For this first analysis we chose a spectacular image taken during the match between Yakub SHAMILOV (RJF) and Ari BERLINER (USA) and we sat down with Neil Adams, to find out what he thought about it.
His first reaction was, “This is spectacular,” before adding, “The problem with a still image is that you don't know what happened before or after, but there is still a lot to say."
First we note SHAMILOV in action, which could look like a counterattack. The supporting right foot is well anchored on the ground and transfers a significant force vertically, which makes it possible to make the opponent take-off. Looking carefully at the orientation of the foot, we can see that it's already leaning toward the direction of the throw, transferring the energy in the right direction.
SHAMILOV's right hand has a double action, first vertical, then to the left, as is expected for the tsurite (lifting hand). Coupled with the left hand, firmly gripped on the collar, which pulls strongly towards the ground and gives the kuzushi (balance breaking), the athlete initiates a rotational movement that nothing seems to be able to stop. As Neil said, this is spectacular.
The only issue is that this movement didn't score ippon. The first reason is that you can already see that BERLINER's arm has escaped the kumi-kata and is ready to brace against the fall. The American is looking already in the direction of the landing and he knows what to expect. SHAMILOV is still looking straight ahead, when he should already be looking towards the finish of the throw, just as BERLINER is.
"Because it is obviously a counterattack, SHAMILOV was probably not totally ready. He just had to improvise and react based on BERLINER's initial attack. It looks to me as if he has a reverse grip, for this technique and that doesn't allow him to have full control over the rotation," concluded Neil Adams.
This is it! This beautiful image didn't end up as SHAMILOV wanted it to. It remains amazing to see all those details frozen for an instant that is as long as the blink of an eye. Everything needs to go together with perfect timing. If you want to discover the full sequence you can check the match between Yakub SHAMILOV (RJF) and Ari BERLINER (USA) and draw your own conclusions.