5 Basic Judo Throws

Whether you want to reach the level of black belt in judo or you only want to learn a few moves, everyone will benefit from the basics.

Anyone wishing to learn judo should know that the basics are not only where you begin - they are where you build the future. Understanding the fundamentals has to come first.

Here are five basic throws that are easy to learn and a great place to begin.

*Please note that all pronouns used will be he/him/his for clarity of reading

1.   Ouchi Gari

This throw is right side vs right side and can be described is an inside trip. With your right hand, grip your opponent’s shoulder, garment, gi or whatever is available. With your left hand, grip their middle right arm or sleeve.

Then, step your right foot in front of your opponent (think “top of the triangle”) and then backstop the left foot behind the right in a sideways-facing position. This brings your right hip up to the center of his body. Once in position, your right foot comes in between his feet and you sweep his left leg out from under him.

You both go down (you on top), then you pull yourself up and bring your right leg across him and then forward to keep the advantageous position.

2.   Osoto Gari

This throw involves you using a big outside sweeping motion, using your right leg to unbalance your opponent’s right leg (for right vs right). With your right hand, grip your opponent’s shoulder, garment, gi or whatever is available. Your left hand will be gripping their middle right arm or sleeve. Now, step with the left leg to the outside of your opponent’s right foot, and swing your right leg up around and behind his right leg to bring him down to the mat.

You will see in our video posted here how you can easily use this in combination with the Ouchi Gari. There is also a demonstration on how to use this move for the right side vs the left side, as well.

3.   Koshi Guruma

When your opponent has an underhook on you (i.e. his left arm is under your right arm in a hold) and a grip on your left sleeve or arm with his right hand, this throw is a great choice. From here, you step across so you turn your back into his front and lift up his right arm with your left hand (grip closer to the wrist and pull to create tension). This arm lift here is essential, as it put you back into an advantageous position.

With his arm elevated, you can now get your right arm further around his head or shoulder. Your right foot is firmly placed to the left of his right foot. Now you are able to bend over and load your opponent up on your hip and back.

Using his right arm, pull him further along and up and over your right side to throw him to the mat.

4.   Ogoshi

This is another basic hip throw that is used regularly and important to know. The position starts in a similar position to Koshi Guruma. Your opponent has his left arm over your right arm. He is holding your left arm.

Pull his right arm in tight to your body and grab his belt with your right hand. Then, pulling his right arm up, turn your right side in towards him so he is positioned to your side.

From there you are able to bring him up and over your right hip and throw him to the floor. Keep tension on that sleeve!

5.   Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi

This throw involves a combination of pulling your opponent forward while sweeping his feet out from under him. In a right vs right position, if your opponent is pressing down on your right arm making it difficult for you to move, this is a good throw. Step across in front of him with your left foot, so you are facing each other.

You now have the advantage of using your right knee and hip in line, like when you kick a soccer ball. Pull your opponent forward across your midline while turning him, knocking him off balance. He is thrown (or tripped) over your leg.

Basic Judo

Just like anything else in life, once you understand the basics then you understand how you use them. It’s the same for music, for painting - for any discipline you want to learn. The basics provide building blocks to grow and learn.

Learning judo is certainly no different. Once you have the basics in place, you will then understand how to use them for everything else you will learn. They are the basic moves you always use.

Once you begin to advance, you will learn variations of these basics. Judo has a certain amount of moves and variations. Once you know the moves well, you will also start to learn how you read your opponent and anticipate their moves.

Learning the basics means you understand how to throw your opponent but also avoid being thrown. It’s just as important to see what move is coming from your opponent, so you can counter it with a defensive move to keep your advantage.

For a visual instruction on performing these moves, please check out our video and then you can start practicing your basic judo throws yourself.