Yoko Wakare

Yoko Wakare
General information
Domain	Tachi-Waza
Classification	Sutemi-Waza
Sub-Classification	Yoko-Sutemi-Waza
Kodokan	Yes
IJF Legal	Yes
Grouping	Dai-Gokyo
Variations	Ude Gaeshi
Complexity	Advanced
Arcs	Spiral In
Technique name
Rōmaji	Yoko wakare
Japanese	横分
English	Side separation
Korean	옆으로 누우며 던지기

Yoko Wakare (横分け), or "Side Separation," is a throwing technique in Judo that involves the tori (person executing the throw) dropping sideways in front of uke (person being thrown) to unbalance and throw them forward. It is classified under the Sutemi-Waza (sacrifice techniques) category, specifically the Yoko-Sutemi-Waza (side sacrifice techniques), where the tori sacrifices their standing position to perform the throw.

Classification

Yoko Wakare is a Yoko-Sutemi-Waza technique, meaning that tori sacrifices their standing posture by falling to the side. This technique is highly dependent on timing and using uke's forward momentum to complete the throw. Yoko Wakare is often seen in Kata and is a great demonstration of the principle of using leverage and positioning over strength.

Technique Breakdown

1. Tori grips uke’s sleeve and lapel, initiating kuzushi (off-balancing) by pulling uke forward and slightly to the side, making them lean into the direction of the throw.
2. Tori then drops their body quickly to the mat, falling to the side and in front of uke, while maintaining a strong grip on uke’s upper body.
3. As tori falls, they pull uke’s sleeve and lapel downward, guiding uke forward and off balance.
4. Uke is thrown forward, almost like diving over tori, landing on their back as tori remains low to the ground.

Key Points for Beginners

• Kuzushi is critical. You need to properly off-balance uke by pulling them forward and slightly to the side before committing to the throw.
• Timing is everything with Yoko Wakare. You need to drop to the mat at the precise moment when uke is leaning forward. This will make the throw smooth and effortless.
• Keep your body close to uke during the entire movement. If you fall too far away, uke might not fully commit to the fall, making it harder to execute the throw.
• Uke should practice safe ukemi (falling techniques), as this throw often results in a fast forward fall. Uke should be prepared to roll and slap the mat to absorb the impact.

Common Mistakes

• Falling too soon. If you drop before uke is properly off-balance, they can resist the throw, making it ineffective.
• Not pulling hard enough on the sleeve and lapel. These grips are crucial in guiding uke through the throw and helping them lose balance.
• Not getting low enough. When you drop for Yoko Wakare, you need to commit fully to falling to the side, so your body creates the path for uke to be thrown forward.

Application in Training

Yoko Wakare is often practiced in Nage-no-kata and serves as a key technique for learning how to sacrifice your own position to unbalance your opponent. It teaches important lessons in timing, body control, and the principle of maximum efficiency with minimum effort (Seiryoku Zenyo). While less common in competition, it is a valuable addition to a judoka’s overall understanding of Sutemi-waza.

References

• Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano
• The Canon of Judo by Kyuzo Mifune
• Judo for Beginners by Hayward Nishioka