6 Easy to Learn Judo Throws
Judo is a martial art that means ‘gentle way’. Its history is deep and has spawned many other martial arts that follow its disciplines. It is a method of teaching that includes metal, physical and moral techniques.
Its basics involve throwing down or taking down your opponent. This is also known as grappling. It involves knocking your opponent off balance, avoiding combat and injury to either party.
There are many different throws known to Judo. Many are variations of another, but all very effective. Here are 6 that are the easiest to remember and practice.
1. De Ashi Barai
This move is one of several basic throws. It means foot sweep and its main benefit is all about the timing. When performing the Ashi Barai, your foot sweeps across the floor without lifting up. The foot remains low and moves directly across.
Ideally, you want to hit the ball of their foot with the arch of your own foot. Your foot will be bent slightly but the side of your foot shouldn’t leave the mat. Depending on which foot you are doing the sweep with, the other foot needs to move back to give you room and leverage.
Your hands, on your opponent’s arms, shoulders or chest area will make a motion like turning a steering wheel. You will turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the sweep. The foot goes from left to right, the turn goes to the left. You need to be able to perform this with either foot.
2. Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi
This throw involves you pulling your opponent towards you and sweeping his feet out from underneath him. You pull him towards you, add a twist to either the left or the right and sweep your foot towards the leg on the same side as you are throwing. Again, you should be comfortable performing this throw with either side. This way, you don’t need to stop and think, you simply act.
3. Ouchi Gari and Kouchi Gari
Ouchi Gari is an inside kick to your opponent’s leg. This means your foot goes between his feet and you bring your heel to the back of their ankle on the leg directly in front of you. Meaning, the opposite leg but the same side as you face each other.
Kouchi Gari is also an inside kick, but it is delivered to the opposite leg of your opponent. This means your foot, between the feet of the opponent, crosses over to the opposite side to kick his foot out from under him.
Depending on your situation and position will determine which one will be most effective.
4. Kosoto Gari
The Kosoto Gari or outside trip is the same principle as the inside, but done on the outside your opponent’s leg. The movement brings your foot around the back of their ankle of their calf and you pull their foot from under them. The same foot can be used for each leg, depending on your positions.
5. Osoto Gari
The Osoto Gari is another method of the outside sweep, but more aggressive. You try to bring your opponent close to you, face to face. This will begin to knock him off balance.
When he is close to you, lean him back and then bring your foot up and around behind their knee or calf. One good sweep with your foot, going toward the back of their leg will bring them swiftly to the mat.
6. Hiza Garuma
This movement, in English known as the knee wheel, involves a sweeping kick to the opponent’s knee. You move one foot forward and then turn slightly so your dominant leg can come back, then forward and have plenty of room to reach their knee.
By pulling your opponent forward, then bring your foot to their knee. When your foot is on their knee, they can no longer move forward and you are able to slide your foot around to bring them down to the mat.
Sweeps and Throws
Judo is defined as a way to optimally utilize the powers of both body and mind. The learning and practice behind the throws and sweeps are not to cause harm or injury, but to minimize it.
Simply knocking an attacker off their balance means you have time to disarm them or get out of harm’s way. Judo also trains you to think quickly and discipline your body and your mind. It is enjoyed by the young and old.
While most take Judo for exercise and enjoyment, the self-defense aspect is certainly appealing. While it doesn’t encourage you to use it outside of competitions and training, it is definitely an asset to have if needed.
Benefits of Judo
The throws of Judo are easy to learn and practice. They are practical movements you can put to use every day. Increase your physical fitness, increase your flexibility, increase your coordination and balance, and increase your mental powers, like concentration and overall confidence.
It is an excellent discipline for everyone. Great for the entire family, a great way to meet new people and stay active. If you want more information, please check out our video for an easy demonstration.