Utsuri Goshi

SubFamily

移腰(Utsuri Goshi)

Traditional

Translation: changing hip

Overview

Utsuri Goshi is a judo hip technique where the attacker counters an opponent's hip throw attempt by lifting them and switching hips to throw them in the opposite direction. ^[1] When the opponent attempts a hip throw, the attacker blocks the attempt, lifts the opponent's body, and shifts their hips to execute a throw in the reverse direction. ^[1] It is one of the most advanced counter-throws in judo, requiring exceptional timing and strength. ^[1]

Also known as

Utsuri-GoshiJPChanging Hip ThrowUtsurigoshiHip Transfer Throw

Used in

Judo Jujutsu BJJ Sambo

History & Origin

Classified in the Kodokan Judo syllabus. ^[1]

Effectiveness

One of the most spectacular and demoralizing counter-throws in judo. ^[1] Turning an opponent's attack against them from height is both effective and psychologically devastating. Requires exceptional strength and timing but is a legitimate competition technique. ^[1]

Lineage

Kodokan judo lineage: Jigoro Kano (1860–1938) systematized this technique as part of the Kodokan judo curriculum. Transmitted through the Kodokan instructor system to judo federations worldwide. Adopted into BJJ through Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → the Gracie family lineage. ^[1]

Competition Record

Recognized Kodokan judo technique but rarely seen in modern IJF competition due to rule changes favoring forward-throwing techniques. Occasionally appears in kata demonstrations and regional tournaments. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Counter an opponent's hip throw by lifting them and switching hips to throw in the opposite direction

Joints Involved — Full body lift (hips, back, legs), hip switch (rotation reversal), arms (grip control throughout)

Force Vector — Initially upward (lift), then rotational (hip switch), finally downward (throw)

Impact — Opponent thrown from height after being lifted

Position & Entry

Against Harai Goshi — Block the hip attempt, wrap the waist, lift, switch hips, throw

Against O Goshi — Absorb the hip entry, lift the attacker, rotate and throw

Variants

High lift Utsuri Goshi — lifting the opponent completely off the ground

Low Utsuri Goshi — minimal lift with more hip switch

Counter to counter — using Utsuri Goshi against an Utsuri Goshi attempt

Videos

The Judo Way of Life

O-Soto-Gari vs Utsuri-Goshi || Is This The Best Throw To Use Against Taller Fighters?

Utsuri Goshi·The Judo Way of Life

What is the best throw to do on "taller" fighters? And by that same token, what is the best throw to do on "shorter" ad…

1 video

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Very High7/10

The opponent is lifted and thrown from height.

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Advanced

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

IJF Judo— Kodokan classified technique

IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025PDF

IBJJF

IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF

Unified MMA

Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF

FIAS Sambo

FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

Training Notes

✓You must BLOCK the initial throw attempt before lifting — if you're already being thrown, it's too late

✓The lift requires legs and hips, not just arms — squat under and drive upward

✓The hip switch must be explosive — slow switches allow the opponent to recover

✓This is an advanced counter that requires exceptional timing and strength

Common Mistakes

!Attempting the lift too late — after the opponent's throw is already in motion

!Using only arm strength to lift — must use legs and hips

!Not switching hips decisively — half-switches leave both fighters off balance

!Losing grip during the lift — the opponent escapes

Related Techniques

Ushiro Goshi — rear hip throw (similar lift but without the counter element)Ura Nage — rear sacrifice throw (alternative counter to hip throws)Sukui Nage — scooping throw (different counter mechanism)

Counter Techniques

Let go and drop when being lifted — remove the weight Hook the attacker's leg — prevent the hip switch Widen stance — make lifting more difficult

Setup Chain

1Opponent attempts Harai Goshi → block and lift → switch hips → throw

2Opponent attempts O Goshi → absorb → Utsuri Goshi

3Bait a hip throw by showing weak defense → counter with Utsuri Goshi

Sources & References

Primary Source

Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.

1BookKano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.

[1] Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.

