In judo we often hear the word “mata”, for example in “uchi mata”. Inner thigh throw is one of the spectacular throws of Judo. The hip of Tori is attacking the inner thigh of Uke. Attacking the inner thigh will have an effect the opponent’s koshi/tanden.
The translation of “mata” can be “inner thigh” or “groin”, “crotch”, “femur”……
In our study, reference has to be made to the area around the hip-joint. This explains better the relationship with the chinese word for inner thigh, groin or crotch : kua or kwa when used in martial arts.
from the book written by Akira Hino (2017) Listen to the Body.
Relation between 3 lines of twisting/untwisting and mata or kwa
In a basic format the twisting of the upper body will follow a certain sequence.
1. Turn the shoulder line.
2. Turn the body along the diagonal line.
3. Turn the pelvis line. **
Untwisting follows the reverse sequence.
Twisting the shoulder line creates almost an angle of 90° relative to the pelvis line.
**Turning the pelvis line is only possible when the “mata” or “kwa” is flexible and not tensed up. If you cannot make the groin soft, you will not make the full twisting movement. The hip-joint doesn’t change position, its function is the movement of the femur and/or the tanden and koshi.
Although twisting creates tension, it is not advised to tense the associated muscles. Don’t forget it is a movement and not a contraction of muscles.
During tegatana no godosa, the softening of the mata or kwa can be a learning point. Eventually it will create a pattern in the subconscious.
Essential points to consider are :
-Turning the pelvis line is only possible when the back hip-joint is stable.
-The back hip-joint must have the ability to open and close
-The knees cannot move to the sides
Study Group Tomiki Aikido 