Sukui Nage
Takedown · Judo Throws
A scoop counter from the grip fight standing to side control, for when he turns in sideways for a throw and shows you his back. Drop your hips below his and stop the turn with your belly, step in tight behind him and wrap the front of both his thighs with your arms, your body pressed to his back. Load his buttocks onto your front thigh, straighten the knees with a straight back and lean back, scooping the legs up so his support goes and his balance tips backward; twist as you lower him onto his back. Scoop the thighs, not the ankles, and wait for his entry rather than attacking first. Safety: lower him onto his back, never drop him onto his head. If he steps back out of the throw or sits down to avoid the lift, take the back.
How to do it
- They turn in for a throw and show you their back; this is your trigger, do not attack before it.
- Drop your hips below theirs and stop the turn with your belly, so their hip cannot get under you.
- Step in tight behind them, lower your hips and wrap both of their thighs with your arms, your body pressed against their back.
- Load their buttocks onto your front thigh, straighten the knees with a straight back, lean back and scoop the legs up so their support goes and the balance goes backward.
- Twist as you lower them, drop them onto their back and land in side control.
Key details
- It is a counter: wait for their entry.
- Hips low first, then lift the thighs: the lift takes the legs away and the balance goes backward.
- Your body must be tight against their back or you cannot scoop.
- Scoop the thighs, not the ankles: an ankle grab is stepped over.
- Keep your back straight and drive with the legs; twist as you drop them.
- Little power is needed: your hands draw the legs forward while your shoulder drives their upper body back.
Common mistakes
- Lifting with straight legs. — Your hips are above theirs, you cannot lift, and they finish their throw. — Bend the knees and get the hips under theirs.
- Staying in front of their hip. — You cannot reach the thighs and they turn through. — Step behind them before you reach for the legs.
- Reacting late. — Their hip is already under you and you are thrown. — Drop your hips at the first turn.
- Reaching for both legs from too far away. — You are off balance, and as they push against you their knee takes dangerous pressure. — Step in tight behind them first and lock in close before you scoop.
How to drill it
Partner enters a slow hip throw, you step behind and lift the thighs a little, 8 reps. Then 5 full throws on crash mats.
Safety
Lower the partner, do not drop them from height. Keep them on their back: never let them land on the head.
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