2SyllabusKodokan Judo — Official Katame-waza Classification

Official Kodokan ground technique classification system

3SyllabusKodokan Judo Institute — Official Waza Names

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)

5CitationKano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.

[1] Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.

Community

Athletics

Requires

exceptional lower body and back strength for the lift, explosive hip rotation, timing

Key muscles

quadriceps, gluteus maximus, erector spinae (lift), core obliques (hip switch)

Notes

Utsuri goshi (changing hip throw) is a counter-throw — the defender blocks an incoming hip throw and converts it by lifting and switching to their own hip throw. One of the most advanced koshi-waza, requiring perfect timing. (Kano, Kodokan Judo)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use grip control to set up Utsuri Goshi?

Start by taking the lapel grip, which invites your opponent to grab your sleeve. Once they commit to the sleeve grip, that's when you make your attack. The Judo Way of Life emphasizes that controlling when your opponent takes the grip gives you the timing to execute the throw.

What's the key to breaking my opponent's balance in Utsuri Goshi?

After stepping in with your leg, focus on breaking your partner's posture by pulling down on their head and arms, then shift their weight onto one leg before sweeping. The Judo Way of Life stresses that once the legs are positioned correctly, the upper body control—pulling with the thumb down and driving weight onto the target leg—is equally important.

Can shorter fighters use Utsuri Goshi effectively?

Yes, shorter fighters can execute the throw by working from the lapel grip and pushing the head over while creating the same weight-shifting position on the target leg. The Judo Way of Life notes that height isn't a limiting factor—experimentation and adjusting your entry point are what matter.

What should I focus on when I can't get my hand in for the standard grip?

If you're getting crushed close and can't get your hand in position, take a deep grip around the back of the neck and rely on lifting from the hip. The Judo Way of Life explains that the key to this variation is getting maximum height on the initial lift, which makes the rest of the throw easier.

How does the Utsuri Goshi work?

Utsuri Goshi is a judo hip technique where the attacker counters an opponent's hip throw attempt by lifting them and switching hips to throw them in the opposite direction. When the opponent attempts a hip throw, the attacker blocks the attempt, lifts the opponent's body, and shifts their hips to execute a throw in the reverse direction.

Where does the Utsuri Goshi come from?

Classified in the Kodokan Judo syllabus.

Is the Utsuri Goshi legal in competition?

IJF Judo: Legal: legal — Kodokan classified technique; IBJJF: Legal {src:IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024|/sources/IBJJF: legal — Rules-v6.0-June-2024.pdf}; Unified MMA: Legal {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: legal — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}; FIAS Sambo: Legal {src:FIAS International Sambo Competition Rules|/sources/FIAS: legal — Sambo-Rules.pdf}

How dangerous is the Utsuri Goshi?

Danger rating 7/10. High — the opponent is lifted and thrown from height.

How do I set up the Utsuri Goshi?

The standard setup chain: Opponent attempts Harai Goshi → block and lift → switch hips → throw → Opponent attempts O Goshi → absorb → Utsuri Goshi → Bait a hip throw by showing weak defense → counter with Utsuri Goshi.

How do I defend against the Utsuri Goshi?

Standard counters include: Let go and drop when being lifted — remove the weight / Hook the attacker's leg — prevent the hip switch / Widen stance — make lifting more difficult.

What are the variants of the Utsuri Goshi?

Common variants: High lift Utsuri Goshi (lifting the opponent completely off the ground); Low Utsuri Goshi (minimal lift with more hip switch); Counter to counter (using Utsuri Goshi against an Utsuri Goshi attempt).

How effective is the Utsuri Goshi in competition?

What are common mistakes when doing the Utsuri Goshi?

Top errors to watch for: Attempting the lift too late — after the opponent's throw is already in motion / Using only arm strength to lift — must use legs and hips / Not switching hips decisively — half-switches leave both fighters off balance / Losing grip during the lift — the opponent escapes.

What are other names for the Utsuri Goshi?

The Utsuri Goshi is also known as Utsuri Goshi, Utsuri-Goshi, Changing Hip Throw, Utsurigoshi, Hip Transfer Throw.

utsuri goshi judo hip wheel