Judo throws: The most common judo techniques listed, their original names and how they are performed

Judo is one of the best martial arts where one can learn exciting moves for self-defence. Over the years, many people have shown interest in learning the basic judo throws by enrolling in training classes or using YouTube tutorials. Some styles are simple to execute, while others need more training for someone to master.

The origin of judo dates back to the late 19th century. According to sources, Japanese educator, Jigoro Kano, founded the martial art. The sport rapidly developed and spread in several countries. In 1964, it got recognised in the Olympic games. Over 200 countries practise the sport in established clubs, classes, tournaments, and championships.

How many judo throws are there?

There are about 68 easy judo throws that any person can learn. The techniques help train and cultivate your mind, body and spirit. Some also practise them for street fights and competing in tournaments.

Most effective judo throws

Some martial artists prefer specific techniques to others. Some are applicable against someone stronger than you, while others are against any opponent. Therefore, the most effective style is the one you practice and use the most.

How many types of throws are there in judo?

Judo throws are divided into three categories: Nage Waza, Katame Waza and Atemi Waza. The Nage Waza excludes holding an opponent's uniform when performing a move, while katame waza involves grasping an opponent's uniform. Atemi waza consists of striking the opponent's body with your hand or another part of your body.

Best judo throws and names

Ouchi Gari, Osoto Gari, and Koshi Guruma are famous judo throws names that most martial artists want to learn. They are helpful techniques for self-defence and are easy to understand. This article highlights the top 10 easiest judo throws worth your time.

10. Ura Nage

Ura Nage is a unique technique often used to counter hip throws. It involves throwing yourself along with the opponent. The move involves hugging your opponent from behind and then throwing him back behind you. Ura Nage is often applied when the opponent attacks.

9. Koshi Guruma

Koshi Guruma is a hip technique throw best used against an opponent around your height. It involves throwing someone over your hips with a significant motion. The move also consists of pulling in your opponent's head. To execute Koshi Guruma, you must place your right hip solidly against his body and draw him up over your hips with enough effort.

8. Tsuri Goshi

In this technique, you toss your opponent over your hips by holding his arm or grabbing the back of his pants. Tsuri Goshi is one of the crazy judo throws fancied by martial artists.

7. Uchi Mata

Uchi mata is a type of inner thigh throw and one of the most-used techniques in international competitions. It involves destabilising the opponent diagonally toward the front and then using the back of the thigh to toss him. To perform Uchi Mata, you must be in the best position.

6. O Goshi

The O Goshi is a classic technique and one of the favourites of many martial artists. It is a forward throw commonly used under a left stance against the right. O Goshi involves tossing the opponent over your hip and to the floor by grabbing his belt.

5. Seoi Nage

The Seoi nage is among the most effective and popular moves used in the sport. In this technique, a judoist uses both hands to pull an attacker off balance or toss an opponent over his shoulder in a circular motion.

4. Uki Goshi

The Uki Goshi style works best against someone stronger than you. It is a hip toss technique where one wraps an arm around the opponent and grasps the back of his belt from above before rotating the hips to throw the opponent down. The move must get executed quickly to toss the opponent successfully.

What are the three basic judo throws?

Deashi harai, ouchi gari, and osoto gari are the three main judo techniques to take down opponents. Here is a breakdown of the styles and how to execute them on your rival.

3. Deashi Harai

Deashi harai is also one of the oldest techniques used in the current generation. It is a type of sideways move and foot sweep usually executed when the attacker is trying to pull you by force. Deashi harai involves sweeping the opponent's feet out from under him and tossing him down on his side.

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2. Ouchi Gari

Ouchi gari is a right side vs right side throw or an inside trip. The move involves moving straight into the opponent's chest and then executing a leg reap from the inner side to throw the opponent onto his back. It occurs when the enemy takes their attention off their footing.

1. Osoto Gari

Osoto gari means significant outer reap in English. It is one of the oldest moves in judo used against a larger opponent by utilising your lower centre of gravity. The technique involves pulling the opponent forward to destabilise and sweeping his leg out from under him like a sickle-cutting grass.

Most common judo throws

The most popular among all judo throws are deashi harai, ouchi gari, osoto gari, morote seoi nage, and uke goshi. Many attend training institutions to acquire self-defence skills and participate in competitions like the Olympics.

What is the easiest judo throw to learn?

Some martial artists believe the Osoto gari, or osotogari is the easiest move to learn and execute against an opponent. It requires minimal effort to pull as compared to the other styles.

What is the hardest moves in judo?

Tai otoshi is one of the most challenging techniques to master and execute. It requires a lot of power to perform. The move can also create one of the hardest falls in the sport.

Judo throws in wrestling

Wrestling and judo are both martial arts but have different dynamics. Judo focuses on agility and quickness, while wrestling takes much energy and strength to endure. However, one can apply the various judo techniques in wrestling by making adjustments.

Understanding the fundamentals of judo throws is critical to learning martial art techniques. It is essential to know the styles of self-defence. The throws can help you defeat larger and stronger opponents using throws and grappling techniques.

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