Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Yoko-Sutemi-Waza
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Belt Level
- 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu
Uchi-Mata-Makikomi combines the inner thigh sweep of Uchi-Mata with the arm wrap and side fall of makikomi throws. Tori enters for Uchi-Mata and wraps uke's arm while falling to the side, adding sacrifice mechanics to the inner thigh technique. It is widely used in competition at all levels because Uchi-Mata is a foundational technique and the makikomi variant overcomes common defenses.
Uchi-Mata-Makikomi — Step by Step
Pull uke forward and upward — identical to Uchi-Mata kuzushi. The sleeve grip elevates and pulls forward while the lapel arm pulls uke's chest. Uke's weight is driven onto their right front corner. The added element of the arm wrap begins as the entry is made.
Step in and pivot as for Uchi-Mata — right foot in between uke's feet, back to uke's chest. Simultaneously wrap the lapel-side arm around uke's arm (makikomi), pulling it against your chest. The inner thigh sweep leg is loaded for the entry.
Sweep the inner thigh with the left leg while wrapping the arm and falling to the side. The three forces converge: the sweep drives uke's legs sideways, the arm wrap controls their upper body, and the side fall provides the sacrificial throwing energy. Uke is thrown powerfully.
- 1
Create forward kuzushi
Pull uke forward and upward onto their front corner. Sleeve high and forward.
- 2
Step in and pivot
Step in with right foot between uke's feet. Pivot to back-facing. Begin wrapping uke's arm.
- 3
Wrap the arm
Your entry arm wraps around uke's arm and pulls it tightly to your chest. This is the makikomi element.
- 4
Load the inner thigh sweep
Swing the right leg back and up, targeting the inner thigh of uke's right leg.
- 5
Sweep, wrap, and fall
All three actions simultaneously: inner thigh sweep, arm wrap maintained, side fall. Uke is thrown to the mat.
What Makes It Work
- This is one of the most frequently seen makikomi variants in competition — mastering it pays significant dividends.
- The inner thigh sweep and the side fall must be simultaneous. The sweep generates the projection; the fall provides sacrifice energy.
- Arm wrap tightness is critical. Loose wrap = uke posts out with that arm and defends.
- Uchi-Mata-Makikomi is effective against defenders of standard Uchi-Mata, as the added sacrifice makes the throw harder to counter.
What to Avoid
Not completing the sweep — relying only on the fall
The inner thigh sweep must be executed with full power. The fall amplifies the sweep but does not replace it.
Falling before the sweep connects
The sweep must make contact before or simultaneously with the fall. Falling early sends you down without throwing uke.
Loose arm wrap
Trap uke's arm firmly against your body. This is what distinguishes makikomi from the standard throw.
Insufficient kuzushi
Forward kuzushi must be created before entry. Entering without kuzushi means uke is planted and the sweep meets a solid, resisting base.
Best Moments to Apply Uchi-Mata-Makikomi
Uchi-Mata-Makikomi is used when standard Uchi-Mata is being countered by uke. The commitment of the sacrifice — combined with the arm wrap — overcomes many counter-attempts. It is widely used in shiai at all levels by practitioners whose base technique is Uchi-Mata.