While it’s true that judo overly relies on the judo gi which isn’t a realistic material, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not effective without the presence of one. It just has to be adapted.

The easiest and most effective method of adapting is to use the dominant power hand that would normally grab a lapel or high collar and wrap it around the opponent’s hip, waist, or back lat muscle. You can also both under and overhook the opponent’s arm as well as clinch his head.

The other hand would grab the opponent’s hand, wrist, or elbow instead of a sleeve if there isn’t one. If you want to be really mean about it and you’re nimble enough, you can even grab the other person’s FINGERS instead.

Of course, there will always be some throws that are simply impossible to do without a gi and many will be a lot harder to pull off on a slick sweaty body but you’d be surprised at how many can be effectively done with a little adaptation.

In fact, the only throw I’ve not been able to accomplish is a sode tsurikomi goshi which is completely sleeve dependent but most of all the others are certainly doable.

Tran