Kake

Kake (掛け) is a key concept in judo and Japanese martial arts that refers to the "execution" or "completion" phase of a technique. It is the moment when the practitioner applies the technique to throw, pin, or control their opponent after the preparation phases of kuzushi (off-balancing) and tsukuri (entry).

Kake is the culmination of a judoka's efforts to destabilize and position their opponent, blending timing, power, and technique to achieve an effective and efficient result.

The Role of Kake in Judo Techniques

In judo, kake represents the decisive moment when a technique is fully committed to and executed. Proper kake relies on the preceding phases of kuzushi and tsukuri being performed correctly, as they set up the ideal conditions for the technique to succeed. Kake requires precision, speed, and control to ensure both effectiveness and safety for both practitioners.

Components of Kake

The kake phase can be broken into several critical aspects:

1. Timing

Perfect timing is essential for kake. The judoka must execute the technique at the precise moment when the opponent is off-balanced and vulnerable, capitalizing on the momentum created during kuzushi and tsukuri.

2. Force and Direction

Kake involves applying the appropriate amount of force in the correct direction to complete the technique. Whether it’s a throw, hold, or pin, the judoka’s actions must be decisive and well-controlled.

3. Follow-Through

Effective kake doesn’t end with the throw or pin itself; it includes maintaining control of the opponent during and after execution. This ensures safety and prevents counterattacks.

4. Safety and Control

In training and competition, judoka must execute kake with consideration for their partner’s safety. Controlled application of force and adherence to proper technique minimize the risk of injury.

Kake in Action

Below are examples of kake in the context of common judo techniques:

Uki Goshi (Floating Hip Throw)

- After completing kuzushi and tsukuri, the judoka uses their hips as a fulcrum to lift and rotate the opponent off the ground, guiding them smoothly to the mat.

Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw)

- Following the entry phase, the judoka fully commits to the throw by extending their legs and rotating their upper body, flipping the opponent over their shoulder in a controlled motion.

O Soto Gari (Major Outer Reap)

- Once the opponent is off-balanced backward, the judoka executes the reaping motion with their leg, sweeping the opponent’s leg and driving them to the mat.

Importance of Kake in Learning Judo

Mastering kake is crucial for judoka of all levels. While kuzushi and tsukuri set up the conditions for a successful technique, kake is where the technique is brought to life. It tests the judoka’s ability to blend power, precision, and timing into one seamless action.

In competition, kake often determines the outcome of a match. In practice, it reinforces the principles of proper technique, ensuring that throws and pins are executed safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Kake is the final and decisive phase of any judo technique, representing the culmination of skill, timing, and control. By mastering kake, judoka can execute techniques with efficiency and precision, embodying the principles of maximum efficiency (seiryoku zen'yo) and mutual benefit (jita kyoei).