Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Yoko-Sutemi-Waza
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Belt Level
- 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu
Harai-Makikomi combines the sweeping leg action of Harai-Goshi with the arm wrap and side fall of makikomi throws. Tori enters for a Harai-Goshi-style sweep but wraps uke's arm and falls to the side rather than completing the throw standing. The wrapped arm and sacrifice fall make the throw more powerful and harder to counter than standard Harai-Goshi.
Harai-Makikomi — Step by Step
Pull uke forward and upward onto their right front corner — identical kuzushi to Harai-Goshi. The sleeve grip elevates and pulls forward; the lapel side wraps and controls. Uke must be loaded forward onto their toes before the sweep and fall.
Step in as for Harai-Goshi — right foot in front of uke's right foot, pivot to back-facing position. Simultaneously wrap your entry arm around uke's arm (makikomi), pulling it tight against your chest. The sweep leg is loaded back for the sweeping action.
Execute the Harai-Goshi sweep — sweeping the right leg into uke's thigh — while simultaneously wrapping the arm tight and falling to the side. The three elements (sweep, arm wrap, side fall) all converge at the same moment, creating a very powerful combination throw.
- 1
Create forward kuzushi
Pull uke forward onto their right front corner. Sleeve arm up and forward, lapel arm forward.
- 2
Step in and pivot
Step right foot in front of uke, pivot to back-facing position. Begin wrapping uke's arm with your entry arm.
- 3
Wrap the arm (makikomi)
Wrap your entry arm around uke's right arm, pulling it tightly against your chest. The arm is now controlled.
- 4
Load the sweep
Bring your sweeping leg back, coiling for the Harai-style sweep into uke's thigh.
- 5
Sweep, wrap, and fall simultaneously
Execute all three at once: sweep the leg into uke's thigh, maintain the arm wrap, and fall to the side. Uke is thrown powerfully to the mat.
What Makes It Work
- The three elements — sweep, arm wrap, side fall — must converge simultaneously. Sequencing them loses the combined power.
- The arm wrap traps uke's arm and prevents them from posting out or defending the sweep with that arm.
- Harai-Makikomi is particularly effective when Harai-Goshi is being countered — the addition of the sacrifice overcomes the counter.
- As a makikomi technique, ensure uke has good ukemi before drilling at full speed.
What to Avoid
Executing as standing Harai-Goshi then adding the fall
The fall must be part of the execution, not an afterthought. The commitment to fall must begin with the sweep.
Loose arm wrap
Wrap uke's arm tightly against your chest. A loose wrap allows uke to pull their arm free and defend.
Falling backward instead of to the side
Harai-Makikomi falls to the side (yoko-sutemi). Falling backward changes the throw mechanics entirely.
Sweep without sufficient forward kuzushi
The sweep requires uke to be loaded forward. Without kuzushi, the sweep meets resistance and the fall lacks projection force.
Best Moments to Apply Harai-Makikomi
Harai-Makikomi is used when standard Harai-Goshi is being countered. Adding the wrap and fall commits to the throw in a way that is harder to escape. It is also used by practitioners who favor a flowing, falling throwing style.