Judo Throwing Techniques

Judo evolved, like most other martial arts, from traditional battlefield techniques. However, it organized as a sport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The distinctive throwing techniques in judo reflect the rules and realities of judo competitions -- the first Asian martial art to become an Olympic sport.

Purpose

In judo competition, the goal is to score one point, called "ippon" in play. A well-executed throw scores ippon immediately, but must throw the opponent with unusual force and land him fully on his back. A throw that works, but isn't executed without flaw, scores a half-point, called "waza-ari." Other ways to score ippon include choking out an opponent, forcing a submission or maintaining a pin for 25 seconds.

Basics

The dozens of judo-throwing techniques all work on the same physiological principle. You immobilize the center of your opponent, then move the body beneath that center in one direction while simultaneously moving the body above that center in the opposite direction. Your opponent rotates in place and you throw him to the ground as he loses his balance. Advanced judokas can perform these throws in a way that increases or reduces the impact of his opponent as he hits the ground.

Sweeping Throws

Sweeping throws work by immobilizing pulling on an opponent's upper body as you kick his feet out from under him with a leg sweep. They work best when timed so you sweep the leg just as he commits his weight to step forward. Much of the standing technique during a judo match is intended to force your opponent into committing that weight. Some examples of sweeping throws include deashi harai, harai goshi and harai makikomi.

Hip Throws

Students of wrestling will recognize judo hip throws. These work by pulling your opponent's arm and shoulder over your own shoulder while you pop his hip and legs out by thrusting with the side of your hips. They require less-precise timing than a sweeping throw, but more strength. Some examples of hip throws include koshi guruma, o goshi, sode tsurikomi goshi and uki goshi.