Ken Ken Uchi Mata by João Rocha
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KEN KEN UCHI MATA https://bjjfanatics.com João Rocha demonstrates how to do the Ken Ken Uchi Mata BJJ Technique in this…
Ken Ken Uchi Mata
Genus内股(Uchi Mata)
TraditionalTranslation: inner thigh throw
Overview
Ken Ken Uchi Mata (hopping inner thigh throw) is a dynamic variation in which the thrower hops forward on the supporting leg while driving the sweeping leg upward between the opponent's thighs, using the forward hopping momentum to generate additional throwing force. [1] The 'ken-ken' refers to the characteristic hopping motion on one foot that propels the thrower and opponent forward while the attacking leg sweeps. [1],[2] This version is used when the initial uchi-mata entry does not fully break the opponent's balance, allowing the thrower to continue driving forward with hopping steps until the throw is completed. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Ken ken uchi-mata evolved as a competitive adaptation when judoka discovered that continuing to hop forward on the support leg could overcome an opponent's defensive resistance to the initial uchi-mata entry. [1] The technique became a signature of aggressive, forward-driving judo competition styles. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Ken ken uchi mata (the hopping variant) is highly effective as a pursuit technique when the initial uchi mata entry is partially blocked, allowing the thrower to hop forward on the supporting leg while maintaining the sweeping action until the throw succeeds. [1] Kashiwazaki identifies it as a key competition adaptation that transforms a static throw into a dynamic, chasing attack. [2]
Lineage
Ken ken uchi mata developed as a competition adaptation within the Kodokan judo system, with the hopping chase mechanic becoming increasingly common in international competition from the 1970s onward. [1]
Competition Record
The ken ken (hopping) version of uchi mata has been particularly associated with Japanese and Korean competitors at the World Championships and Olympics, where the aggressive forward-driving style creates strong scoring opportunities. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Sweeping, reaping, or blocking the opponent's foot or leg to remove their base of support
Joints Involved — Attacker's sweeping leg (ankle or shin contact), opponent's supporting ankle or knee (swept)
Force Vector — Two opposing forces — the upper body is directed one way while the sweeping leg removes the support in the opposite direction
Timing Principle — Maximum effectiveness when the opponent's weight is committed to the targeted foot — timing supersedes strength
Position & Entry
From judo grip — Use push-pull timing (kuzushi) to catch the opponent as they step, sweep the support foot in the direction of their movement
From clinch (collar tie) — Push or pull to make the opponent step, sweep the stepping foot at the exact moment it lifts off the mat
Variants
Forward sweep — sweeping the foot in the direction the opponent is stepping
Rear sweep — sweeping the foot backward as the opponent retreats
Combination sweep — chaining sweeps to both feet
Counter sweep — timing the sweep as the opponent initiates their own attack
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Inner thigh reaping action; knee ligament strain risk on defender
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal throwing technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— Unified MMA — Legal throwing technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Ken ken uchi mata is the hopping uchi mata — after the initial sweep, hop on the standing leg to drive deeper into the throw
✓When the first uchi mata attempt is partially blocked, hop on the standing leg toward the opponent to maintain momentum
✓Each hop drives the sweeping leg higher and adds rotational force
✓This is a specialist technique used by aggressive uchi mata fighters who refuse to abandon the throw when it stalls
✓The hopping creates continuous pressure — the opponent must deal with repeated sweeping attempts in rapid succession
✓Kosei Inoue was famous for his devastating ken ken uchi mata at the Olympic and World Championship level
✓Use the hopping version when the opponent absorbs the first sweep by widening their base — the hops close the gap
Common Mistakes
!Hopping without maintaining the sweeping leg in contact with the opponent's thigh — each hop must maintain the sweep pressure
!Hopping backward away from the opponent instead of forward into them
!Losing balance on the hopping leg — each hop must land on a stable, bent-knee support
!Hopping too many times without the throw developing — three hops maximum before reassessing
!Not maintaining grip tension during the hops — loose hands lose control of the throw
!Over-rotating during the hops and spinning past the opponent
!Using ken ken from the first entry when a clean standard uchi mata would have worked — hopping should be a rescue option
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to executeLift the Targeted Leg — raise the foot being attacked above the sweeping actionCounter-Throw — exploit the attacker's committed weight to throw them insteadGrip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configurationStiff-Arm — maintain distance with straight arms to prevent the entry
Setup Chain
1Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) — establish the controlling grips needed for the throw
2Off-Balance (Kuzushi) — break the opponent's balance in the throwing direction
3Entry (Tsukuri) — position the body for the throw by turning, stepping, or loading
4Execution (Kake) — complete the throwing action with full commitment and follow-through
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
1BookKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing technique terminology (Kodokan Institute)
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing technique terminology (Kodokan Institute)
Community
Athletics
Requires
precise timing, ankle coordination, upper body kuzushi ability
Favours
excellent balance and quick reflexes
Key muscles
tibialis anterior, calves, hip rotators, forearms (grip)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic leg position for Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
According to João Rocha, you place one leg between your opponent's legs, then position your second leg to touch your first one. Both legs work together to create the setup for the technique.
