Kenichiro Muramatsu (front, third from right) was guest instructor at the Masterton Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy last Wednesday. PHOTO/CAMERON CLARKE
Kenichiro Muramatsu (front, third from right) was guest instructor at the Masterton Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy last Wednesday. PHOTO/CAMERON CLARKE
A visiting third dan black belt judo fighter has revealed some of the finer points of ground combat to students at the Masterton Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy.
Kenichiro Muramatsu, 25, was on a 10-day visit to New Zealand, his first to the country, at the invitation of Wellington Judoand Ju Jitsu Academy instructor Cameron Clarke.
Muramatsu trained and led classes at the capital city dojo and last Wednesday coached at the Masterton academy.
The aim of his visit to Wairarapa was to share his knowledge with students in Wairarapa and he took them through some ground choke holds, escapes and counters and escape exercises.
He also demonstrated the technique for his favourite standing throw, harai goshi, or sweeping hip throw, which was one of the original 40 throws of judo as developed by Kano Jigoro.
Simon Ogden, founder of the Masterton academy and 2016 New Zealand judo squad member, said students and instructors at the Masterton academy were privileged to have Muramatsu lead a session, and all were grateful for his generosity and the time he spent with them on the mat.
