Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Te-Waza
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Belt Level
- 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu
Sukui-Nage is a scooping throw where tori reaches between or around uke's legs to scoop one or both thighs upward while simultaneously pushing uke's upper body backward. It is a powerful counter-technique often used when uke bends deeply forward — tori exploits the bent posture to scoop the legs and dump uke onto their back.
Sukui-Nage — Step by Step
Uke's balance is broken to their rear. This technique typically arises when uke has bent forward exposing their legs, or when tori pushes uke's upper body backward with one arm while scooping upward with the other. The goal is to simultaneously displace uke's feet (via the scoop) and their upper body (via the push) in opposite directions.
When uke is bent forward, lower your level with bent knees and reach your arm under uke's thigh or between the legs. Your free arm controls uke's upper body — either pushing the chest backward or pulling the collar down. Body position should be low and close, with your weight centered over your feet.
Drive the scooping arm upward and forward, lifting uke's thigh(s) off the ground. Simultaneously push or press uke's upper body backward. Uke's legs go one direction and their upper body the other — they are lifted and dumped to the mat. Follow through by stepping in to maintain balance.
- 1
Identify the opening
Sukui-Nage is typically applied when uke bends deeply forward, exposes their legs in a low posture, or attempts a leg grab of their own.
- 2
Lower your level
Bend your knees and lower your center of gravity. You must get below and inside uke's posture to reach the scooping position.
- 3
Reach and scoop under the thigh
Drive one arm under uke's near thigh from the inside. Your palm faces upward. The scoop should contact the thigh just above the back of the knee.
- 4
Control the upper body
With your free arm, push uke's chest or grip their collar to push backward, or wrap their upper body. This neutralizes their ability to post and resist.
- 5
Lift and project to the rear
Drive the scooping arm upward, lifting uke's leg(s) off the mat. Simultaneously push their upper body backward. Uke lands on their back or side.
What Makes It Work
- Timing is crucial — Sukui-Nage works when uke has bent forward and committed their weight. Do not attempt against an upright uke.
- The scoop must lift the thigh, not the ankle. A thigh scoop tips the hip; an ankle grab is easily stepped over.
- Keep your own back straight during the scoop. Rounding your back during the lift reduces force and risks injury.
- Upper-body control is as important as the scoop. Without a backward push or grip on uke's torso, they can post with their hands and escape.
What to Avoid
Scooping the ankle instead of the thigh
The scoop should contact behind the knee or upper thigh. Scooping the ankle lifts the lower leg only — uke simply hops over.
Neglecting upper body control
Always push or control uke's upper body while scooping. Without this, uke leans into you or posts to prevent the fall.
Attempting the throw while uke is upright
Sukui-Nage requires uke to be in a bent-forward posture. Against an upright stance, the scoop is impossible to establish cleanly.
Rounding the back during the lift
Maintain a straight back and drive from the legs when lifting. A rounded back transfers no power and risks lower-back strain.
Best Moments to Apply Sukui-Nage
Sukui-Nage is primarily a counter-throw used when uke bends forward to attempt a leg grab, a low single-leg, or a double-leg takedown. It is also used proactively when uke adopts a heavily bent-forward defensive posture. In newaza transitions, it can be used to dump uke from a crouched position.