One-Handed Sode-Tsurikomi-Goshi

The one-handed sode-tsurikomi-goshi is a source of fascination for many judo players despite the fact that it has been around for quite a long time already. Unlike the equally fascinating reverse-seoi-nage, which is a relatively recent phenomenon, the one-handed sode first emerged nearly three decades ago when Toshihiko Koga used it in the 1989 World Championships.

Over the years there have emerged many notable exponents of the technique and each of them has their own take on it but there are some commonalities. In the early years, almost all of them grabbed uke’s near leg with their free hand to guide uke over during the throw.

When the IJF banned leg grabs, it seemed like that would be the death knell for the throw. And for a while, we did not see this throw being used in competition. But in time, it did re-emerge with Soichi Hashimoto being the chief exponent of this technique.

Shintaro demonstrates a basic version of the one-handed sode.

Precisely because it’s a one-handed sode, it’s usually done when tori has only one hand on uke. This is usually when uke is furiously blocking tori from getting a lapel grip.

Tori turns into uke as he would in a normal sode but makes sure his elbow is bent as he enters. This ensures uke’s arm is not extended, which is important to keep this technique safe. If uke’s arm is extended, there is a high chance it would get hyper-extended during the throw. And this would result in hansoku-make (disqualification) for tori.

Notice how uke’s arm is bent even after tori has fully rotated into the throw. This is crucial to keeping the technique legitimate (and safe). There have been several cases of players (including top players) getting hansoku-make for straightening uke’s arm during the throw. In fact, even one-handed sode-expert Soichi Hashimoto has gotten hansoku-make for this once. But so far, only once.

Throwing uke is a matter of taking a bow. It’s important to avoid grabbing or even touching uke’s legs when doing the throw. In the early days, tori would literally grab uke’s near leg to aid in the throw. You can’t do this anymore under the new rules.

Check out Shintaro’s video demonstration of this technique below.