Judo throw names form the core language of the sport.
Students and coaches search for them to learn techniques, organize training, or understand competition footage.
Knowing the proper names helps with communication on the mat and builds a clearer picture of how throws connect.
This guide organizes judo throw names into distinct categories so you can study them by type, direction, or common use without jumping between scattered lists.
Classic Judo Throw Names from Traditional Kodokan Lists
These foundational techniques appear in most beginner and intermediate curricula. They form the backbone of standard judo education and remain essential for ranking and competition.
- O-soto-gari
- O-uchi-gari
- Ko-soto-gari
- Ko-uchi-gari
- Ippon-seoi-nage
- Morote-seoi-nage
- Tai-otoshi
- Uki-goshi
- O-goshi
- Harai-goshi
- Tsuri-komi-goshi
- Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi
- Koshi-guruma
- Ushiro-goshi
- Ura-nage
Forward Judo Throw Names That Drive Opponent Ahead
Throws that project the opponent forward create strong momentum. These techniques often appear in competition when the attacker controls the sleeve and lapel tightly.
- Ippon-seoi-nage
- Morote-seoi-nage
- Seoi-otoshi
- Tai-otoshi
- Uchi-mata
- Harai-goshi
- Hane-goshi
- O-guruma
- Ashi-guruma
- Hiza-guruma
- Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi
- De-ashi-harai
- Okuri-ashi-harai
- Tsubame-gaeshi
- Yoko-otoshi
Rear Judo Throw Names for Behind-the-Back Attacks
Attacks from the rear or that send the opponent backward require different timing and control. These throws reward good kuzushi and hip or leg positioning.
- O-soto-gari
- O-soto-otoshi
- O-soto-gaeshi
- Ko-soto-gari
- Ko-soto-gake
- Ushiro-goshi
- Ura-nage
- Tani-otoshi
- Yoko-gake
- Yoko-guruma
- Uki-waza
- Sumi-otoshi
- Uki-otoshi
- Sumi-gaeshi
- Hikikomi-gaeshi
Leg Technique Judo Throw Names Using Ashi-Waza
Foot and leg attacks form a large and versatile group. These throws rely on precise timing and often set up larger techniques when the opponent resists.
- De-ashi-harai
- Hiza-guruma
- Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi
- Okuri-ashi-harai
- Uchi-mata
- O-uchi-gari
- Ko-uchi-gari
- O-soto-gari
- Ko-soto-gari
- Ashi-guruma
- O-guruma
- Harai-tsurikomi-ashi
- Tsubame-gaeshi
- Kouchi-makikomi
- Ouchi-makikomi
Hip Technique Judo Throw Names from Koshi-Waza
Hip throws generate power through rotation and lifting. These techniques remain highly effective in both randori and competition when the attacker commits fully.
- Uki-goshi
- O-goshi
- Koshi-guruma
- Tsuri-goshi
- Harai-goshi
- Tsuri-komi-goshi
- Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi
- Ushiro-goshi
- Utsuri-goshi
- Hane-goshi
- Uchi-mata
- O-guruma
- Koshi-jime
- Harai-makikomi
- Uchi-mata-makikomi
Hand Technique Judo Throw Names from Te-Waza
Arm and hand-driven throws focus on leverage and direction rather than large body movement. These techniques work well against taller or heavier opponents.
- Tai-otoshi
- Seoi-nage
- Ippon-seoi-nage
- Morote-seoi-nage
- Kata-guruma
- Sukui-nage
- Uki-otoshi
- Sumi-otoshi
- Obi-otoshi
- Yama-arashi
- Seoi-otoshi
- Morote-gari
- Kuchiki-taoshi
- Kibisu-gaeshi
- Uchi-mata-sukashi
Sacrifice Judo Throw Names Using Sutemi-Waza
Sacrifice throws involve dropping to the mat to complete the technique. These high-commitment attacks can produce spectacular ippons when timed correctly.
- Tomoe-nage
- Sumi-gaeshi
- Hikikomi-gaeshi
- Tawara-gaeshi
- Yoko-tomoe-nage
- Ura-nage
- Yoko-otoshi
- Tani-otoshi
- Yoko-gake
- Yoko-guruma
- Uki-waza
- Yoko-wakare
- Tani-otoshi
- Sumi-otoshi
- Uki-otoshi
Competition-Favorite Judo Throw Names Seen in Modern Matches
Certain throws appear frequently at high levels because of their scoring potential and adaptability. These techniques reward strong gripping and explosive entry.
- Uchi-mata
- O-uchi-gari
- Ko-uchi-gari
- Seoi-nage
- Tai-otoshi
- Harai-goshi
- Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi
- O-soto-gari
- Sumi-gaeshi
- Yoko-tomoe-nage
- Uchi-mata-makikomi
- Harai-makikomi
- Sode-makikomi
- O-soto-makikomi
- Ko-soto-gake
Beginner-Friendly Judo Throw Names for New Students
Early learning focuses on safe, high-percentage techniques that teach core principles. These throws help build confidence and fundamental movement patterns.
