Ai-Yotsu Grip Setup

The instructor demonstrates the same-side grip (ai-yotsu) by placing the right hand on the opponent's lapel and the left hand on the sleeve. A lower grip on the lapel provides greater room for manipulation and control. This configuration differs from the standard kumikata (cross-side grip) and serves as the foundation for multiple throwing techniques.

Footwork and Body Positioning

From the ai-yotsu grip, the thrower establishes solid footing with the right foot and uses sabaki (angular footwork) to rotate the opponent. The thrower pulls the opponent toward their power side while stepping around to reposition. This angular displacement sets up subsequent throwing entries.

The Steering Hand Concept

The right hand functions as the steering hand, with the elbow positioned on the centerline to direct the opponent's movement. This hand provides both directional control and power, allowing the thrower to manipulate the opponent's position without committing fully to the throw. The steering hand can also apply pressure to the opponent's chest to reinforce control.

O Goshi (Hip Throw) Entry

After rotating the opponent to the right side using the steering hand, the thrower executes o goshi by swinging the opponent into their hip with a knee drop variation. The circular footwork and body rotation set the opponent's weight onto the thrower's hip, allowing for a clean throw execution. This entry emphasizes the partial circular action rather than a complete rotation.

Tai Otoshi (Body Drop) Execution

Using the same grip and initial footwork, the thrower can transition to tai otoshi by popping the opponent to the side. The lower lapel grip provides room to extend the arm and block the opponent's hip effectively. The natural rotational movement sets the opponent up for a clean body drop throw.

Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw) Application

Uchi mata is executed from the ai-yotsu grip by swinging the opponent around and loading them with the steering hand. Many practitioners overlook uchi mata as an option from this same-side grip, assuming it requires the standard cross-side position. The throw is particularly effective for taller practitioners who have difficulty with seoi nage due to height differences.

O Goshi Curling Action

For the knee drop variation of o goshi (seoi nagi), the steering hand curls and tightens significantly as the thrower enters. The increased curl creates a rounder arc over the thrower's hip, enhancing power and control. This curling action is distinct from the more upright hand position used in tai otoshi and uchi mata entries from the same grip.

Hand Position Variations by Throw Type

Tai otoshi and uchi mata require an upright fist with the elbow caging the opponent, maintaining a set hand position for power. In contrast, o goshi (seoi nagi) demands a rounder, more circular arm action that passes under the opponent's center of gravity. These subtle grip and arm adjustments optimize each throw while maintaining the same initial ai-yotsu setup.

SAME SIDE GRIP ON SLEEVE & LAPEL USING A VARIETY OF THROWS

welcomematstevescott

Same-Side Grip — Ai-Yotsu

3 min read·8 key moments·PT14M17S video

Key Takeaways

•Ai-Yotsu Grip Setup
•Footwork and Body Positioning
•The Steering Hand Concept
•O Goshi (Hip Throw) Entry

This video shows how to use a same side sleeve & lapel grip combined with Taisabaki footwork pattern to apply a variety of throwing techniques. Go to www.amazon.com or www.ymaa.com to get Steve Scott's books THE JUDO ADVANTAGE, SAMBO ENCYCLOPEDIA and JUJI GATAME ENCYCLOPEDIA. Join the Steve Scott Training Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1094841137237608/ Donations are appreciated. To donate, use this link https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=85EKWV8KBFASS Our channel was started in 2010 as an extension of our program at Welcome Mat. Welcome Mat was founded in 1969 by Steve Scott in Kansas City, Missouri, USA and has produced thousands of successful students, athletes and coaches in a variety of grappling sports. View over a thousand videos on the subjects of judo, freestyle judo, Shingitai Jujitsu, sambo, submission grappling and sport jujitsu are on our YouTube channel. Browse through our playlists to see what we have on our channel. If a video is listed as "private" is it because that video is still in development or scheduled for later viewing. Comments are moderated. Please keep your comments on topic and think before posting them. Comments containing profanity, racial, religious or sexual slurs and comments that are insulting will not be permitted and those posting such comments will be blocked from the channel. Criticism is okay but trolling isn't. You can subscribe for free to our channel at http://youtube.com/user/welcomematstevescott. We strive to provide fundamentally sound and technically innovative skills and information on a variety of grappling sports. We appreciate your support! Please tell others about our channel. You can help support our channel by going to our online store and purchasing items. Go to http://www.WelcomeMatStore.com. We have a variety of books, shirts and other items for sale. Music for the Freestyle Judo show provided by YouTube Copyright Free Audio featuring "Fiend" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks and "All This Down Time" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks. Visit our club web site at http://www.WelcomeMatJudoClub.com. For information on the Judo Black Belt Association, go to http://www.judoblackbelt.com. Thank you for watching our video. Please tell others about our channel. Our videos are all original material and are copyrighted. Reproduction or showing these videos without the specific permission of Steve Scott is prohibited. #KumiKata #Taisabaki #welcomematstevescott

Related Techniques

Opposite-Side Grip — Kenka-Yotsu

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about same-side grip — ai-yotsu?

This video covers ai-yotsu grip setup, footwork and body positioning, the steering hand concept. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.

How long does it take to learn same-side grip — ai-yotsu?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.