Uranage

Techniques

Uranage

Back Throw

Uranage, or back throw, is a sacrifice throw and usually performed as a counter throw when your opponent tries a forward hip or shoulder throw. It is also used as a defense against a blow to the head in the nage-no-kata.

As your opponent steps in close for a forward throw like koshi guruma or another forward throw, wrap your arms around your opponent's waist, lift strongly while leaning (arching) back and thrusting the hips up. Throw the opponent over your shoulder as you fall onto your back or shoulders.

Books

Pick-ups by Robert van de Walle is one of the Ippon Masterclass Series of books and the best source of information about this throw. The author, an Olympic champion, covers the techniques morote-gari, sukui-nage, ura-nage and kata-guruma, as well as a number of miscellaneous pick ups including obi-tori-ashi-dori, mawari-ashi-dori and hikoki-nage. It is an essential study guide for anyone involved in modern competition. You should see Judo Unleashed or Black Belt: Judo Skills and Techniques by Neil Ohlenkamp for a basic reference.

Video

Here is a video demonstration of ura nage, and the best YouTube Videos.

Key point: "The minute you wrap your arms around him, lift your opponent up."
.....Judo in Action by Kazuzo Kudo

Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 06:15