Classical Harai Goshi Mechanics
The classical harai goshi begins with pulling the opponent off balance, followed by a hip sweep. The thrower elevates by positioning a bent knee underneath the opponent's hips to provide upward lift as the opponent's weight moves forward, then blocks the opponent's leg and sweeps the hip directly over.
Positioning and Entry
The thrower steps to the apex of the triangle formed between both players, pulls the opponent forward while leaning away from the technique, and backsteps to align themselves with the opponent's back hip rather than standing directly in front. This positioning allows the thrower to lift and sweep effectively while maintaining proper posture.
Harai Goshi Against Hip Defense
When an opponent drops their hips to defend against the classical lift, the thrower adjusts by positioning higher, blocking the opponent's calf onto the shin to lock out the knee, then rotates the opponent into the leg while throwing their entire body downward in a sweeping motion.
Tall Competitor Variation
Taller practitioners often employ a cross-body entry followed by swinging a long leg through to lock the opponent's knee, then wrapping and throwing harai goshi. This approach allows taller competitors to attack from a safer distance against shorter opponents.
Short Competitor Variation
Shorter practitioners lift the opponent onto the hip then rotate them over the leg, with the leg providing minimal power while the hips and body provide the primary driving force. The leg functions mainly as a guide and support rather than the primary source of throwing power.
Uchi Mata to Harai Goshi Combination
When an opponent steps out to the side to defend against uchi mata by throwing their hips away from the thrower's leg, the thrower anticipates this movement and immediately throws the leg across into harai goshi. This combination exploits the opponent's natural directional defense.
Complementary Technique Pairing
Uchi mata and harai goshi function as complementary techniques; if one technique is executed, the thrower should have knowledge of the other as a backup option. Taller practitioners generally favor harai goshi against shorter opponents, though shorter practitioners can employ it effectively if they anticipate and exploit the opponent's initial defense.
2 Types of Harai-Goshi
Key Takeaways
- •Classical Harai Goshi Mechanics
- •Positioning and Entry
- •Harai Goshi Against Hip Defense
- •Tall Competitor Variation
The first version is the classical version where you really bring your hips into play. The second version is when you can't get your hips in deep enough, and you do something akin to an ashi-guruma where you use your calf to lock uke's knee, in order to rotate him over. Support my dojo which has been hit hard by the pandemic. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-kokushi-budo Judo Basics https://judofanatics.com/products/judo-basics-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=7&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Basic Judo Leg grabs https://judofanatics.com/products/basic-judo-leg-grabs-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=19&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Mastering combinations https://judofanatics.com/products/mastering-judo-combination-concepts-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=20&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Mastering tomoe nage https://judofanatics.com/products/mastering-tomoe-nage-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=9&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Breaking through the stiff arm https://judofanatics.com/products/breaking-through-the-judo-stiff-arm-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=21&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Low risk Judo for BJJ https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/products/low-risk-judo-throws-for-bjj Demystifying Ashiwaza https://judofanatics.com/products/demystifying-ashi-waza-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=10&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r The complete White Belt curriculum https://www.thedojo.com/channel/6/courses Here is my blog www.ShintaroHigashi.com 💪Follow me on instagram💪 https://www.instagram.com/judoshintaronyc/ Podcast The Shintaro Higashi Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shintaro-higashi-show/id1540600589#episodeGuid=0db3d7bb-c8cd-462f-9f00-5a5508ddb9ba Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l3psqs8OIcWd3YTseCkGF?si=lycHMVy2TP-1V3mNKnU2Aw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8zZWUxNDFhOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MGRiM2Q3YmItYzhjZC00NjJmLTlmMDAtNWE1NTA4ZGRiOWJh?sa=X&ved=0CA0QkfYCahcKEwiwo8nrvbLtAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about harai goshi?
This video covers classical harai goshi mechanics, positioning and entry, harai goshi against hip defense. It provides detailed instruction from Shintaro Higashi.
How long does it take to learn harai goshi?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing harai goshi?
When an opponent steps out to the side to defend against uchi mata by throwing their hips away from the thrower's leg, the thrower anticipates this movement and immediately throws the leg across into harai goshi. This combination exploits the opponent's natural directional defense.
