Sukui nage (Scooping throw)

Summary

This is a particularly effective Te waza (Hand techniques) for those with strong upper body muscles.

Features of this Waza

As its Sukui-nage (Scooping throw) name implies, this Waza consists of scooping up the opponent and throwing him down.

Waza details

With Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) in his grip, Tori (Player executing technique) bends his knees to lower his Center of gravity, while simultaneously inserting his hand between Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) legs to grasp Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) upper thigh area and pull it upward.
While pulling Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) upward, Tori (Player executing technique) executes a rotational movement like turning the steering wheel of a car, thus throwing Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) to the floor.
Combatants with insufficient upper body strength to execute the throw immediately after lifting the opponent’s thigh, will often run for several steps with the opponent’s thigh in their grasp in order to topple him. Because the Sukui-nage (Scooping throw) favors combatants with strong upper bodies and those with longer arms and legs, it is often employed by Western combatants with powerful bodies.
This Waza sees frequent use in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

  • This Waza is easier to executed from the natural posture Aiyotsu (Same grip used by both persons) stance than from the Kenka yotsu (Asymmetrical grips by the two opponents) stance.
  • Tori (Player executing technique) must use care to avoid lowering his head when lifting the opponent upward, as this will allow Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) to apply a counter Waza.