I have been pratising Judo for 4 years and am a blue belt. Honestly, to make Judo really effective, executing brutal throws is a must. Firstly, a brutal throw will leave the opponent lying in pain compared to a simple striking. One example is a circle throw that may cause the opponent to break his head. Secondly, a brutal throw will scare the other opponent into submition or flight.

Otherwise, Judo is really ineffective except for its throw. Pinning is still able to be countered by bitting which is banned in the dojo. Pinning also leaves your back open to attack by a second opponent if present. I have also found that some or most of the throws in Judo allows the opponent to fall on the back SAFELY. He could just climb up and you have to do everything again.

Please get more degree at judo. ¿ What About Shime Waza & Kansetsu Waza? Chokes & Dislocations are 100 % warranteed

Judo is great for the street - hey, how does one land safely on the cement???

And you could always control the opponent to fall on his head and get SERIOUSLY injured...

It is just that not enough practise without clothes is done, and, besides, street clothes are not tough enough to bear
a hard grip & pull,

First the throw you describe is Tomoe-Nage. Try Tawara-gaeshi or Daki-wakare. Many others that only a small varience will severly hurt your opponent. Those two throw do not require clothing either.
And I disagree with Judo being ineffective. It has its strong point and weak points.
First the major strong point is that you fight in every class. Randori is a valuable tool and should not be dismissed as nothing more than "competition". Second is its ground work. I find it better than BJJ in this aspect. Many of the ne-waza techniques do not tie you onto the opponent as much. Example BJJ leg locks, mount, guard ect. The goal is to tie into your opponent to get a submission. Try geting up fast from a leg lock. Judo is more fluid in the aspect of being able to stand back up. Judo's priority is stand up. So I feel that you will fight differently in Judo. Don't get me wrong you can pin and tie up just as easy in Judo but there is a difference.
Where people think Judo is lacking is it's striking. You can learn Atemi waza techniques in Judo. Although not fully taught in the states, the atemi waza in Japan is . It is not boxing as in MMA but vital strike points, ie throat strikes ect. It is taught thru kata.
Fighting succesfully is not about what technique is best but what your mindset is. Fighting is a lot more mental than most people learn. Most students learn the flavor of the month technique but learn very little about the mental aspects of combat. Judo will teach you this, you may not regonize it as a beginner, get some time , you will develope it.
Ed

[This message has been edited by Ed Glasheen (edited 12-06-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Ed Glasheen (edited 12-06-2004).]

Judo is great because it teaches you the principle of "ju" -softness, using your oppenents force. Combined with some striking judo is great for self-defence situations.

Why would a Martial Artist want to hurt someone? Wouldn't being able to defend yourself while at the same time not harming your attacker be the utmost in skill? Maybe Judo is designed to be a more gentle way.

Ofcourse judo can also be used gently, like aikido by redirecting your oppenents attacks and I think that´s the ultimate goal. Being able to defend yourself without damaging your oppenent.

Again and again, I stressed that one on one fights are a piece or cake for M.A professionals. What I am talking about is taking on multiple opponents. Don't expect me to pin or choke someone when there two other thugs waiting to knock the hell out of me. Please don't get me wrong. I did not say Judo was not effective, I was trying to talk about variations of Judo. Ed Glasheen, you made my point. For me(opinion), I harden my fist and strengthen my arms so I can finish my attacker as soon as possible and throw them back into the gang.

Ed, that's insulting. I am not a beginner in martial arts. For me, I tend to focus on the practical side of martials arts for self-defence. While others will talk about the art and philosophy behind it, it does not appeal to me. This is just an opinion. As you read in my earlier post, I prefer to finish street thugs quickly. That was why I was a little put off by the gentleness of Judo. My master used to say that I could accidentaly kill someone if i continue to use brutal strikes. But now after i had read Budokanforfun's posts, I will think about how i will defend myself with hurting.

Did not mean to insult you, you stated that you are a blue belt????
If you are taliking multiple engagements well I think this is one of Judo weaknesses. Once you grab or are grabbed you are pinned down and less manuverable. Tieing up with your opponent may not be the best move in this case. Your throws are going to have to be quick,like uchi comi practice...and yes I agree any grappling in a multi fight engagement is not the best idea.
Ed

[This message has been edited by Ed Glasheen (edited 12-11-2004).]