Uki Waza

From Red River Judo
Uki Waza
General information
DomainTachi-Waza
ClassificationNage-Waza
Sub-ClassificationYoko-Sutemi-Waza
KodokanYes
IJF LegalYes
GroupingDai-Gokyo
RelatedYoko Otoshi
Yoko Wakare
ComplexityAdvanced
ArcsHorizontal Circle
Technique name
RōmajiUki waza
Japanese浮技
EnglishFloating technique
Korean모로 띄기

Uki Waza (浮技), or "Floating Technique," is a throwing technique in Judo that involves the tori (person executing the throw) sacrificing their position by dropping to the ground to unbalance and throw the uke (person being thrown). It is classified as a Sutemi-Waza (sacrifice technique), specifically a Yoko-Sutemi-Waza (side sacrifice technique), where tori falls to the side to execute the throw.

Classification

Uki Waza is a Yoko-Sutemi-Waza technique, meaning that the tori sacrifices their standing position and drops to the side in order to use their body weight to throw uke. This technique focuses heavily on timing, body control, and the proper use of momentum.

Technique Breakdown

1. Tori grips uke's sleeve and lapel. The throw begins by pulling uke forward and to the side, initiating kuzushi (off-balancing) by breaking their balance forward. 2. Tori then drops down to the mat, falling to the side of uke while keeping a firm grip on uke’s sleeve and lapel. 3. As tori falls, they extend their leg in the direction of uke's movement, using it to help guide the throw. Tori pulls uke’s upper body down while rotating slightly to create the necessary force for the throw. 4. Uke is thrown forward in a "floating" motion, landing on their back as tori stays low to the ground.

Key Points for Beginners

  • Kuzushi is essential. To effectively throw uke, you must break their balance forward. Without proper off-balancing, Uki Waza will not work.
  • Stay close to uke during the entire throw. Your grip and control are critical in guiding uke through the technique.
  • Do not try to power through this throw. Instead, focus on timing and using uke’s forward momentum to complete the technique.
  • For uke, practice proper ukemi (falling technique) to land safely. You should be prepared to roll forward and slap the mat to absorb the impact.

Common Mistakes

  • Falling too far away from uke. If there’s too much distance between you and uke, the throw will be less effective, and you may lose control.
  • Not maintaining control of uke’s upper body. Keep your grips strong throughout the technique, and make sure to pull uke downwards as you drop to the mat.
  • Trying to rush the throw. Timing is critical, and you need to let uke’s momentum do the work for you.

Application in Training

Uki Waza is a great technique for practicing timing, kuzushi, and using your opponent’s momentum against them. It is often used in Randori (free practice) and Nage-No-Kata, where it demonstrates the principle of maximum efficiency with minimum effort (Seiryoku Zenyo). While not as common in competition, Uki Waza is an important technique for learning how to combine movement and balance in Judo.

References

  • Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano
  • The Canon of Judo by Kyuzo Mifune
  • Judo Unleashed by Neil Ohlenkamp

Demonstration