Yoko Gake

From Red River Judo
Yoko Gake
General information
DomainTachi-Waza
ClassificationNage-Waza
Sub-ClassificationYoko-Sutemi-Waza
KodokanYes
IJF LegalYes
GroupingDai-Gokyo
ComplexityAdvanced
ArcsVertical Circle
Technique name
RōmajiYoko Gake
Japanese横掛
EnglishSide hook
Korean모로 걸기

Yoko Gake (横掛), or "Side Hook," is a Judo technique where tori (the person executing the throw) uses a hooking action with their leg to unbalance and throw uke (the person being thrown) sideways.

Technique Breakdown

  1. Tori begins by gripping uke’s sleeve and lapel, initiating kuzushi (off-balancing) by pulling uke forward and slightly to the side.
  2. Tori steps to the side of uke and uses their body to position themselves for the throw.
  3. Tori then extends their leg and hooks it around the back of uke’s leg, typically around the knee or ankle, while maintaining a firm grip on uke’s upper body.
  4. As tori hooks uke’s leg, they pull uke’s upper body forward and to the side, using their leg to sweep uke off balance and throw them sideways.

Key Points for Beginners

  • Kuzushi is crucial. Ensure you properly off-balance uke by pulling them forward and to the side before attempting the throw. This prepares them for the leg hooking action.
  • Proper leg positioning. When executing the hook, make sure your leg is placed correctly around uke’s leg to effectively unbalance and throw them.
  • Use both arms and legs. Yoko Gake combines upper body strength with a precise leg action. Engage your arms to control uke and your leg to sweep them off balance.
  • Uke should practice safe ukemi (falling technique) by rolling and slapping the mat to absorb the impact safely, as the throw can lead to a sideways fall.

Common Mistakes

  • Incorrect leg placement. If your leg is not hooked properly, the throw may not be effective, and uke may resist or fall incorrectly.
  • Lack of kuzushi. Without proper off-balancing, uke will not be in the right position for the leg hook, making the throw difficult to execute.
  • Over-reliance on the leg. Remember to use both your arms and legs in coordination to execute Yoko Gake effectively.

Application in Training

Yoko Gake is useful for practicing the combination of arm control and leg action to unbalance an opponent. It helps judoka understand how to leverage both upper and lower body movements in a coordinated manner. This technique is often used in Randori (free practice) and can be effective in both training and competition scenarios.

Demonstration

References

  • Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano
  • The Canon of Judo by Kyuzo Mifune
  • Judo Masterclass Techniques by Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki