Cntr-1.0: [Counter Morote-gari Sprawl and Spin]

The Judoka and wrestler both understand how to lower your centerline and make a takedown or throw harder. Watch any Judo match and you’ll see more counters than actual technique. Judo is a sport and its’ goal is the perfect throw, but in jujitsu the throw can be ugly as long as it is effective because there are no style points in a life preservation situation.

Warning: There are grapplers that are so quick they can take you down before you can sprawl. This must be practiced every time you touch the mat to make it effective.

Execution:

• Kick your legs out and lower your centerline, but if you extend too much the opponent can take advantage of the distance you’ve created.

Note: A savvy jujitsu student can bait you into this position.

Follow-up Technique:

• The first AOKK Jujitsu kata in the Baehr Fundamentals is Sprawl and Spin.
• The second response could be a knee strike.
• Back away and to the side before attacking.

Note: If you’re trying to execute Morote-gari, be careful that the opponent does not push you face down and expose your back when you shoot in for the takedown.