Help with the ridge hand

[shadowspawn]

Whenever someone throws some funky technique I don't know how to defend against, I like to use it myself in friendly kumite so that, in addition to myself trying to discover counters, I can observe my partner and his/her reaction to that specific technique. After all two heads are better than one

[HungKuen]

I find that trying to use tech A to counter tech B too limiting. Try to work on your strategy first instead of worrying about, if he throws this i have to do this, type of thinking. I don't know how the ridge hande is thrown but correct me if i'm wrong, it's a wide tech meaning it comes from the outside in a sweeping motion? Usually these techniques are secondary techs that need a set up to distract the opponent and open them up.

When you're sparring try to engage your head movement and body movement. This will make it harder for your opponent to get a read on you.

[skullsplitter]

Thanks for all of the replies! One of my instructors actually runs into a guy that uses this strike frequently so he's going to work with me on it and get me ready.

He echoes many of you in that I need to recognize what he is doing to set it up.

[pittbullJudoka]

Sounds like you have the inside track on it now. Good luck.

[bushido_man96]

I use video constantly review tape on my bjj to see why a sub or position didn't work for me. In fact I reviewed tape from Tuesday night this morning. I love it when I can see stuff that I can capitalize on.

Video review would be your best bet, I think. If you have it on video, then you can review it, then set up a training scenario where you have someone else set up that ridgehand, and you can react to it. Work in slow speeds first, then pick up speed and train for it.

If you don't have video yet, then get some at the next tournament of this person sparring you or anyone/everyone else he spars.