Don't Break
Your Thumb in Randori or Grappling [5/04]
When
you grab a gi in randori/grappling it is common to see competitors grab their
opponent's gi with a grip where their thumb grabs the gi from underneath [or
opposite their fingers & palm] like when you normally grab something.
While
this is a more secure grab it can also entrap the thumb if the uke rolls as is
shown in this picture and the next one.
A
broken thumb [or wrist] is a common injury if the uke rolls out of the throw or
rotates during groundwork as your thumb &/or hand can become trapped in the
twisted gi.
An
alternative grip is to keep your thumb next to your fingers & grip only with
your fingers. This way you can easily slip your hand out of a twisted gi &
prevent injuring yourself.
The
same problem can occur if you grab your uke's obi with your thumb underneath.
The
preventative solution is the same & your technique won't suffer.
