Mock-grading

Today I had the opportunity to go through a mock-grading for Orange belt in judo.  Needless to say, it was a bit rough.  During my time with the Western Judo Club, I've focused my attention on what could be considered "big guy throws," as those would be of greatest use to me in tournament settings in either judo or Brazilian jiu-jitsu.  However, those throws are, for the most part, absent from the lower Kyu curriculum of the club.  I had no idea what the majority of the Orange belt throws were.  Needless to say, I would have failed any official grading.

The feedback I received was interesting.  My upper body is doing what it needs to, but my lower body is lacking... well... in coordination and speed (not to mention a significant bend in the knees).  That seems to be why I tend to favour the more straight forward throws like O-Goshi and O-Soto Gari.  The moment things start to require a whole lot of pivoting and lower body awareness, I'm in trouble.  I need a lot more repetitions and lower body conditioning before I've got a realistic shot at the next belt.