Sambo for Plus-Sized Guys: Sacrifice!
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Rolling Sacrifice·Cummings Combat Sambo
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Rolling Sacrifice
Family巻込技(Makikomi-waza)
TraditionalTranslation: wrapping/rolling technique
Overview
Rolling Sacrifice, or Makikomi Waza, is the family of sacrifice throws in which tori wraps their body around uke and rolls through the throw, using rotational momentum and body-weight entanglement to bring uke to the ground. [1],[2] Unlike rear or side sacrifice throws where tori falls in a relatively straight line, makikomi throws involve a distinctive wrapping or winding action — tori's arm and body coil around uke, binding them together so that tori's falling body weight directly drags uke down. [2],[3] This family includes harai makikomi, soto makikomi, and uchi makikomi, each applying the winding principle to a different base throw. [3],[4] Makikomi throws are prized in competition for their ability to generate enormous power and for the difficulty opponents face in escaping once the roll has been initiated. [4]
History & Origin
Makikomi techniques developed within Kodokan judo as variations of standing throws that incorporated the sacrifice element of wrapping and rolling. [1] The category gained prominence in mid-20th-century international competition, where physically strong judoka found that adding the makikomi roll to techniques such as harai goshi dramatically increased finishing rates. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Rolling sacrifice techniques include makikomi (winding) throws in the Kodokan judo syllabus. [1]
Competition Record
Makikomi techniques are common in IJF competition, particularly in heavier weight classes. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Pulling and lifting with the arms to load the opponent over the shoulder or upper back
Joints Involved — Attacker's shoulders (loading point), elbows (pulling action), hips (turning under the opponent)
Force Vector — Forward and downward rotation — the pulling arm creates circular momentum while the body turns underneath
Kuzushi (Off-balancing) — Forward — breaking the opponent's balance forward over their toes allows the turning entry
Position & Entry
From judo grip — Break opponent's balance in the intended direction, place foot on their hip or thigh, fall backward while pulling them over
From clinch — During a grip exchange, sacrifice balance by falling deliberately while using body weight to project the opponent
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
6
High6/10
Rolling sacrifice adds rotational momentum; uncontrolled landing risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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
✓Rolling sacrifice throws (makikomi) involve rolling into uke while wrapping them with your body — you sacrifice your position by rolling together (Kashiwazaki, Fighting Judo, 1992)
✓The throwing arm wraps over uke's arm or shoulder, trapping it against your body — this 'wrapping' (maki) is the defining element
✓Your entire body weight rolls into and over uke — these are among the most powerful throws in judo by force output
✓Makikomi throws are effective when standard throws are blocked — add the roll to overwhelm uke's defence
✓Keep your body tight against uke throughout the roll — any gap reduces the wrapping effect
✓These throws demand excellent ukemi from uke — they experience a full body-weight impact
✓In competition, makikomi variants are favoured by heavier fighters who can use their mass in the roll
Common Mistakes
!Rolling without wrapping uke's arm — the arm trap is what prevents escape
!Creating space between your body and uke's during the roll — stay tight
!Falling onto uke instead of rolling over them — the motion must be a continuous roll, not a drop
!Not controlling the direction of the roll — landing on uke's head or neck is dangerous
!Using makikomi without a setup — these throws need a conventional throw attempt first that uke blocks
!Releasing the wrap too early — maintain it through the entire roll
!Not tucking the chin during the roll — exposed head can hit the mat
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
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
5Fall (Sutemi) — commit body weight to the ground to generate throwing force
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
commitment, timing, body weight manipulation, falling skill
Favours
heavier build (body weight drives the throw), good ukemi
Key muscles
core rotators, hip flexors, abdominals
Sub-techniques
Harai Makikomi
