Newaza

Picture this...my first Judo class and we practice Newaza or grappling techniques. I am immediately pinned. We switch partners. I am immediately pinned again and again.

Fast forward to today. I not only am able to keep from getting held down, I am able to get out of choking techniques, arm bar techniques and able to hold down my opponents in Kesa Gatame.

Click here to see a pick of this holdown on Judoinfo.com http://www.judoinfo.com/images/osaekomi/hon_kesa_gatame.gif

As a woman I have a very strong advantage in that I can't rely on my strength. Because it isn't a matter of just showing my strength I can work and rely on technique which I am finding is a good way to become a better Judo player.