Waza Book

    Search every technique, Japanese word, grade, guide and combination.

    Browse instead: all techniques A to Z

    counter

    Harai-goshi countered by Ushiro-goshi

    1. Harai-goshi払腰
    2. Ushiro-goshi後腰

    The classical answer to the sweeping hip throw: as the attack turns in, the defender sinks their hips below it, wraps the waist, and lifts the whole attack off the floor. Timing is everything; a beat late and the sweep has already bitten.

    Demonstrations

    Ordered by provider, player included. Choose your own order.

    Seen a better demonstration? Suggest a video

    Step by step

    The whole sequence in words. Described in the standard right-handed form.

    1. Feel their hip turn in across yours and the back of their thigh start to sweep your right leg as they attack with Harai-goshi.
    2. Sink your hips at once so your belt line is below theirs, widen your stance and take your weight onto both heels.
    3. Wrap both arms around their waist from behind and lock your hands low on the far side, pulling their body tight against your chest.
    4. Keep your back straight and lift them clear of the mat with your legs, so their sweeping leg has nothing left to sweep.
    5. Turn your shoulders as they rise and bring them down in front of you rather than behind.
    6. Lower them onto their back under control, keeping one arm behind their back and the sleeve in your hand. Build this one up gradually.

    Receiving it

    You are the attacker, and the throw simply stops. Your hip goes in, the sweep starts, and instead of turning you feel their belt line drop below yours and two arms close around your waist. The moment your feet leave the mat you have no control at all, so give the throw up and prepare to land. Keep your chin on your chest, stay long rather than curling up, and slap with both arms as your back meets the mat. Take this only from a partner who lowers you rather than drops you.

    VI judo notes

    The counter is read at the hips, which is where you are already listening: their hip crossing yours while their weight is still high is the cue, and it arrives before any sweep does. Drop underneath it early, because a beat late and the sweep has taken your leg. Given the height of the fall, agree the drill in advance and build it up slowly on both sides.

    Each technique's own page carries its own full narration and key points; follow the links above.