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Judo Throws – The Ultimate Guide to Every Technique

Judo Throws

Judo Throws – this is the Ultimate Guide to all 40 Throws of the Gokyo no Waza. Here, you can learn every judo technique there is in the Judo Syllabus.

Learn by watching animations of each waza. Each judo technique is animated, to help you visualise the throw before you try it.

Find out how link throws into combinations and discover the counters you need to watch out for!

And why not keep track? Mark your progress with a free technique tick-chart. Tick the throws off as you learn them, and star your tokui-waza.

Download: Free Technique Tick Chart (pdf file)

Coaches, please link to this page:

Coaches and Website owners, please link to us! Direct your judoka to this page using this link:
https://www.kokakids.co.uk/judo-throws

How to use this page

Learn how to do any judo throw

Scroll down and click on the name of the technique you want to learn.
Go a the tutorial page with an animation of that judo technique and get tips on how to do the throw.
Download a handy tick-chart with each throw of the Gokyo.
Practise! Start slowly with Shadow Uchi-Komi and build skill before speed.
When you can do a technique tick it off on your tick-chart.

Hajime!

What is the Judo Gokyo?

First things first though. You are probably asking this question:

What’s the Gokyo?

Glad you asked! The Gokyo is basically a syllabus – a collection of judo throws.

It was last revised by The Kodokan, judo’s headquarters in Tokyo Japan in 1920.

There are a total of 40 judo throws. And these techniques (waza) are grouped into five groups, each group consisting of eight techniques.

Read on to find out what are the 40 throws of The Gokyo!

Dai-ikkyo (Group1)

Click the name of the judo throw (below) to watch the animation and go to the full tutorial.

De-ashi-barai
Hiza-guruma
Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi
Uki-goshi
O-soto-gari
O-goshi
O-uchi-gari
Seoi-nage

Dai-gokyo (Group 5)

O-soto-guruma
Uki-waza
Yoko-wakare
Yoko-guruma
Ushiro-goshi
Ura-nage
Sumi-otoshi
Yoko-gake

You want more?

Get the book: 50 Judo Throws and Holds

This book will help you learn how to do 50 different judo throws.

“50 Throws and Holds,” is our best-selling judo technique book for junior judoka of all abilities.

Judo throws pictures

Each technique is fully illustrated, with a clear step-by-step tutorial. With pictures of all the judo throws it is easier to visualise, learn and recall the techniques.

You can buy Fifty Throws and Holds in the Shop.

Download: All the Judo Throws in the Gokyo (pdf file)

Judo throws list – learn and tick!

Want to keep track of the techniques you learn? Well, lucky for you, we have just the thing. A technique tick-chart, with all the judo throws listed

Click to download a handy check list of every judo throw.

Feeling energetic? If you are, choose your favourite throws from the list below and attempt the Uchi-Komi Challenge.

Where to start?

The more waza you learn the better judoka you will be!

At the beginning, don’t specialise. Aim to learn and understand as many techniques as you can.

Always learn to throw both to the right (migi) and to the left (hidari).

Study each technique, starting slowly until you get the hang of it. The build up some speed, and when you’re ready add in movement.

Here are the secrets to mastering any technique…

How to do judo throws

There are seven secret tips that you can apply to all techniques.

7 Tips to Learning Any Judo Throw

Yes, that’s right! These seven points apply to all judo moves. Keep coming back to these key points, as you study a new waza and your judo will keep getting better.

1: Grip – know what the correct grip (kumi-kata) is for each technique. This could be a simple collar (eri) and sleeve (sode) grip, or something more advanced.

2: Break Balance – move uke before attacking. Kuzushi is the Japanese term for breaking balance, and it is the starting point for every technique.

3: Entry – turning in. Focus on the entry to the attack. Make sure you turn in fast, and check that your body posture is correct.

4: Footwork – correct placement of your support foot (or feet). Good footwork is the key to good balance.
5: Alignment and Direction – ensure body and head is aligned in the correct direction for throw. Look where you want to throw, and the rest of the body should follow.

6: Timing – get the timing right. Remember this. You will know if you have got the timing spot on, as the throw will feel effortless.
Finish – complete the throw with control and impetus. Drive through to the finish. Aim to score ippon.

Judo Techniques for Beginners

There are judo techniques for beginners, and then there are some really advanced judo techniques that should only be done by experts (which we take a look at later in this post).

If you are unsure, what is appropriate for your level ask your sensei. And always ask your judo coach before attempting anything new.

For a quick answer to which techniques are suitable for novice and beginner judoka see this list from The British Judo Association.

Best Judo Throws

What are the best judo throws?

Now that is a difficult question to answer.

My judo coach would say: The best throw is the one that works!

The best’ judo throw varies from judoka to judoka. Certain throws suit tall judoka better than smaller judoka.

There are throws that demand a lot of strength, and others that require skill and timing.

