A Kinematic Comparison of the Judo Throw Harai-Goshi during Competitive and Non-Competitive Conditions

The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematics of kuzushi/tsukuri (KT) phases of the harai-goshi throw under competitive and non-competitive conditions. A third degree black belt subject served as the tori (thrower) for both conditions. Two black belt participants ranked as first degree and fourth degree served as the uke (faller) for the competitive and non-competitive conditions, respectively. Two video cameras (JVC 60 Hz) and a three dimensional motion analysis system (Vicon-Peak Performance Technologies, Inc., Englewood, CO) were used to collect and analyze peak velocity for the center of mass (COM) of uke and tori and peak angular velocity of tori's trunk (TAV). Data were smoothed using a 4(th) order zero lag Butterworth filter with a cut-off frequency set by the Peak software optimization technique. All variables were normalized by time as a percentage of the KT phase. In general, the COM directional velocity patterns were similar between conditions. Uke's defensive efforts during the competitive condition created differences in timing and magnitude of peak COM and TAV velocities. During competition, tori created larger peak COM velocities onto uke which indicated greater throwing power. Peak velocities for tori's COM were larger during the non-competitive condition since uke's resistance was minimal. Findings of the competitive condition suggested that mediolateral COM movement towards tori's pulling (left) hand can be an ideal set-up movement prior to execution. Tori's TAV was also greater during the competitive condition. Two distinct TAVs were observed, a counterclockwise TAV created by tori turning their hips during the entrance of the throw and a clockwise TAV created by the shoulders turning to complete the 180 degree body turn with the simultaneous leg sweep. It is thought that the counterclockwise rotation aids in producing a pre-stretch of trunk muscles which helps to create greater trunk rotation power. Key pointsCOM directional velocity patterns were similar between conditions and were consistent with the findings from previous kinetic studies.Uke's defensive efforts during the competitive condition created differences in timing and magnitude of peak COM and TAV velocities.Mediolateral COM movement towards tori's pulling (left) hand can be an ideal set-up movement prior to execuation.It is thought that the counterclockwise rotation aids in producing a pre-stretch of trunk muscles which helps to create greater trunk rotation power.