Tip 5- Use the Right Technique at the Right time

Although most judo fans know Inoue for phenomenal throwing techniques like Uchimata, Ouchi gari, Seoi nage and Harai goshi, few realise how adept he is at choosing the right technique at the right time and against the right opponent. For example when fighting the Hungarian Antal Kovacs in the final of the 2001 World Championships, Inoue realised early in the fight that his best chance to throw his opponent for ippon would be with Ouchi gari. A few minutes later and sure enough Inoue was World Champion for the second time. In the final of the 2003 World Championships, this time against Ghislain Lemaire of France, Inoue correctly decided to use Harai goshi / Harai makikomi to despatch his opponent and take his third consecutive gold. As he remarked to us, ‘To be honest, I don’t really like Harai makikomi, but, depending on my opponent, I have to make a decision and attack with the most appropriate techniques’. Developing the skill to make that decision is an essential for all serious judoka.