What is the 'can-can' in Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
João Rocha explains that the can-can is a jumping motion you use to put your opponent down. After placing your hands on the mat, you execute this jump to complete the technique.
How should I time the jump when executing Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
João Rocha emphasizes timing the jump in the same direction as your opponent's foot arm placement, and stresses the importance of executing the leg positioning quickly before initiating the jump.
What should I focus on to avoid getting stuck halfway through the technique?
João Rocha recommends closing the space by focusing on your ankle position, noting that 99% of the time you'll end up halfway through if you don't actively manage this distance and maintain a strong position.
How does the Ken Ken Uchi Mata work?
Ken Ken Uchi Mata (hopping inner thigh throw) is a dynamic variation in which the thrower hops forward on the supporting leg while driving the sweeping leg upward between the opponent's thighs, using the forward hopping momentum to generate additional throwing force. The 'ken-ken' refers to the characteristic hopping motion on one foot that propels the thrower and opponent forward while the attacking leg sweeps.
Where does the Ken Ken Uchi Mata come from?
Ken ken uchi-mata evolved as a competitive adaptation when judoka discovered that continuing to hop forward on the support leg could overcome an opponent's defensive resistance to the initial uchi-mata entry. The technique became a signature of aggressive, forward-driving judo competition styles.
Is the Ken Ken Uchi Mata legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal throwing technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; UWW: legal — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman; Unified MMA: legal — Legal throwing technique; ADCC: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
Danger rating 5/10. High — inner thigh reaping action; knee ligament strain risk on defender
How do I set up the Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
The standard setup chain: Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) → Off-Balance (Kuzushi) → Entry (Tsukuri) → Execution (Kake).
How do I defend against the Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
Standard counters include: Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to execute / Lift the Targeted Leg — raise the foot being attacked above the sweeping action / Counter-Throw — exploit the attacker's committed weight to throw them instead / Grip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
Common variants: Forward sweep (sweeping the foot in the direction the opponent is stepping); Rear sweep (sweeping the foot backward as the opponent retreats); Combination sweep (chaining sweeps to both feet); Counter sweep (timing the sweep as the opponent initiates their own attack).
How effective is the Ken Ken Uchi Mata in competition?
The ken ken (hopping) version of uchi mata has been particularly associated with Japanese and Korean competitors at the World Championships and Olympics, where the aggressive forward-driving style creates strong scoring opportunities.
What are common mistakes when doing the Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
Top errors to watch for: Hopping without maintaining the sweeping leg in contact with the opponent's thigh — each hop must maintain the sweep … / Hopping backward away from the opponent instead of forward into them / Losing balance on the hopping leg — each hop must land on a stable, bent-knee support / Hopping too many times without the throw developing — three hops maximum before reassessing.
What are other names for the Ken Ken Uchi Mata?
The Ken Ken Uchi Mata is also known as Uchi Mata, Hopping Uchi Mata, One-Leg Hopping Inner Thigh, Ken Ken Uchi Mata.