- O-soto-gari
- De-ashi-harai
- Hiza-guruma
- Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi
- Ippon-seoi-nage
- O-goshi
- Uki-goshi
- Tai-otoshi
- Ko-uchi-gari
- O-uchi-gari
- Harai-goshi
- Tsuri-komi-goshi
- Okuri-ashi-harai
- Ko-soto-gari
- Uchi-mata
Advanced Judo Throw Names for Experienced Practitioners
Higher-level techniques often combine elements or require refined timing. These throws appear more often after years of consistent training and randori.
- Yama-arashi
- Kata-guruma
- Sukui-nage
- Ushiro-goshi
- Utsuri-goshi
- Obi-otoshi
- Seoi-otoshi
- Uchi-mata-sukashi
- Harai-tsurikomi-ashi
- Tsubame-gaeshi
- Kouchi-makikomi
- Ouchi-makikomi
- Sode-makikomi
- Ura-nage
- Yoko-wakare
Makikomi-Style Judo Throw Names with Wrapping Action
Makikomi variations add a winding or wrapping finish that increases control. These techniques often convert near-throws into decisive scores.
- Harai-makikomi
- Uchi-mata-makikomi
- Sode-makikomi
- O-soto-makikomi
- Ko-soto-makikomi
- O-uchi-makikomi
- Ko-uchi-makikomi
- Hane-makikomi
- Uchi-mata-sukashi
- Seoi-makikomi
- Tai-otoshi-makikomi
- Harai-goshi-makikomi
- Tsuri-komi-makikomi
- Koshi-makikomi
- Yoko-makikomi
Counter Judo Throw Names That Reverse Attacks
Effective counters turn the opponent’s momentum against them. These techniques reward good timing and the ability to read incoming attacks quickly.
- Tsubame-gaeshi
- O-soto-gaeshi
- O-uchi-gaeshi
- Ko-uchi-gaeshi
- Uchi-mata-gaeshi
- Harai-goshi-gaeshi
- Hane-goshi-gaeshi
- Seoi-gaeshi
- Tai-otoshi-gaeshi
- Sumi-gaeshi
- Uki-waza
- Yoko-gake
- Tani-otoshi
- Ura-nage
- Hikikomi-gaeshi
Gripping-Specific Judo Throw Names Based on Hand Position
Different grips open different throw opportunities. These techniques are often taught with a focus on sleeve, lapel, or cross-grip control.
- Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi
- Sode-seoi-nage
- Eri-seoi-nage
- Kata-erri-seoi-nage
- Morote-seoi-nage
- Ippon-seoi-nage
- Obi-tori-gaeshi
- Obi-otoshi
- Sleeve tai-otoshi
- Cross-grip uchi-mata
- High-collar o-soto-gari
- Double-lapel seoi
- Russian grip uchi-mata
- Belt grip harai
- Pistol grip seoi
Combination Judo Throw Names That Link Techniques
Throws rarely exist in isolation during randori. These sequences and linked techniques help students understand how one attack creates the next.
- O-uchi to ko-uchi
- Ko-uchi to o-soto
- De-ashi to sasae
- Seoi to uchi-mata
- Tai-otoshi to seoi
- Harai to o-soto
- Uchi-mata to o-uchi
- O-soto to ko-soto
- Sasae to hiza-guruma
- Ippon-seoi to sumi-gaeshi
- Uchi-mata to yoko-tomoe
- O-goshi to ushiro-goshi
- Harai-goshi to tani-otoshi
- Seoi-nage to ura-nage
- Ko-uchi to sumi-gaeshi
Frequently Asked Questions
How many official judo throw names are there?
The Kodokan recognizes a core list of nage-waza, though the exact number has changed slightly over time with the addition or reclassification of techniques.
Why do judo throw names use Japanese terms?
Japanese remains the international language of judo. Using the original names keeps communication consistent across countries and organizations.
Should beginners memorize all judo throw names at once?
No. Focus first on a small group of high-percentage throws and add new ones gradually as your understanding of kuzushi and timing improves.
Do judo throw names change in competition rules?
The names stay the same, but certain techniques may be restricted or scored differently under current International Judo Federation rules.
How can I practice remembering judo throw names?
Link each name to its key movement, practice saying it while drilling, and review short lists regularly rather than trying to memorize everything at once.
Are there English translations for judo throw names?
Yes. Many coaches teach both the Japanese name and a simple English description so students understand the action clearly.
Can the same judo throw have multiple names?
Some techniques have historical variations or regional nicknames, but the official Kodokan name remains the standard reference.
Conclusion
Judo throw names give structure and shared language to every session on the mat.
Across classic, forward, rear, leg, hip, hand, sacrifice, competition-favorite, beginner-friendly, advanced, makikomi-style, counter, gripping-specific, and combination categories, you now have carefully organized options for study and reference.
Use the lists to plan training, review techniques, or deepen your understanding of how throws connect.
Consistent practice with the correct names builds clearer skill and better communication in the dojo.
Abigail Turner focuses on finding meaningful and well-balanced middle names. She explores combinations, traditional choices, short middle names, and distinctive options for different first-name styles.
