Uchi-mata

Ashi-waza (Foot Techniques)

Uchi-mata (Inner thigh throw)

Tori and Uke step forward each other to a distance of about 60cm (Photo 1).

Movement 1: While stepping forward with his right foot, Uke attempts to grasp Tori in Migi-shizen-tai . Tori also grasp Uke in Migi-shizen-tai while stepping forward with his right foot (Photo 2). Tori moves his left foot diagonally forward to his left (Photo 3) and pulls Uke diagonally to his right behind him while using his right hand effectively with a large action. Responding to Tori , Uke moves around as drawing an arc with his left foot first and then right foot (Photo 4).

Movement 2: When Tori moves as the same manner as Movement 1, Uke responds to Tori ’s pull and moves around as drawing an arc with his left foot first and then right foot so as to try to protect his stability.

Movement 3: Tori steps forward again with his left foot while largely pulling Uke to his diagonally to his right behind him (Photos 5, 6), pulls Uke to break the balance forward using both of his hands effectively and inserts his right leg between both of Uke ’s legs while lowering his body at the moment the weight is about shifted to Uke ’s his left foot being advanced (Photos 7, 8- ①② ). Tori throws Uke by sweeping up with the back of his right thigh in contact with the inner side of Uke ’s left thigh (Photos 9, 10, 11).

Tori stands on the right side toward Shomen and Uke rises to stand on the left side toward Shomen facing Tori in the proper distance. Then, both Tori and Uke grasp in Hidari-shizen-tai to perform left “Uchi-mata ” in the same manner as before.

When left “Uchi-mata ” is finished, both return to their initial positions, turn around their bodies to move forward each other quietly and begin Masutemi-waza.

Kodokan Nage-no-Kata Textbook