Introduction to Ura Nage

Ura nage, also known as a rear throw, is presented as a fundamental judo technique with both defensive counter and offensive applications. The instructors demonstrate this throw as a foundational technique suitable for beginning students.

Defensive Counter Application

When an opponent attacks with an aggressive entry, the defender executes ura nage by immediately lowering their level so their hips are lower than the attacker's hips. The defender catches the opponent during the initial approach rather than after full commitment, positioning themselves sideways to create optimal mechanical advantage.

Grip Structure and Body Positioning

The throwing technique employs a high-and-low grip system: the high grip secures the opponent's shoulder or lapel with one hand, while the low grip wraps tightly around the waist at the hips. The thrower maintains chest-to-chest contact and keeps turning into the opponent throughout execution, rather than simply falling backward.

Head Position as Control Tool

The thrower's head placement against the opponent's shoulder and upper pectoral area functions as a controlling element, similar to an additional limb. This head position helps steer and control the opponent's body trajectory during the lift and rotation phase of the throw.

Offensive Aggressive Application

As an aggressive offensive technique, the thrower shoots in directly from a standing position while maintaining the high grip on the lapel. The thrower then secures the low grip around the waist and executes the same lifting and rotational mechanics as the counter version.

Mechanical Distinction from Suplex Clutch

While ura nage shares some mechanical similarities with the suplex clutch, the techniques differ fundamentally in execution. Ura nage relies more heavily on leg drive and rotation upward before the back arch, with the throw completion occurring at the apex of the turn rather than at maximum back extension.

URA NAGE AS A BASIC THROWING TECHNIQUE

welcomematstevescott
2 min read·6 key moments·PT7M8S video

Key Takeaways

  • Introduction to Ura Nage
  • Defensive Counter Application
  • Grip Structure and Body Positioning
  • Head Position as Control Tool

Ura Nage (Rear Throw) is a fundamentally important throwing technique and we teach it to our students at Welcome Mat early in their careers and one of the basic throws. Ura Nage is an effective throw, both as a counter attack defensively and as an offensive throwing technique. In this video, we show how we teach novices Ura Nage. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about ura nage?

This video covers introduction to ura nage, defensive counter application, grip structure and body positioning. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.

How long does it take to learn ura nage?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing ura nage?

As an aggressive offensive technique, the thrower shoots in directly from a standing position while maintaining the high grip on the lapel. The thrower then secures the low grip around the waist and executes the same lifting and rotational mechanics as the counter version.