Tomoe Nage Secrets!! – 3 Variations

Tomoe Nage is one of the most effective sacrifice throws in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), offering a dynamic way to off-balance and sweep an opponent. It’s a hybrid technique that translates well across different grappling styles, making it an essential tool for any practitioner. In this breakdown, we’ll cover three key variations—two Yoko Tomoe Nage (side variations) and one straight-back Tomoe Nage—along with what to do if they fail so you can stay on the attack.

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Three Variations of Tomoe Nage

1. Yoko Tomoe Nage to the Sleeve Side

When an opponent keeps their hips further back, one of the best ways to attack is by using Yoko Tomoe Nage to the sleeve side. The key setup for this technique is:
✔ Step in and align your toes to the middle of your opponent’s belt.
✔ Place your foot on their far hip and drop underneath them.
✔ Tip your opponent over by using a strong pulling action while rotating them.
✔ As they fall forward, scoop underneath and follow up to maintain control.

This version works well when your opponent is trying to stay defensive by keeping their hips away.

2. Straight-Back Tomoe Nage

This is the classic version of Tomoe Nage, where you attack directly backward instead of to the side.
✔ Step inside your opponent’s stance, placing your foot to the centerline of their body.
✔ Shoot your other leg forward and pull them up onto you.
✔ Load their weight onto your hips and elevate them for the throw.
✔ Follow through with a controlled motion to land in a dominant position.

A strong variation of this technique includes transitioning into a back roll sweep to ensure a controlled finish.

3. Cross-Body Yoko Tomoe Nage

Unlike the first Yoko Tomoe Nage, this variation pulls the opponent across the body instead of straight forward.
✔ Enter the throw similarly to the sleeve-side variation.
✔ Instead of a direct pull, drag their weight diagonally across your body.
✔ Use the momentum to rotate them over for a smoother execution.

This cross-body approach is useful for forcing an opponent off balance when they resist a direct backward throw.

What to Do When Tomoe Nage Fails

No technique works every time, especially against skilled opponents who know how to defend and counter. Understanding how to transition from failed Tomoe Nage attempts into high-percentage follow-ups will keep you on the offensive.

1. If You Miss the Hip Contact

✔ When attempting Yoko Tomoe Nage, sometimes your foot may slip off the opponent’s hip.
✔ If that happens, quickly square back up, reset your position, and attempt another attack.
✔ Another option is to switch into a Kani Basami-style leg entanglement and attack from the ground instead.

2. If the Opponent Sinks Their Weight Back

✔ When the opponent leans back and keeps their head high, your pulling power is reduced.
✔ A great option is to switch to an Ashi Garami (leg entanglement) variation, setting up for leg locks in BJJ.
✔ Use your foot on their hip to reposition yourself and regain control.

3. If They Resist Straight-Back Tomoe Nage

✔ If an opponent anticipates straight-back Tomoe Nage and shifts their weight back, pulling becomes difficult.
✔ Instead of forcing the throw, change your angle and control their ankle to set up a tripod sweep.
✔ This allows you to sweep them backward and immediately transition into a dominant passing position.

Why Tomoe Nage is a Great Tool for BJJ & Judo

Tomoe Nage is a high-reward, low-risk throw, making it an excellent option for both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Even if the throw itself doesn’t work, you often end up in guard with grips, allowing for immediate offensive transitions. Unlike traditional guard pulls, this technique lets you threaten a takedown while maintaining control over the opponent.

Final Thoughts

Mastering multiple variations of Tomoe Nage will make you a more well-rounded grappler. Whether you use it for offensive throws or guard pulls, this technique offers great adaptability in both Judo and BJJ. By practicing these variations and learning their counters, you’ll ensure that even if the throw fails, you’ll always have a backup plan to keep the pressure on your opponent.

Want to Level Up Your Judo?

For a deep dive into the fundamentals and techniques used at KBI, check out the Tomoe Nage Instructional Available now at HigashiBrand.com.

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