But don’t worry. It doesn’t matter what size, or ability or strength you are we guarantee there will be a judo throw to suit you.

You will find what your best judo throws are over time.

However, if you are looking a to start building a range of judo throws – this would be my top ten.

Top Ten Throws (by Nik Fairbrother)

Ippon Seoi-Nage
Morote Seoi-nage
Kouchi-Gari
Ouchi-Gari
Uchi-Mata
Tai-Otoshi
Sumi-Gaeshi
Harai-Goshi
De-Ashi Barai.
Osoto-Gari.

Learn to throw in all 8 Directions

These are my top ten throws because they cover all eight throwing directions (backwards, forwards, to both sides, and towards all four diagonals.)

Learn to throw in all directions and you’ll have the advantage when up against different opponents.

Build your range

Building a range of technique. Keep that range as wide as possible. Take a look at your own judo. Where you are strongest and weakest? Is there are direction you can’t throw towards? If so, pick an appropriate throw and begin to study it.

Link them up!

Once you have built up a range of throws, learn how to link two throws together to make a combination.

You can use the ten throws listed above to build endless combinations: like Ouchi-Gari into Uchi-Mata, or De-Ashi-Barai into Osoto-Gari, or Uchi-Mata into Sumi-Gaeshi or… this list goes on, there are so many to choose from!

Learning renzoku-waza (linking throws in different directions) and renraku-waza (linking throws in the same direction) is the next step in mastering the sport of judo.

Top Ten Throws is a teaching resource pack for judo coaches, with pictures of all ten judo techniques, step-by-step throwing guides and certificates.

Technique PDF – for coaches!

These ten throws form the basis to two coaching resource packs. Judo coaches! Take a look at Top Ten Throws and Advanced Judo Combinations.

Belt up!

You need to learn techniques to progress up the grades. Do you know what you need to learn to get to the next colour belt?

Here are a few recommendations for suitable techniques to learn depending on your judo grade.

Judo Throws Red Belt

De-Ashi-Barai and Uki-Goshi are great judo throws for children holding a red or white belt. Combine it with a follow up into groundwork judo with the hold down: Kuzure Kesa-Gatame.

Judo Throws Yellow Belt

British Judo recommends Tai-Otoshi and Ippon Seoi-Nage for intermediate judoka who are grading up to yellow belt.

Judo Throws Orange Belt

For judoka studying for their orange belt choose from: Ko-Uchi-Gari, Tsuri-Komi-Goshi, O-Goshi, Osoto-Gari, Kosoto-Gari, Kosoto-Gake and Morote Seoi-Nage.

For full technical syllabus requirements visit the website of your National Governing Body:

British Judo Association

Judo Scotland

Irish Judo

USJA Judo

Judo Advanced Techniques

Advanced judo techniques require a high degree of control and timing. These should only be done by high-grade judoka, and only then under supervision.

Important: Although officially recognised by Kodokan Judo, some of these throws are prohibited for junior judoka and some (any that include touching the trouser leg or belt for example) are banned at International competition.

Ura-Nage
Yoko-Wakare
Sumi-Gaeshi
Tomoe-Nage
Utsuri-Goshi
Kata-Guruma
Okuri-Ashi-Barai
Hane-Goshi
Obi-Otoshi
Kani-Basame

Judo Throws You Tube

There are also advanced ways of doing basic judo moves. The UK company, Fighting Films specialises in filming world-class competitors demonstrating their specialised versions of judo throws.

Sign up to Superstar judo or watch these three video clips from Fighting Films available on You Tube to see some remarkable and technically advanced judo.

Here are 3 basic techniques performed expertly by world class champions:

Kosoto off the grip

one handed Seoinage

drop knee Tai-Otoshi

Guru Level

What is the Shinmeisho no Waza?

The Shinmeisho no Waza is the complete range of throws recognised by the Kodokan (see below for a full list).

In 1982, the Kodokan added 8 traditional judo throws and 17 modern judo techniques to the 40 throws of the Gokyo. Then in 1997, two more throws were added, to make the 67 official throws recognised by the Kodokan.

The 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo

Visit the Kodokan official website to download the list of all 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo in English and Japanese.

What is the Kodokan?

Kodokan means in English: “a place to teach the path,” and this was the name Jigoro Kano gave to his training hall.

Today, the Kodokan, in Tokyo, Japan is the mecca of international judo. Over eight floors, the Kodokan has a Main Dojo, a Women’s Dojo, a School Dojo, an International Dojo, a Boys Dojo and a Special Dojo.