SubFamilyHarai Makikomi is a rolling sacrifice variation of harai goshi (sweeping hip throw) in which tori executes the sweeping hip action but continues to roll through, wrapping uke tightly and using tori's entire body weight to drive the throw to completion. [1,2] The winding motion of tori's arm traps uke's upper body, and the combined sweeping leg action with the rolling momentum produces a devastating, high-amplitude throw. [2,3] Harai makikomi is classified as a yoko sutemi waza in some references due to the lateral rolling finish. [3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Soto Makikomi
SubFamilySoto Makikomi is an outer winding throw in which tori wraps their arm over and around uke's arm and upper body from the outside, then drops and rolls laterally to bring uke crashing to the mat. [1,2] The 'soto' (outer) designation indicates that the wrapping action occurs from the outside of uke's body, distinguishing it from uchi makikomi. [2,3] Soto makikomi is highly effective from an over-the-shoulder grip and is often used in competition when tori has achieved a dominant gripping position on one side. [3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Uchi Makikomi
SubFamilyUchi Makikomi is an inner winding throw in which tori wraps their arm around uke's body from the inside — threading the arm under uke's armpit — and then drops into a rolling sacrifice to bring uke to the ground. [1,2] The 'uchi' (inner) label distinguishes it from soto makikomi, with the wrapping action occurring on the inside of uke's body rather than over the top. [2,3] Uchi makikomi is particularly effective when tori has an underhook position and can generate significant rotational force. [3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
Rolling sacrifice throws use a forward roll to generate throwing momentum — the attacker rolls forward under the opponent and launches them. Highly dynamic and difficult to defend but also difficult to control. Used in judo and Sambo competition. (Kano, Kodokan Judo)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I focus on when executing a rolling sacrifice to avoid getting stripped out?
Stay tight to your opponent and maintain your dominant position throughout the technique—don't let them create space to escape.
How does the Rolling Sacrifice work?
Rolling Sacrifice, or Makikomi Waza, is the family of sacrifice throws in which tori wraps their body around uke and rolls through the throw, using rotational momentum and body-weight entanglement to bring uke to the ground. Unlike rear or side sacrifice throws where tori falls in a relatively straight line, makikomi throws involve a distinctive wrapping or winding action — tori's arm and body coil around uke, binding them together so that tori's falling body weight directly drags uke down.
Where does the Rolling Sacrifice come from?
Makikomi techniques developed within Kodokan judo as variations of standing throws that incorporated the sacrifice element of wrapping and rolling. The category gained prominence in mid-20th-century international competition, where physically strong judoka found that adding the makikomi roll to techniques such as harai goshi dramatically increased finishing rates.
Is the Rolling Sacrifice 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 Rolling Sacrifice?
Danger rating 6/10. High — rolling sacrifice adds rotational momentum; uncontrolled landing risk
How do I set up the Rolling Sacrifice?
The standard setup chain: Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) → Off-Balance (Kuzushi) → Entry (Tsukuri) → Execution (Kake) → Fall (Sutemi).
How do I defend against the Rolling Sacrifice?
Standard counters include: Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to execute / Grip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configuration / Stiff-Arm — maintain distance with straight arms to prevent the entry.
What are the variants of the Rolling Sacrifice?
Common variants: Rear sacrifice (falling backward while pulling the opponent over); Side sacrifice (falling to the side to project the opponent laterally); Rolling sacrifice (combining a roll with the sacrifice throw for rotation); Counter sacrifice (using the opponent's forward pressure as the driving force).
How effective is the Rolling Sacrifice in competition?
Makikomi techniques are common in IJF competition, particularly in heavier weight classes.
What are common mistakes when doing the Rolling Sacrifice?
Top errors to watch for: Rolling without wrapping uke's arm — the arm trap is what prevents escape / Creating space between your body and uke's during the roll — stay tight / Falling onto uke instead of rolling over them — the motion must be a continuous roll, not a drop / Not controlling the direction of the roll — landing on uke's head or neck is dangerous.
What are other names for the Rolling Sacrifice?
The Rolling Sacrifice is also known as Makikomi-waza, Makikomi throws, Winding throws, Wrapping sacrifice throws.