, the Judoka (one who studies Judo or leads the life of Judo) would use his left hand in a blocking motion to redirect the force or the attack away from his face while keeping it coming forward. As he uses his left hand to block, he would step in with his right foot to close the distance and begin his turn. He completes his turn by bringing his left foot back so that he is facing the same way as the attacker, right arm under the attacker's right arm/shoulder, knees bent low, left hand still guiding the attacker's right hand forward and past the Judoka so that the attacker is pulled up onto the Judoka's back and thrown over his right shoulder as the Judoka turns to his left and continues pulling. The attacker would fall forward over the Judoka and his fall would be broken, or at least controlled, by the Judoka who is still hanging on to the attacker's right arm, ready to break it or apply another move if the attacker is still fighting.
I know this is hard to visualize. The technique is called ippon seoinage, or one arm shoulder throw, and it is usually taught within the first few months of training. There are many variations and opportunities to apply this technique (waza). It can be done standing or by dropping onto the knees. The arm can be broken while throwing, he can be thrown onto his head and neck, or the opponent can be rolled safely onto his back. You can see this technique on my web site, but take a look at these images to give you a basic idea of how it might look:
