Setup and Base Positioning
The defender prepares to receive an uchi mata attack by establishing a strong base with the hips lowered and belly pushed forward, without moving the entire body forward. The key principle is maintaining hip weight rather than following the attacker's head movement, which would lighten the hips and compromise the defensive position.
Head Position and Hip Weight Principle
The instructor emphasizes that lowering the head during defense causes the hips to become lighter, making them vulnerable to hip throws. For any hip-based throwing technique, the primary defensive mechanism relies on maintaining a strong hara (belly) and heavy hips throughout the counter.
Hand Placement and Leverage
As the attacker commits to the throw, the defender places both hands between the opponent's legs, gripping the inner thighs to create upward leverage. This hand position works in conjunction with the belly pressure to lift the attacker's feet off the mat.
Collar Control and Steering Mechanism
Once the attacker's feet leave the ground, the defender's free hand grabs the collar and executes a steering wheel motion to control the direction of the throw. The upward leverage from the legs combined with the downward collar control causes the attacker to rotate and fall.
Three-Point Leverage System
The counter employs three simultaneous leverages: two upward forces (belly and arm between legs) and one downward force (collar control). This creates a balanced mechanical advantage that forces the attacker to spin along their own axis regardless of their weight.
Quick Belly Counter
Against faster attackers, the defender can block the throw immediately using only strong belly pressure, without requiring the full counter sequence if timing is precise.
Application Against Heavier Opponents
When facing significantly heavier attackers, the same mechanical principles apply, but the defender adds a circular leg sweep using the opposite leg to generate additional upward momentum. The defender grabs between the legs and circles the free leg upward while maintaining belly pressure to execute the counter-throw.
Adaptability and Practice Considerations
The fundamental principle of the counter remains consistent across all body types and weights. Practitioners should account for size differences when applying the technique and work with partners to develop proper timing and leverage application.
UCHI MATA COUNTER | TE GURUMA - 手車
Key Takeaways
- •Setup and Base Positioning
- •Head Position and Hip Weight Principle
- •Hand Placement and Leverage
- •Collar Control and Steering Mechanism
Hi guys, I hope you are going well so far, today I will be teaching a very powerful UCHI MATA counter known as TE GURUMA (Hand Wheel). Don’t forget to follow me on my social media for more content like this. I run a non-for-profit organization that empowers the young generation in Brazil through JUDO and JIU-JITSU. You can be a part of the solution by sponsoring the Além da Luta (Beyong the Fight) Social project or one of our athletes directly. We can receive donation on the institute address: Madre Maria Vilac Street 201 – Bela Vista – Paulínia – São Paulo ZIP CODE: 13145-008 We can receive DONATION through PAYPAL or WESTERN UNION. [email protected] DO YOU WANNA LEARN JIU-JITSU? Conheça os FUNDAMENTOS TÉCNICOS do Jiu-Jitsu e APRENDA com eficiência PASSO A PASSO os ajustes precisos, pra que VOCÊ desenvolva nas suas técnicas de defesa, contenção, imobilização e ataque, com o máximo de ACERTO. WATCH A FULL CLASS FOR FREE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x4Qb9Oy9MI JIU-JITSU FOR BEGINNERS: https://hotm.art/cursodejiujitsufeubjjfaixabrancainiciante + INSTRUCTIONALS https://www.feubjj.com.br JUDO https://hotm.art/CursodeJudoIniciantes-FeuBjj-OfertadaLIVE WOMEN SELF-DEFENSE https://hotm.art/CursoFeuBjjDefesaFeminina-OfertadaLIVE WATCH ONLINE MECAEL GALVÃO’S SEMINAR AT FEU BJJ HQ https://www.feubjj.com.br/product-page/assista-on-line-semin%C3%A1rio-micael-galv%C3%A3o-no-feu-bjj KIMURA - Curso FEU BJJ https://www.feubjj.com.br/product-page/kimura-curso-feu-bjj LACED GUARD - Curso FEU BJJ https://www.feubjj.com.br/product-page/guarda-la%C3%A7ada-curso-feu-bjj SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.youtube.com/feubjj https://www.instagram.com/feubjj https://www.facebook.com/feubjj www.feubjj.com.br CONTACT +55 19 98331-3562 EQUIPE FEU BJJ #feubjj #jiulife #vouk #jiuchips #bjj #jiujitsu #jiu-jitsu #judo #karate #mma #ufc #defesapessoal
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about uchi mata counter?
This video covers setup and base positioning, head position and hip weight principle, hand placement and leverage. It provides detailed instruction from Escolas FEU BJJ “Contato FEU BJJ” Academia.
How long does it take to learn uchi mata counter?
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 uchi mata counter?
When facing significantly heavier attackers, the same mechanical principles apply, but the defender adds a circular leg sweep using the opposite leg to generate additional upward momentum. The defender grabs between the legs and circles the free leg upward while maintaining belly pressure to execute the counter-throw.




