Grips
Any particular reason we don't really ever use left grips? (Or maybe folks do, and I'm just out of the loop!) I've noticed a few other judo schools practicing throw on both sides and wondered. Any time I've tried a left grip and trying to do a throw off of it, though, I just feel RETARDED...
In the TJI club I worked out with, you learned every throw on both sides by the time you were Ikkyu. I think the idea was that you are exposed to everything and you can "pick" your tokui waza after that. KEG sensei always said it is best to develop just a few techniques based on one grip and entry. You have to be able to throw in various directions (osotogari, haraigoshi, hizagaruma) from that entry, but it was considered inefficient training to spend a lot of time developing contradictory habits.
Some schools work left side entries as a way to gain an edge over competitors who aren't used to seeing them. In Nage no Kata, we do see throws performed on both sides.
Personally, I work everything from the same old standard grip (minus handweaving work if I shift gears). This is a consistent method, which along the the three feet on/across/down-the-line conditions create a very stable framework for learning Judo.
Also, doing the same throws on one side tends to develop those muscles very nicely for that purpose. For example, my right leg is my reaper (osoto-gari, ouchi-gari, uchi-mata, etc), and my left leg is my sweeper (okuri-ashi-harai, de-ashi-harai, harai-tsurikomi-ashi, etc.). Kouchi-gari is the only sweep I can think of that I use my right leg for, but that's because my right leg is in position for ouchi-gari.
my best advice is play with all the grips till you dont care about grips
From the newbie. Not as experienced as you guys. I've worked the grips from both sides and have no problem with entrys on either side. I know I had just a few fit ins that were tougher on one side than the other. And that is some on right and some on left. Alot of throws I can't tell the difference when I enter. Both feel natural.
I went to the left to help combat persons that were way larger than me. I also cheated with my grips on them. I grabbed them where the seam on their gi attaches at the arm pit and sleeve. I had alot more control over a 350 plus guy and was very tight on fit ins such as Ippon seo nage or o goshi. I used what ever the guy gave me.
From what I've seen Nick is right about trying all grips. We used to go through drills of fighting for grips and whatever we got we would throw from that grip. Ground work I worked both sides. Is there a difference on ground like standing? I had to take what ever the guy gave me to keep from getting hammered.