5 Basic Judo throws

I hand selected these five techniques because I think they are very basic and effective for all of grappling. Also, with these techniques as a base, you can put together many combinations. You see variations of these throws in many different grappling arts.

1. Ouchi gari (inside trip)

Ouchi gari is easy to coordinate in the beginning and to execute on a non-experienced opponent. Ouchi gari shown in this video in the standard standing version which takes a long time to master. If the off balance is insufficient it is easily counted by a skilled opponent. I put it in basics because it is one of the best techniques to set up other throws. Like the outside trip or Osoto gari.

2. Osoto gari (outside trip)

Osoto gari is easy to hit on an unskilled opponent, takes a long time to master and easily countered if off balance is insufficient. It is universally considered one of the fundamental techniques of Judo. I don’t think there is any grappling martial art that doesn’t include osoto gari in some form.

*Ouchi gari and osoto gari work great as a combination. Ouchi gari is an inside trip, and osoto gari is an outside trip. They are both backwards throws.

3. Koshi Guruma

Wrap your dominant arm around the head, elevate and pull the sleeve. Since we have two backwards throws, here is one of the most common turn throws. It is a lot easier than the other turn throws that put you on one leg. Other grappling martial arts like wrestling and sambo have this throw too.

4. Ogoshi

Ogoshi is the most classic hip throw. It can be done off of the underhook. O goshi and Koshi guruma are both hip throws and turning throws.

5. Sasae tsuri komi ashi

I wanted something in the 5 basics to attack to the weak side. If you look at these 5 throws, they attack in all different angles. That is why they work so well together.