3 Key Judo Throws

Momentum can be classified into two types. One is the force that acts along a curved line; the other is a force that acts along a straight line. The technique that best illustrates the former is uki-goshi (hip throw), while the one that shows the latter to best advantage is uki-otoshi (floating drop). O-goshi (major hip throw) is another of the more important judo throws.

1.Uki-goshi (hip throw)
Let us study uki-goshi first, since it demonstrates most effectively how to produce the largest curved-line momentum possible when you pivot against your opponent and at the same time induce momentum in him.

You and your opponent hold each other in right natural posture. Without making him bend his waist or his knees, you force him to lean toward his right front corner. Losing no time, you pivot to the left, putting your right foot inside his right foot and your left foot inside his left foot. Then put your loins and the right part of your back in close contact with his chest and abdomen by pulling his right sleeve with your left hand and pressing his back from the right side with your right hand and arm. Twist your loins from right to left, availing yourself of the strength with which you turn to the left. He will then be thrown.

Key point:
a.When you apply this technique, you must twist your loins without lifting them. You must make the maximum use of the momentum that works horizontally along a curved line.

b.When you pivot, you must keep your body upright. Do not bend either your waist or your knees. This enables you to twist your loins.

2.Uki-Otoshi (floating drop)
This technique best illustrates the use of the waist and abdominal region to take advantage of momentum working along a straight line. In uki-otoshi you throw your opponent with momentum alone. You and your opponent hold each other in a right natural posture. As your opponent pushes you back, you withdraw more than he pushes.

You break his posture to the front by taking advantage of his pushing force and the momentum produced when you withdraw. Suddenly you pull him down and forward with both hands, making use of the momentum produced when you drop your left knee to the mat. He is then thrown forward and down.

Key point: If you withdraw only as much as your opponent pushes, you cannot break his posture, nor can you pull him down by making his right toes serve as a fulcrum. Consequently, to perform this important example of judo throws, you must withdraw more than he pushes and at the same time put yourself in a position convenient to pull him down with the largest force and in the shortest time possible.

3.O-goshi (major hip throw)
If you can support your opponent's center of gravity, you can easily rotate him around your waist by applying a small force on his upper body. It does not matter how much he weighs. O-goshi is typical of the techniques applied in this manner. Let us study the technique.

You and your opponent hold each other in a right self-defensive posture. Slipping your right hand beneath his left elbow, you put the palm on his back as deeply as possible. Lift his body gently with your right hand and arm while you pull him to the front by pulling his right sleeve with your left hand.

Now, bending your knee a little, you advance your right foot inside his right foot so that it becomes parallel with it. Simultaneously you pivot your left foot near his left foot. Support his center of gravity from beneath with your back and waist. Twist your waist quickly from right to left. He will then be thrown, rotating around and over your hip.

Key point: The key point of o-goshi is to pull the upper part of your opponent's body forward with your hands and completely support his center of gravity with the small of your back and your hip. Then throw him up and over the hip and down to the mat.

Master these judo throws to win!

    By Desmond McKay 

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