Video: Judo Turtle Turnovers - Handcuffs by Brett Peterson. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
Judo groundwork rewards fast turnovers when the opponent turtles. A dummy lets you groove the roll and pin.
3 key details
- Control the far arm before turning.
- Drive with your legs, not your arms.
- Land in a stable pin: hips low, chest heavy.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Turtle position transitions
- 2:00Grip control on dummy
- 2:00Turnover, right
- 2:00Turnover, left
- 2:00Pin holds
Safety
Keep turnovers slow and controlled when using a partner.
Instructor disclaimer
Follow your instructor's version. Schools and styles teach this technique differently. This page is general education, not a substitute for qualified instruction.
