How to Do Ippon-Seoi-Nage

An Explanation of the Challenging Jiu Jitsu and Judo Technique

Apr 10, 2009 Stuart Cooke

Want to learn Ippon-Seoi-Nage? With your feet in the right position, your hips at the right height, your grip secured and your angle correct, you'll have no problems.

Ippon-Seoi-Nage means "one-point shoulder throw" and might simply be described as getting underneath an attack. What this does is allow the attacker (or "Uke") to fall over you while you control their descent. This can be used as a technique in freestyle grappling competition or as a way to defend yourself. It comes from Jiu Jitsu and is used in Judo as well. To perform this technique, follow the guideline set out below.

Foot Position

As "Uke" attacks in a forward or downward strike, you will be parrying their attack and stepping towards their chest. You should step with the opposite leg that they are stepping with. From there, you can continue the throw by moving the rest of your body close and pivoting on that first step.

• Step close to their front foot.
• Keep your front foot stationary.
• As your other leg comes in, rotate on the spot and keep your feet close together.
• Your back should face their chest.

Grip

After parrying their attack, you must be sure to hold onto the arm they tried to hit you with. As you pivot in, bring that arm into the crook between your forearm and your bicep. Keep them close and hold on.

• Hold high on their arm, close to their arm-pit.
• Keep their arm tight to you. Any space will lead to trouble.
• Use the gap between your forearm and bicep as a vice.

Hip Height

Your hips need to be below that of your Uke. In Jiu Jitsu or Judo, you are trying to use their energy against them. To do this, you need to provide an obstacle for them to fall over.

• Bend your knees to bring your hips lower than them.
• Keep your back straight.
• Don't lean forward.

Projection Angle

Finally, you should concentrate on the angle you use to project your "Uke." With a tight grip and your feet in the right position, you sink and bring their arm across your chest, as if you are pulling on a seat belt. Allow your knees to turn slightly and bring their body over your back and onto the ground in front of you.

• Think about a diagonal line from their arm to your feet.
• Keep your grip until you feel them falling.
• Stick your hip out to provide an obstacle.

Congratulations! You just performed Ippon-Seoi-Nage. The most important things to remember in this throw are as follows: place that foot correctly, bend your knees to get low, hold on tight, stay close and turn slightly. Reference the attached picture for a visual explanation.

The copyright of the article How to Do Ippon-Seoi-Nage in Martial Arts is owned by Stuart Cooke. Permission to republish How to Do Ippon-Seoi-Nage in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Ippon-Seoi-Nage