4 High Percentage Judo Throws And Why That’s The Case
There’s a whole bunch of throwing techniques in judo, and I mean a lot. Plenty to choose from, let me put it this way.
And while all of them work, only that many are considered the best when it comes to their effectiveness on the mats, during randori or competition (excluding the banned ones, of course).
In this article, I’ll list the 4 I think should make the cut in any respectable judoka’s top 10.
Uchi mata
Uchi mata has and always will be one of the best throws out there.
In fact, according to this page, even 60 years ago it was the number one scoring technique in the game.
The reasons why this throw is so successful, as I see it, (and this is coming from a blue belt), is that you can set it up with many other techniques, as well as in a variety of ways.
Easy to mix it up with other stuff
To start with, it’s an Ashi waza throw. And if we know anything about Ashi waza, then that it’s a list of techniques that are pretty much meant to be “chained” to together.
O uchi to seoi nage, Ko uchi to seoi nage. Even feinting with an Ippon seoi nage and going for Kouchi makikomi works great.
And when we talk about Uchi mata, considering that we need to attack the inside inner thigh to pull it off to begin with, the opportunities for deceiving this throw with other Ashi waza are endless.
Can be done in many grips
Collar or lapel, you can even grab the belt and go for this same Uchi mata very well.
It doesn’t matter where you grab (as long as it’s legal, of course), as long as you reap the inner thigh, it’ll be the same ol’ effective Uchi mata.
But most importantly, it’s a twisting and hooking throw
Ultimately Uchi mata is the king of throws, because you create an immense amount of torque during the twisting and turning you apply when executing (like a seoi nage), but most importantly, it’s a hooking technique.
That is, if you don’t manage to drop your opponent right away, you can always follow up with hopping! Ken ken Uchi mata is the real deal, folks.
All of these things, as I see it, are what create the effective and highly used Uchi mata we know today.
If you have a different view on why it works so well, feel free to put that in the comment section down below.
Osoto gari
One of my favorites right here.
Just like Uchi mata, this is also an Ashi waza technique, that is, a foot throw.
The reason why I think this particular throw is so popular and much so effective is because it does what it’s supposed to do, without being too much flashy.
This is not a throw that needs much of a twist in it – essentially, you just hook into the uke’s leg from the outside with your preferred grip and take him down.
It’s just more of a less risk technique. Not to say you can’t get countered; I’ve been many times, but considering the fact you don’t turn the back to your opponent like during an Uchi mata, there’s less that can go wrong here.
And it’s rangy. In the video example, you can clearly see how well it worked even from that distance and an awkward angle. As long as you can commit with proper kuzushi, it can score.
Seoi nage
One of the most classic and beautiful looking throws out there in the sport of Judo.
With that said, it’s normally done in a “dropped” form.
Kind of frowned upon (I definitely do not like being on the receiving end ;)), but the reason why folks do it is, well, it works, very much so against taller people.
Standing seoi nage is great enough, but when you drop down to your knees, it bring so much more off balancing to the equation, it’s incredible.
I was always the taller dude in my club, and guess what shorter players always tried on me – you guessed it, the dreaded drop seoi nage.
Ippon seoi nage works too, but it’s harder to pull off, as you essentially have to let go of your main hand to cinch it through your opponent’s armpit, whereas a seoi nage, you just use the lapel and go for it.
It’s a very hard to defend against throw, that’s all I can say.
Ouchi gari
Ouchi gari is essentially an osoto gari, just done from the inside.
It literally translates to “big inner reap”, whereas osoto is a “big outer reap”. Makes sense.
Ouchi is one of those trips that can be used very well in conjunction with other throws, just like Uchi mata.
You may start feinting the opponent as if you are looking for Kouchi gari, but out of a sudden you go for an Ouchi gari instead. Again, there are many ways to change it up here.
A myriad of ways on how you can pull it off. Sleeve grips, collar, lapel, belt, bear hug…
Though what solidifies it as such a great technique is that you can apply it right from the inside.
Kosoto gake is a complete opposite; while still used a lot, I feel like it’s harder to execute as you have to attack the uke’s legs from the outside.
I think you noticed this already, but many of the throws I see most effective are Ashi waza techniques.
Apart from Uchi mata, they look very simple. And they are, seriously. Osoto and ouchi are one of the earliest techniques a judoka learns.
And while they may not have the awe factor a well executed Uchi mata has, they do just as well of a job on scoring boards. As long as a technique lands the opponent on its back, that’s all that matters. Safely, of course.
In conclusion
These are just my picks.
Tai otoshi is great, so is Harai goshi; just that I didn’t list them, doesn’t mean they don’t work. It’s just that when I think of techniques that work so well, the four I talked about earlier seem like a no-brainer to me.
And while you could theoretically base all of your game on just those 4 throws, you should have more to offer in your arsenal.