Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Koshi-Waza
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Belt Level
- 2nd kyu, 1st kyu, 1st dan
Utsuri-Goshi is an advanced counter-throw — specifically designed to counter an opponent's hip throw attempt. When uke enters for a hip throw (such as O-Goshi or Harai-Goshi), tori lifts uke onto their own hip, shifting (utsuri) their position, and then projects uke with a throw from the opposite side. It is one of judo's most sophisticated counter-techniques requiring precise timing and strength.
Utsuri-Goshi — Step by Step
Kuzushi is applied to uke after countering their attack. When uke enters for a hip throw, tori wraps both arms around uke's waist from behind and lifts upward — shifting uke's weight off the ground entirely. With uke lifted, their balance is completely broken. Tori then shifts (utsuri) and projects uke to the opposite side.
As uke enters for their hip throw and places their back against tori's chest, tori wraps both arms firmly around uke's waist from behind. The grip must be deep and secure — hands interlocked or gripping the belt. Tori bends slightly at the knees to generate lifting power.
Lift uke off the ground by straightening the knees and driving the hips forward. Once uke is airborne, shift your hip position and project uke to the mat on the opposite side from their original attack direction. The throw can go forward (dropping uke in front of tori) or to the side depending on tori's position.
- 1
Recognize uke's hip throw entry
As uke steps in and pivots for a hip throw, read the entry and prepare to counter. Uke's back will be against your chest.
- 2
Wrap both arms around uke's waist
Secure both arms around uke's waist from behind — wrap tightly with hands interlocked or gripping the belt at the front.
- 3
Drop your hips and load your legs
Bend your knees and position your hips below uke's center of gravity. Load your legs for the lift.
- 4
Lift uke off the ground
Extend your legs and hips explosively, lifting uke completely off the mat. The lift must be vertical enough to take uke's feet off the ground.
- 5
Shift and project uke
Shift your hip or body position and project uke to the mat — typically forward (in front of you) or to the side opposite their attack.
What Makes It Work
- Timing is critical — the wrap must be established as uke enters, not after they have fully loaded onto the hip.
- The lift requires leg drive, not just arm pulling. Use your legs to stand up through uke, generating vertical force.
- Utsuri-Goshi requires strength and good technique — it is one of the techniques that emphasizes physical attributes at the advanced level.
- The "shift" (utsuri) element means tori redirects uke's momentum to a new direction. Simply lifting and dropping is not the full technique.
What to Avoid
Wrapping after uke has already loaded onto their hip
The wrap must be established during uke's entry, before they load. Once uke is fully on the hip and throwing, the window to counter is closed.
Lifting with the arms alone — no leg drive
The lift comes from straightening the knees and driving the hips forward. Arm-only lifts lack the power to get uke fully airborne.
No hip shift — simply dropping uke straight down
After lifting, shift your hip position to create a directional projection. Dropping straight down without a shift results in uke landing on or beside you.
Grip too high — around the chest instead of the waist
The grip should wrap around uke's waist or belt. A chest-level grip is too high and reduces the lifting leverage.
Best Moments to Apply Utsuri-Goshi
Utsuri-Goshi is specifically used as a counter to hip throws. Develop this technique as a response to training partners who favor O-Goshi, Harai-Goshi, or Tsurikomi-Goshi. In competition it is a high-risk, high-reward counter that requires the physical attributes and timing to execute. It is rarely used as a primary attack.
Variations of Utsuri-Goshi
Combination Sequences
Follow up with