- Mar 12, 2003
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To gain a tactical advantage in groundball work, many AFL players are engaging in BJJ, which focuses on groundwork (newaza). Unfortunately, some players are starting to apply takedown techniques from jiu-jitsu/judo/BJJ on the field, mimicking dangerous throws with leverage and rotational movements.
In Judo, which focuses on standing throws, to obtain a yellow belt (from white), you must learn and demonstrate how to land safely. The Yoko Wakare is a throw reserved for brown and black belts and is forbidden for use on lower belts due to the risk of serious injury or concussion. It takes years of supervised practice to fall properly. Yet, these dangerous moves are being performed in AFL on players who don’t know how to fall. The result? Uncontrolled falls that pose a real risk of injury or concussion.
Here’s a detailed demonstration of Yoko Wakare in Judo:
Here are three examples/variations of Yoko Wakare being applied with varying consequences on an AFL field:
It’s crucial that the AFL addresses this growing trend for the sake of player safety.
In Judo, which focuses on standing throws, to obtain a yellow belt (from white), you must learn and demonstrate how to land safely. The Yoko Wakare is a throw reserved for brown and black belts and is forbidden for use on lower belts due to the risk of serious injury or concussion. It takes years of supervised practice to fall properly. Yet, these dangerous moves are being performed in AFL on players who don’t know how to fall. The result? Uncontrolled falls that pose a real risk of injury or concussion.
Here’s a detailed demonstration of Yoko Wakare in Judo:
Here are three examples/variations of Yoko Wakare being applied with varying consequences on an AFL field:
- https://www.afl.com.au/video/481345/demon-s-dangerous-tackle-leaves-young-crow-stunned
- https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/...dal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1717198800001
- (at the 3:46 mark)
It’s crucial that the AFL addresses this growing trend for the sake of player safety.
