Q & A with Yamada Sensei

Question #1 : I have noticed that for some nidan and sandan tests, you ask people to do jiyuwaza with 4-5 uke. I was wondering what would be the best way of approaching this type of jiyuwaza on tests. I have been asking various sempai but I got conflicting answers. Some said I should approach it just like randori - that is, I should try to stay outside the circle and aim not so much for demonstrating a variety of techniques as the ability to manage mutliple opponents. Others said I should stay in the middle of the circle and use one uke after another to demonstrate a variety of techniques. Who is correct?

Yamada Sensei : First of all, I like to get this kind of question. Among the answers you've gotten from other people, the last answer was more likely the correct one. That is, you should stay in the middle of the circle and use one uke after another to demonstrate various techniques. When I ask for freestyle against 4 or 5 ukes, first of all, I want to see how you can control yourself and remain calm throughout. I also want to see quick reactions against the attacks. I also like to see a variety of techniques against a particular attack without repeating the same basic technique. However, I want you to show the opening movement clearly. After you've completed a technique against an attacker, you should focus your attention on the next attacker, before they come to you. As for uke, do not attack simultaneously and try to keep "maai", or distance, so you can stay away from nage, making sure nage has plenty of time and space to demonstrate his technique. Just don't make a sneak attack. If you read my answer carefully, I guarantee you will pass your test.

I would like to hear more of this kind of question in the future. It's a challenge to me and it's good for me to formulate my answers. .

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