Harai Goshi

Harai Goshi
File:Harai goshi.jpg
General information
Domain	Tachi-Waza
Classification	Nage-Waza
Sub-Classification	Koshi-Waza
Kodokan	Yes
Grouping	Dai-Nikyo
Related	O Goshi Uchi Mata
Complexity	Tech-Beginner
Arcs	Spiral Out
Technique name
Rōmaji	Harai goshi
Japanese	払腰
English	Sweeping hip throw
Korean	허리 후리기

Harai goshi (払腰) is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Kano Jigoro. It belongs to the second group of the traditional throwing list in the Gokyo No Waza of the Kodokan Judo. It is also part of the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo, and classified as a hip technique (koshi waza).

Execution

Kuzushi (Off-Balancing)

Kuzushi is the first and most critical phase of Harai Goshi, where the judoka destabilizes the opponent to prepare for the throw. The steps include:

Grip and Initial Movement

• Secure a standard grip: one hand on the opponent’s collar and the other on their sleeve.
• Step diagonally forward with your dominant foot (on the collar-hand side), pulling the opponent forward and slightly upward to break their balance.

Off-Balancing Direction

• The kuzushi for Harai Goshi typically shifts the opponent’s weight onto their front foot, directing their balance forward and slightly to the side.
• Use the sleeve hand to lift and pull, while the collar hand rotates the opponent’s upper body toward the sweeping side.

Posture Control

• Maintain an upright posture while ensuring the opponent’s center of gravity is shifted forward and toward your hips.

Tsukuri (Entry/Preparation)

Tsukuri is the phase where the judoka positions themselves to execute the throw. Proper alignment and positioning are crucial:

Body Rotation

• Pivot on the ball of your lead foot while rotating your body to face away from the opponent. Your back should align with their chest.
• Your hips should be lower than the opponent’s and slightly in front of them.

Foot Placement:

• The lead foot should step slightly across and in front of the opponent’s stance. The trailing foot pivots and positions behind you to create a strong base.

Leg Preparation

• The sweeping leg (the one opposite the collar grip) should be prepared to swing in a wide arc for the kake phase.

Grip Control

• Pull the sleeve hand tight across your body and use the collar hand to maintain tension and rotation in the opponent’s upper body.

Kake (Execution)

Kake is the final phase where the judoka completes the throw by sweeping the opponent off their feet:

Sweeping Motion

• Extend your sweeping leg in a wide arc, using the back of your thigh to make contact with the opponent’s leg (usually just above the knee).
• The sweeping action should be strong and decisive, lifting their leg while continuing the pulling motion from your hands.

Hip Action

• Use your hips as the pivot point, ensuring they are engaged to lift and rotate the opponent’s body over your sweeping leg.

Throwing Motion

• Combine the sweeping leg, hip rotation, and hand pulls into one fluid motion, directing the opponent diagonally forward and down to the mat.

Control:

• Maintain control throughout the throw, ensuring the opponent lands safely and minimizing the chance of counters.

Key Points for Harai Goshi

Timing

• The kuzushi, tsukuri, and kake phases must flow seamlessly. A delay in any phase can disrupt the technique.

Balance and Posture

• Keep your balance and posture throughout the technique to avoid being countered.

Practice

• Repeated drilling of each phase individually and in combination is essential to master Harai Goshi.

See Also

• Koshi-waza
• Nage-waza