Judo, meaning “the gentle way,” is a martial art and Olympic sport that focuses on grappling, takedowns, and throws. While the name suggests gentleness, the power and precision of a well-executed throw are anything but. The heart of judo lies in its throws, known as nage-waza, which allow a smaller, weaker person to defeat a larger, stronger opponent by using their own momentum and energy against them. Mastering these techniques is the ultimate goal for any serious practitioner. This definitive list of the Top 10 Judo Throws is a guide to the most fundamental, effective, and iconic throws that every aspiring judoka should strive to master.
These Top 10 Judo Throws are not just random techniques; they are the building blocks of the sport’s philosophy. Each throw teaches a different principle, whether it’s the importance of timing, the power of leverage, or the art of unbalancing an opponent. From classic hip throws to dynamic foot sweeps, the variety of throws in judo is a testament to the art’s strategic depth and physical complexity.
Our list of the Top 10 Judo Throws will delve into the mechanics of each one, providing a comprehensive look at what makes them so powerful and so essential. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to go beyond the basics and truly appreciate the art of a perfect throw. This is our comprehensive guide to the Top 10 Judo Throws that define the sport.
Top 10 Judo Throws :
10. O-soto Gari (Major Outer Reaping)
O-soto Gari is a classic judo throw that is often taught to beginners due to its relative simplicity and high effectiveness. It is a leg technique (ashi-waza) where you reap your opponent’s leg from the outside, throwing them backward. The key to mastering this throw is to properly unbalance your opponent and to apply your full body weight to the throw. The fundamental nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
The power of O-soto Gari lies in its simplicity. A well-executed O-soto Gari can be a devastating throw, as it uses the opponent’s momentum against them. It is a throw that is often used as a counter-attack or as a way to set up other throws. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer power of this throw is what makes it one of the most effective of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | A 2018 study on judo throws found that O-soto Gari is one of the most commonly attempted techniques in international competitions |
9. Ko-uchi Gari (Minor Inner Reaping)
Ko-uchi Gari is a cunning foot sweep that is used to unbalance an opponent and to set up other throws. It is a foot technique (ashi-waza) where you hook your opponent’s inner ankle, forcing them to take a step back. The key to mastering this throw is to properly time your sweep and to use your body to pull your opponent off balance. The strategic value of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Ko-uchi Gari is a throw that is often used as a feint or as a way to disrupt an opponent’s balance. It is a throw that is not about power but about timing and precision. A well-executed Ko-uchi Gari can be a devastating throw, as it can cause an opponent to fall to the mat with a loud thud. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The technical nature of this throw is what makes it one of the most difficult of the Top 10 Judo Throws to master.
| Stat | In elite-level judo, Ko-uchi Gari is often used as a setup, with over 70% of successful applications leading to a follow-up throw. |
8. Tai Otoshi (Body Drop)
Tai Otoshi is a dynamic hand throw (te-waza) that is used to drop an opponent forward and to the side. It is a throw that is not about pulling an opponent off balance but about using your body as a barrier to force them to fall. The key to mastering this throw is to properly time your movement and to use your hips to drop your opponent. The technical nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Tai Otoshi is a throw that is often used as a counter-attack or as a way to set up other throws. It is a throw that is not about power but about timing and leverage. A well-executed Tai Otoshi can be a devastating throw, as it can cause an opponent to fall to the mat with a loud thud. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer elegance of this throw is what makes it one of the most visually stunning of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | Tai Otoshi is one of the three throws that are required for a judoka to achieve their first black belt. |
7. Hiza Guruma (Knee Wheel)
Hiza Guruma is a classic foot sweep that is used to unbalance an opponent and to set up other throws. It is a foot technique (ashi-waza) where you place your foot on your opponent’s knee, using it as a pivot point to spin them around and to force them to fall. The key to mastering this throw is to properly time your sweep and to use your body to pull your opponent off balance. The strategic value of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Hiza Guruma is a throw that is often used as a feint or as a way to disrupt an opponent’s balance. It is a throw that is not about power but about timing and precision. A well-executed Hiza Guruma can be a devastating throw, as it can cause an opponent to fall to the mat with a loud thud. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The technical nature of this throw is what makes it one of the most difficult of the Top 10 Judo Throws to master.
