Shoulder Control as Primary Defense
The fundamental principle of this technique relies on controlling the opponent's shoulder, which prevents escape even if the opponent attempts to cut away or block. By maintaining this grip, the instructor simultaneously controls the opponent's hip and isolates their entire side of the body.
Positioning Against an Opponent's Expectation
The harai makikomi succeeds because opponents do not anticipate this throw when the instructor has established initial shoulder control. Whether the opponent believes they are dominating the grip or attempting a counter from the opposite direction, the shoulder control neutralizes these defensive strategies.
Setup for Bent-Over Postures
This technique is particularly effective when the opponent is in a bent-forward position, common in Sambo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or general forward-leaning stances. The instructor can execute the technique from these bent postures by sliding the grip around the deltoid rather than attempting dramatic overhead movements.
Grip Placement and Armpit Positioning
The instructor slides the arm over the opponent's shoulder and catches the belt when possible, securing the opponent's shoulder into the instructor's armpit. Once the opponent's shoulder is locked in the armpit, the timing for the throwing motion is established.
Minimal Hip Rotation Execution
Rather than large turning movements or hooks, the instructor rotates the hips minimally while executing the harai makikomi sweep. This rotation combined with the established shoulder and hip control creates a high-percentage throw with efficient mechanics.
Defensive Resistance and Control Persistence
Even when the opponent attempts defensive movements such as hit blocks or attempts to cut away, the shoulder lock prevents successful escape. The instructor maintains control by rolling forward and continuing the throwing motion, keeping the opponent's momentum directed downward.
The Sweeping Mechanics
The actual throw combines the harai goshi sweeping motion with the established grip structure. The instructor points the toe and sweeps the opponent's leg, completing the throw using the momentum established through shoulder and hip control.
The Monster Grip Variation
The near-side grip used in this technique is commonly called the 'monster grip' because of its aggressive, controlling nature. The instructor grips high on the back, near the shoulder blade, which provides superior control compared to gripping lower on the back.
HARAI MAKIKOMI Starting With Shoulder Control
Key Takeaways
- •Shoulder Control as Primary Defense
- •Positioning Against an Opponent's Expectation
- •Setup for Bent-Over Postures
- •Grip Placement and Armpit Positioning
Controlling an opponent's shoulders is important and in this video, we examine using shoulder control to set an opponent up for Harai Makikomi (Sweeping Winding Throw). Go to www.amazon.com or www.ymaa.com to get Steve Scott's books THE JUDO ADVANTAGE and JUJI GATAME ENCYCLOPEDIA. 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. 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. 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. #haraimakikomi #sotomakikomi #haraigoshi
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard harai makikomi?
This video covers shoulder control as primary defense, positioning against an opponent's expectation, setup for bent-over postures. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.
How long does it take to learn standard harai makikomi?
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.
What are the key details for finishing standard harai makikomi?
The actual throw combines the harai goshi sweeping motion with the established grip structure. The instructor points the toe and sweeps the opponent's leg, completing the throw using the momentum established through shoulder and hip control.
