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What can you say about a judo game with a name which sounds like a violent sneeze? It's frustratingly hard to get to grips with, that's what.

There was no way I could become a 10th Dan at Uchi Mata. I was more like a Desperate Dan as I wrestled manically with the joystick to master a Tomoe-Nage (sacrificial stomach throw, to you lot), followed by a rather neat De Ashi Barai (an advancing ankle sweep).

Brian Jacks, a 7th Dan and one of the world's foremost exponents of Judo, says in his introduction to the game that the real thing requires "hard work, dedication and courage are essential if you are to master all the combat techniques". I'll second that - for the game as well.

You start off as a white belt and work up to 10th Dan. But that's not before you have to spend ages and ages in practice mode. Before daring to get down to the real combat.

The various throws are, of course, performed with joystick movements. There are four main ones to learn. Even so, it was ages before I managed to throw my opponent.

Points are awarded for the degree of perfection with which a throw is performed. The top mark is ten for a Ippon, the perfect throw. If you manage this (I didn't) you get a new opponent.

Besides the two fights, the screen display indicates for grip and stamina, feet, arm and hand positions, time and points.

To look at Uchi Mata is like many other martial arts games. However, it's the most difficult I've ever played. But it does appear to be very realistic. There are no huge leaps into the air or seemingly impossible kicks.

It's also one of the most tiring games I've played. My hands ached with frantic, and sometimes panic-stricken joystick movements.

If you want realism, try Uchi Mata. I got fed a little fed up with being the perpetual fall guy.