A step by step guide on how to do the Sukui Nage Judo throw

The Sukui Nage throw is also referred to as a ‘scoop’ throw as it scoops the opponent up from the floor. Whilst in mid-air, the uke is then dropped and the throw is completed. Part of this throw involves lifting the opponent by the hips and leg. As the IJF has banned leg throws since 2010, sadly the Sukui Nage is no longer a legal move in sport Judo. Nonetheless, there is still a place for this technique in the likes of Sambo, BJJ, and MMA where it is not prohibited.

Having said this, the Sukui Nage is still highly effective, especially in certain situations. Further, some of its mechanics are similar to the Tani Otoshi. Because of this, both the Sukui Nage and Tani Otoshi can combine perfectly to throw the opponent. With this said, the Sukui Nage is just one of many throws that can be accomplished by getting to the side of the opponent. In terms of takedowns, this can be a very dominant position to get into.

Setting up the Sukui Nage

Starting the Sukui Nage begins with your correct Judo grips and stance. This means a grip on the collar and one on the elbow or tricep. The next step is to move to the side to create an angle. To do this, you must momentarily release your gi grips and switch them, mid-movement. Put another way, you will begin the throw facing the opponent. However, you then want to face the same direction that they are whilst moving to the side.

Perhaps the most important of the throw in the earlier stages is to get your opponent moving. During randori, your opponent isn’t just going to stay still for you to attack. Instead, you will have to move them about by moving back and forward. By doing this, you create uncertainty which is important to be able to close distance. If you can time your opponent to step forward whilst you step around, then you can enter the Sukui Nage far easier. However, if you make your intentions too obvious from the beginning then they will defend it and disengage.

This means that your original collar grip swaps to a grip around their far hip. For this, waist height is ideal. Your other grip that was originally on the elbow should now be closer to their near hip. However, you should not grab the hip with this hand, instead you should grab the back of the leg.

The ideal grip placement for this should be behind the knee. This is because structurally, you can grab the leg efficiently here. Too high on the leg will mean the weight is too heavy due to muscle weight and too low will compromise your own posture. It should also be noted that to begin this entry, you will need to squat down. Remember, you don’t want to bend over, instead squatting is optimal and will put less stress on your back when lifting.

As ever with Judo, each throw can be split into the upper and lower body areas. You want to use your arms and upper body at the beginning of the throw, and finish with the lower body. This means establishing the correct grips, to begin with is imperative. Without getting around the body, the Sukui Nage simply cannot begin.

Getting the uke into the air and finishing the throw

The next step of the throw is to lift the opponent off their feet. To do this, you want to lift them at the nearside leg. A common mistake that new students make is to try lifting the upper body. This method requires a significant amount of strength, whereas simply lifting the near leg will make it far easier. This should be easy due to the grip behind the knee that allows this to happen. The best way to think about it is not to lift the body upwards, but to flip the legs forward.

In other words, you’re not trying to lift the uke to make their height higher, instead you’re trying to flip them at the legs to make their height smaller. Another way of looking at it is to put their head towards the ground and their feet in the air, hence the term ‘scoop’. This is the correct method, as opposed to trying brute force with less technique. To make this easier, you can also squat further if needed to put even more power into the lift.

After this, the opponent should now be raised into the air. The idea behind this is to now straighten your back as you lift the opponent. This will naturally lift the opponent and take them off the ground. From this point, you should now be able to simply drop the opponent onto the floor by releasing your grips. If certain parts of the throw look complicated, then this part looks very basic. With this done, the throw is now complete and what you chose to do next is up to personal preference. That is, you can choose to pin the opponent or simply not engage once they’re on the ground.

Why the Sukui Nage got banned and safety issues

On the subject of the legalities of the Sukui Nage, the issue with this particular move was that during competition, some people would do it with too much force and aggression. In short, some people would twist their opponent mid-air so quickly that they would be dropped on their head. It may be beneficial to be aggressive to win a competition match, however spiking someone on their neck is not good and can cause serious injury. As a result, the Sukui Nage was made illegal. As mentioned though, it still has practical uses elsewhere and many Judo dojos will still train and use the move.

In terms of safety, it is also somewhat situational. For instance, it is only dangerous if done in an uncontrolled way. If done correctly then you should not harm your partner. The reason behind this is to do with the scooping motion. Ideally, you would drop the opponent flat on their back, with this done there shouldn’t be any injuries. However, if the opponent tilts mid-air then they may fall onto their neck. As a result, it’s rare but you could possibly break a neck. In terms of safety, this isn’t appropriate and isn’t desirable. Having said this, the chances of this happening in a dojo are slim and it was mostly during competition where injuries would happen due to the intensity that competition brings.

Final Thoughts

The Sukui Nage is a very effective throw and is perhaps too effective in the eyes of the IJF. As mentioned, although it may be banned in sport Judo, it is still allowed elsewhere and is a great option for self-defense. Even without grips on the clothes, it can still be finished with the correct grips so it is something for consideration.

As well, due to combining well with the Tani Otoshi, you present the opponent with a defensive dilemma. With this in mind, it is worth learning but remembers it does have its setbacks. As good as it is, it should also be practiced with caution. Whilst it may get results, it can also severely injure people so training this with patience and the correct form is essential.