Uchi-Mata – how to do this judo throw

Uchi-Mata

Uchi-mata is a top scoring throw at any Olympic Games and an impressive technique to add to your armoury. It is a judo throw that needs lots of commitment.

Return to see the Ultimate Guide to Every Judo Technique with all judo throws listed.

How to throw with Uchi-Mata

1. Pull uke forwards onto their tip toes to break your partner’s balance.
2. Step in with your support leg. Aim to make contact with your hip just below uke’s belt.
3. Sweep upwards with your attacking leg, making contact with the inner thigh.
4. Look where you want to throw and finish the technique with control.

Uchi-Mata Tutorial

You will find Uchi-mata in the judo book Fifty Throws and Holds along with another 49 judo holds and throws. Go to page 38 and 39 of your copy of the book to see how to do this technique.

Video Masterclass

Study how to do this throw by watching the Japanese in action in this video.

The Uchimata King: Kosei Inoue

Kosei Inoue (triple world champion and olympic champion) from Japan has one of the best uchi-mata in the world.

Inoue has developed no less than eight different entries to this technique, and he changes his set up if he fights a left-handed or right-handed judoka.

Watch this trailer to see how Inoue attacks. Pay attention to his whole body movement. Focus on where Inoue places his foot, and how he opens his partner up with a flick of the wrist.

Combinations

Use ashi-waza like ko-uchi-gari, kosoto-gari and ouchi-gari to set up for this throw.

If you’re attack is blocked, good follow up waza are sumi-gaeshi, ouchi-gari and tani-otoshi.

What is renraku-waza?

A renraku-waza is two or more techniques that are linked together, and throw towards the same direction.

This example above of uchi-mata into harai-goshi is a perfect example of a renraku-waza. The second attack is a continuation of the first.