A step by step guide on how to use the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi Judo throw

The Sode Tsurikomi Goshi is a Judo throw that belongs to the hip-throw family. Despite its long, exotic-sounding name it literally translates to “sleeve lifting hip throw” which is exactly what it is. In other words, the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi is a hip throw that lifts the sleeve of the opponent to add tension to the throw. In terms of mechanics, it has a lot of similarities with the Seoi Nage. However, the biggest difference is the sleeve being extended whilst doing the throw.

Starting the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi

As usual, standard Judo grips are used to begin the throw. This means one grip on the collar, with the other grip on the elbow. With this in place, you are ready to start. From here, the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi has a similar entry to the standard Seoi Nage. With this said, if you’re familiar with the Seoi Nage, then entering the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi should be relatively easy. For those unfamiliar, this involves the usual steps used for doing a hip throw. This means stepping into the space between you and the uke. From here, you should then turn and pivot to face away from your opponent.

Remember, it’s crucial with hip throws to squat before the entry. Especially if taller, you will need to squat to load the opponent’s hips onto yours. In brief, you are trying to get under them to create leverage. When initially stepping forward, make sure it’s with the leg that is on the same side as the elbow grip.

Key details of the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi grips

Although grips are a key part of all Judo throws, it’s especially important with the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi. Basically, this will make or break the throw and can be the difference between winning and losing a potential match. In short, you want to pull down with your elbow grip. However, usually this grip slides down and turns into a sleeve grip.

The reason for this is that you can generate more drag by controlling the sleeve as opposed to the elbow. The point of this is to extend the opponent’s arm down towards the floor. Simultaneously, you also want to punch up with your collar grip. The idea of this is to dictate the upper body of the opponent. At this point, their hips should be loaded onto your hips so the lower body is already taken care of. However, you will still need to dictate the movement of their upper body.

Basically, you’re trying to stretch the opponent out and act like a puppet master. A puppet master controls the puppet’s posture and movement by pulling the strings. Essentially, you’re using the arm grips to pull the strings of the opponent’s body. By stretching their one arm down and their shoulder up, you’re extending them out and controlling their upper body. If done successfully, they shouldn’t be able to do much due to the tension created by the grips.

Finishing the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi

With the legs and upper body firmly controlled, you can then start to finish the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi. To do this, you want to put the opponent to the floor on the side of the sleeve grip. This means throwing them over the hip towards the arm that is being dragged to the floor. At the same time, you want to use your other arm to drag them over your shoulder. In brief, your one arm pulls towards the ground, whilst your other arm should punch upwards and then down. With this movement done, combined with your hips bumping the opponent, you should successfully be able to hip toss the opponent. From there, you can choose to attack submissions or pin the opponent.

Problems with the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi

The problem with the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi is usually with the grips. Against a fully resisting opponent, it can be difficult to control the grips in such a dominant way. In other words, your opponent is going to try and avoid getting their arms dragged and pulled as much as possible. With this said, setting up the grips is not always easy. Of course, if it’s too difficult then switching to other throws such as the Seoi Nage is always a possibility. Due to this, the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi relies heavily on grip fighting.

The point is to dominate the initial exchange and then step in to attack the hips. Once the grips are established, you will also need to be explosive with your hand movements. It won’t work by slowly pulling the sleeve to the floor, instead you will need to powerfully explode into this action. Having said this, you cannot just muscle the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi. Instead, it is a highly technical throw that combines hand-throwing with the hips. As ever, elements such as timing, leverage, footwork, and angles are all imperative.

Another issue with the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi is that it potentially exposes your back if it goes wrong. Whilst experienced Judoka’s will generally finish the throw, it can have bad consequences if it fails. For instance, if the rules allow chokes from the back then you need to make sure your grips stay in place. Even without chokes, you still don’t want to fail the throw. This is because it can be countered with the likes of the Tani Otoshi which can be used as a counter from the back.

Combining the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi with other hip throws

Perhaps the beauty of the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi is that falls under the Goshi or hip family. This means that if you can get your hips under the opponent then there are various other options. As established, one of these is to switch to a Seoi Nage. However, there are also other throws that you can also transition into instead. Another move to go to is the Uki Goshi. Here, you could switch your collar grip into an underhook on the opponent. Similarly, the Harai Goshi also offers similar adjustments. With this said, the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi can also be seen as a starting point to move into other throws from its inception.

Summary

The Sode Tsurikomi Goshi is a useful throw that can result in an Ippon if done correctly. Whilst it is a good throw to explore, it also has some issues that have been addressed. Most noticeably this includes the initial grips needed and the dangers if it goes wrong. Nonetheless, with enough practice and patience, it can be used to great effect.

In conclusion, the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi can make a solid addition to your hip throws. By having a variety of attacks, it can lead to even more success when using your hips. Because of this, we suggest learning the Sode Tsurikomi Goshi to improve your Judo and see where it takes you.