See all the throws in the Shinmeisho no Waza…

Judo Hand Throws

Te-waza (16 techniques)

1 Seoi-nage
2 Ippon-seoi-nage
3 Seoi-otoshi
4 Tai-otoshi
5 Kata-guruma
6 Sukui-nage
7 Obi-otoshi
8 Uki-otoshi
9 Sumi-otoshi
10 Yama-arashi
11 Obi-tori-gaeshi
12 Morote-gari
13 Kuchiki-taoshi
14 Kibisu-gaeshi
15 Uchi-mata-sukashi
16 Ko-uchi-gaeshi

Hip Throws

Koshi-waza (10 techniques)

1 Uki-goshi
2 O-goshi
3 Koshi-guruma
4 Tsurikomi-goshi
5 Sode-tsurikomi-goshi
6 Harai-goshi
7 Tsuri-goshi
8 Hane-goshi
9 Utsuri-goshi
10 Ushiro-goshi

Leg Throws

Ashi-waza (21 techniques)

Having good footwork is the key to having great judo! Adding ashi-waza to your repertoire is a must.

Ashi-waza brings movement to your judo.

Use ashi-waza to break balance. To set up for a second throw. Or to score beautiful, elegant ippons.

See our guide to the Top Five Ashi-waza for Beginners.

Better still learn all 21:

1 De-ashi-harai
2 Hiza-guruma
3 Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi
4 O-soto-gari
5 O-uchi-gari
6 Ko-soto-gari
7 Ko-uchi-gari
8 Okuri-ashi-harai
9 Uchi-mata
10 Ko-soto-gake
11 Ashi-guruma
12 Harai-tsurikomi-ashi
13 O-guruma
14 O-soto-guruma
15 O-soto-otoshi
16 Tsubame-gaeshi
17 O-soto-gaeshi
18 O-uchi-gaeshi
19 Hane-goshi-gaeshi
20 Harai-goshi-gaeshi
21 Uchi-mata-gaeshi

Sacrifice Throws

Ma-sutemi-waza (5 techniques)

1 Tomoe-nage
2 Sumi-gaeshi
3 Hikikomi-gaeshi
4 Tawara-gaeshi
5 Ura-nage

Yoko-sutemi-waza (16 techniques)

1 Yoko-otoshi
2 Tani-otoshi
3 Hane-makikomi
4 Soto-makikomi
5 Uchi-makikomi
6 Uki-waza
7 Yoko-wakare
8 Yoko-guruma
9 Yoko-gake
10 Daki-wakare
11 O-soto-makikomi
12 Uchi-mata-makikomi
13 Harai-makikomi
14 Ko-uchi-makikomi
15 Kani-basami *a prohibited waza for competition
16 Kawazu-gake *a prohibited waza

Judo Groundwork Techniques

Groundwork judo is known as ne-waza in Japanese. Osaekomi-waza means hold downs.

Hold downs

Osaekomi-waza / (10 techniques)

1 Kesa-gatame
2 Kuzure-kesa-gatame
3 Ushiro-kesa-gatame
4 Kata-gatame
5 Kami-shiho-gatame
6 Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame
7 Yoko-shiho-gatame
8 Tate-shiho-gatame
9 Uki-gatame
10 Ura-gatame

Strangles and Armlocks

Shime-waza and Kansetsu-waza mean strangle-holds and arm-locks are are only allowed to be performed advanced adult judoka.

Shime-waza (12 techniques)

1 Nami-juji-jime
2 Gyaku-juji-jime
3 Kata-juji-jime
4 Hadaka-jime
5 Okuri-eri-jime
6 Kataha-jime
7 Katate-jime
8 Ryote-jime
9 Sode-guruma-jime
10 Tsukkomi-jime
11 Sankaku-jime
12 Do-jime* a prohibited waza*

Arm locks

Kansetsu-waza (10 techniques)

1 Ude-garami
2 Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame
3 Ude-hishigi-ude-gatame
4 Ude-hishigi-hiza-gatame
5 Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame
6 Ude-hishigi-hara-gatame
7 Ude-hishigi-ashi-gatame
8 Ude-hishigi-te-gatame
9 Ude-hishigi-sankaku-gatame
10 Ashi-garami* a prohibited waza

Judo Technique Names

It helps to know some Japanese to understand the technique names. Once you get a basic grasp of body parts then the Japanese name begins to make sense.

Te = hand
Ashi = foot
Hiza = knee
Sode = sleeve
Ude = arm
Eri = collar
Koshi = hip
Guruma = wheel
Mae = forwards
Yoko = sideways
Ushiro = backwards

Technique Books and Resources

To end this Ultimate Guide to Every Judo Technique here are our top five technical resources to be used both by judoka learning skills and coaches teaching them.

50 Throws and Holds book £6.99
Top Ten Throws bundle of downloadable coaching resources £49.99
Download: All the Judo Throws in the Gokyo (pdf file)
Advanced Judo Combinations, a bundle of coaching resources to teach 20 combinations £49.99
Koka Kids Junior Judo magazine, Club or Individual Subscriptions

For more visit our Shop or Coaching Resource page.

So that, my judo friends, is that! Our ultimate guide to every judo throw there is. Please do link to this page from your club website – or click a share button and share to social media. Thank you!

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