| Stat | Hiza Guruma is a foundational throw that is used as a warm-up drill by judokas around the world. |
6. O-goshi (Major Hip Throw)
O-goshi is a fundamental hip throw (koshi-waza) that is often taught to beginners due to its simplicity and effectiveness. It is a throw where you wrap your arm around your opponent’s waist and use your hips as a pivot point to throw them over your back. The key to mastering this throw is to properly unbalance your opponent and to apply your full body weight to the throw. The foundational nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
The power of O-goshi lies in its simplicity. A well-executed O-goshi can be a devastating throw, as it uses the opponent’s momentum against them. It is a throw that is often used as a counter-attack or as a way to set up other throws. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer power of this throw is what makes it one of the most effective of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | O-goshi is one of the most commonly taught throws to beginners, and it is a key component of the judo grading system |
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5. Ippon Seoi Nage (One-Arm Shoulder Throw)
Ippon Seoi Nage is a classic shoulder throw (te-waza) that is used to throw an opponent over your shoulder. It is a throw where you grip your opponent’s lapel and sleeve, turn your back to them, and use your shoulder as a pivot point to throw them over your back. The key to mastering this throw is to properly unbalance your opponent and to apply your full body weight to the throw. The technical nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Ippon Seoi Nage is a throw that is often used as a counter-attack or as a way to set up other throws. It is a throw that is not about power but about timing and leverage. A well-executed Ippon Seoi Nage can be a devastating throw, as it can cause an opponent to fall to the mat with a loud thud. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer elegance of this throw is what makes it one of the most visually stunning of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | Ippon Seoi Nage is the signature throw of many legendary judokas, including Olympic gold medalist Tadahiro Nomura. |
4. Tomoe Nage (Circle Throw)
Tomoe Nage is a dynamic sacrifice throw (sutemi-waza) that is used to throw an opponent over your head. It is a throw where you fall to your back, place your foot on your opponent’s stomach, and use your legs as a lever to throw them over your head. The key to mastering this throw is to properly time your movement and to use your legs to throw your opponent. The dynamic nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Tomoe Nage is a throw that is often used as a counter-attack or as a way to set up other throws. It is a throw that is not about power but about timing and leverage. A well-executed Tomoe Nage can be a devastating throw, as it can cause an opponent to fall to the mat with a loud thud. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer elegance of this throw is what makes it one of the most visually stunning of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | Tomoe Nage is one of the few throws in judo that allows a player to throw an opponent while lying on their back. |
3. Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw)
Uchi Mata is a dynamic leg throw (ashi-waza) that is used to throw an opponent over your inner thigh. It is a throw where you use your inner thigh as a lever to hoist your opponent into the air and to throw them to the mat. The key to mastering this throw is to properly time your movement and to use your hips to throw your opponent. The technical nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Uchi Mata is a throw that is often used as a counter-attack or as a way to set up other throws. It is a throw that is not about power but about timing and leverage. A well-executed Uchi Mata can be a devastating throw, as it can cause an opponent to fall to the mat with a loud thud. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer elegance of this throw is what makes it one of the most visually stunning of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | Uchi Mata is one of the most popular throws in elite-level judo, with a high success rate in international competitions. |
2. Harai Goshi (Sweeping Hip Throw)
Harai Goshi is a dynamic hip throw (koshi-waza) that is used to sweep an opponent’s leg and to throw them over your back. It is a throw where you wrap your arm around your opponent’s waist, use your hips as a pivot point, and sweep their leg with your leg to throw them over your back. The key to mastering this throw is to properly unbalance your opponent and to apply your full body weight to the throw. The foundational nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
The power of Harai Goshi lies in its combination of leverage and sweeping action. A well-executed Harai Goshi can be a devastating throw, as it uses the opponent’s momentum against them. It is a throw that is often used as a counter-attack or as a way to set up other throws. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer power of this throw is what makes it one of the most effective of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | Harai Goshi is one of the most common throws in the judo curriculum, and it is a key component of the judo grading system. |
1. Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw)
Seoi Nage, or Shoulder Throw, is arguably the most famous and fundamental throw in judo. It is a hand throw (te-waza) that is used to throw an opponent over your back and shoulder. It is a throw where you grip your opponent’s sleeve and lapel, turn your back to them, and use your shoulder as a pivot point to throw them over your back. The key to mastering this throw is to properly unbalance your opponent and to apply your full body weight to the throw. The technical nature of this throw is what makes it a crucial part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
The power of Seoi Nage lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. A well-executed Seoi Nage can be a devastating throw, as it can cause an opponent to fall to the mat with a loud thud. The importance of this technique in a judoka’s repertoire cannot be overstated. It’s a key part of any judoka’s training, making it a perfect entry for our list of Top 10 Judo Throws. The sheer elegance of this throw is what makes it one of the most visually stunning of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
| Stat | Seoi Nage is one of the most commonly taught throws to beginners, and it is a key component of the judo grading system. |
FAQs :
Q1: What is the most important part of a judo throw?
A1: The most important part of a judo throw is unbalancing your opponent, which is a key principle in all of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Q2: Do all judo throws require you to throw your opponent over your head?
A2: No, not all judo throws require you to throw your opponent over your head. Some throws, like O-soto Gari, involve a sweeping motion, a key part of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
Q3: What is the primary purpose of a judo throw?
A3: The primary purpose of a judo throw is to defeat a larger and stronger opponent by using their own momentum and energy against them, a core principle of the Top 10 Judo Throws.
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