How To Perform A Harai Goshi With Examples

The harai goshi is one of the most versatile throws in all of judo. It has so many entries that you will be surprised that you never noticed them. In English it directly translates to “sweeping hip throw” which is exactly what this throw is.

The throw was created in judo by none other than Kano Jigoro and is a staple of any serious Judoka. Like many of the original judo throws created by Kano, the harai goshi has a place in both the past and present judo. In modern-day multiple world and Olympic champion Teddy Riner is renowned for his harai goshi technique.

Although you are sweeping with your own leg, the harai goshi is known as a hip throw because this is what you’re using to throw the opponent. Whilst the leg is used for some slight leverage, it is mostly to block the leg of your opponent.

Harai Goshi Setup

The harai goshi has a multitude of entries. The only real rule of thumb is that you generally want standard judo grips. You must have one hand on the front lapel to control the distance and weight distribution of the opponent. The other grip you must have is equally as important. It absolutely MUST control the sleeve of the opponent so they cannot post on their hand and stop the throw.

Fake Or Failed Osoto Gari

Many times in judo you will have to pretend you want A so that you can get B. This is a simple rule for any sport or game where you need to stay one step ahead of your opponent.

By attempting (or failing) an osoto gari, your opponent will often lean forwards so that you cannot throw them backward. This over the distribution of weight stops and immediate threat of being thrown.

However, with the same grips, you can simply turn your body around and block with your weightless leg. You are now in a perfect position for harai goshi. Since the opponent is leaning forward, they have already redistributed their weight for you.

Adjustment From Uchi Mata

There will always be at least one man in every gym with incredible balance and athleticism. If you are not flexible enough to reach your leg high into the air, you may find opponents are hopping around and not being thrown. Whilst there are ways to finish and uchi mata, you can also switch into a harai goshi to finish easily.

If the opponent is simply not going to the ground from an uchi mata, you can move your attacking leg to the outside of their hopping leg. This will be used as a blocker whilst the uke is thrown over your hips. The leg that was being used to hop on and maintain balance is now useless and the opponent will be forced to fall.

Russian Grip

This entry requires a slight adjustment in grips. To set up from a Russian grip you will generally want two grips on the same side of the opponent’s body. This is so you can break the posture of the opponent more easily and have access to their belt.

Once the belt is under control you can easily just step in to an easy harai goshi as the sleeve grip is always maintained throughout.

Duck Under High Grip

If your opponent is left handed and has the opposite grips to you. You will find that you are both trying to grip the same sleeve and both have the high grip on the same side.

To enter a harai goshi from here, you will want to let go of your high grip and push your opponents arm upwards. This will most likely not strip their grip, but it will get you on the outside of their arm.

Since you are not in a great position with sleeve control, you can simply step across the body of the opponent and perform a simple harai goshi.

Mechanics Of Harai Goshi

The Set Up

First of all the grips MUST be correct for the harai goshi. Whilst your high grip is more of a personal preference. You must be controlling the opponent’s sleeve at all times. If they are able to break free from this grip, the entry to the throw will not be there.

Once you have a dominating grip, the idea is to step into your opponent, similarly to any other judo hip throw. Your standing power leg should be more or less parallel with the leg of your uke. Although you are going to be throwing the opponent to a specific side of your body, you must align the hips to generate the power needed.

As you move into the throwing position, you should be using your high grip to pull the opponent forwards. The idea behind this is to get the weight of the opponent distributed in are more forward direction. By doing this you will make their hips lighter to lift.

If you are taller than your opponent you may need to squat a little. The hips of your uke should never really be lower than your own, this will make the throw even more difficult.

The Throw

From here you need to make a spinning motion with your upper body, whilst using your other weightless leg to block the same side leg of the uke. The blocking leg should always be below the knee of the opponent. You are never trying to throw with your weightless leg. It should make a sweeping motion to chop and block the leg of the uke, but not take their weight.

At this point, you should have launched your opponent into the air and should follow them to the ground. If you still have good control of the sleeve and there was no ippon, it will be possible to set up an armbar from this position.

Harai Goshi Limitations & Flaws

As with many judo hip throws. The harai goshi gives easy access to your own back. If you are not able to throw the opponent on your first attempt and become stuck in the position, it is almost never good since you cannot see what they are doing.

If the opponent has the foresight to see your harai goshi attempt, they may back up and lower their hips. In this case, you are essentially baiting yourself into a possible ura nage reversal. With that being said, judo is a game of cat and mouse. There will never be a truly dominant position or throw that works 100% of the time. It is always based on technique, timing, and ability.

In other grappling sports the harai goshi is especially unsafe since showing your back under almost any circumstances is bad. In wrestling, you may find yourself getting suplexed over the head of the opponent, or in a BJJ match you may find that the other person has jumped on your back and is now strangling you.

Harai goshi is not a throw exclusive to judo but should be used with caution when there are other non-judo rulesets in place. Ronda Rousey did successfully use the harai goshi in various UFC fights, however it should be noted her judo was vastly superior to her opponents.