Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Te-Waza
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Belt Level
- 5th kyu, 4th kyu
Morote-Gari is a double-leg takedown technique where tori shoots low and grasps both of uke's thighs, then drives forward and upward to dump uke to the mat. It is a recognized Kodokan judo technique but has been banned in IJF competition since 2010 due to safety concerns about head-down attacks. It remains valid in many non-IJF competitions, kata training, and dojo practice.
Morote-Gari — Step by Step
Uke's balance is broken forward and upward initially to distract them, then tori shoots low and backward underneath uke's center of gravity. The takedown creates kuzushi by removing both legs as support simultaneously. A fake or attack to the upper body is often used to draw uke's attention high before the double-leg shot.
From a standing position, drive off the rear foot and shoot forward and low — drop one knee to the mat and shoot the lead knee between uke's feet. Both arms wrap around uke's thighs, gripping firmly just above the back of the knees. Keep the head up and to the side of uke's body (not driving into uke's midsection with the head).
Once the thighs are gripped, drive forward and upward with the legs and back while pulling uke's thighs toward you. Simultaneously step or drive forward with your lead leg. The combination of forward drive and thigh pull lifts and tips uke backward to the mat.
- 1
Create an upper body distraction
Feint an upper-body attack, push-pull with grips, or wait for uke's attention to be on their upper body before shooting.
- 2
Shoot low
Drop your level explosively and shoot forward — lead knee drops near uke's feet. Keep head up. Drive off the back foot with power.
- 3
Wrap both thighs
Wrap both arms around uke's thighs just above the back of the knees. Pull the thighs tightly toward your chest.
- 4
Drive forward and up
Use leg drive to stand up and drive forward simultaneously. Your legs and back drive the power, not just your arms.
- 5
Dump uke to the mat
As uke tips backward, step through with your lead leg and lower them to the mat under control. Transition to a hold-down.
What Makes It Work
- Head position is critical for safety — keep the head up and to the side, never driving the crown of the head into uke's midsection.
- The shot must be explosive and low. A slow, gradual entry gives uke time to sprawl or counter. Speed and penetration depth are key.
- Grip the thighs above the back of the knees for maximum leverage. Gripping too low or at the ankles reduces lift power.
- Note: Morote-Gari is banned in IJF competition. Know the rule set before applying in shiai.
What to Avoid
Driving the head into uke's stomach
Keep the head up and to the side throughout. Head-down entries are dangerous and illegal in IJF competition.
Gripping too low (ankles or calves)
Grip above the back of the knees — at the thighs. Low grips have limited leverage and uke can hop backward to escape.
Shooting from too far away
Close the distance with a step before shooting. Shooting from too far leaves you extended and vulnerable to knee strikes or guillotines.
Using only arm strength on the drive
Power comes from the legs standing up, not arm pulling. Stand up through the drive — use your full body to complete the takedown.
Best Moments to Apply Morote-Gari
Morote-Gari is effective in non-IJF competition contexts, kata practice, and self-defense. It is most effective when uke is upright and not anticipating a low attack. Note that Morote-Gari is banned in IJF international competition (since 2010) due to the head-down posture required and risk of neck injury. Practitioners should be aware of the specific competition rules governing the event they participate in.
Combination Sequences
Attack these first
Follow up with