Uki-Goshi Meaning in Judo

Uki-Goshi is a floating hip throw performed with a shallow hip entry. The attacker wraps one arm around the waist of the defender firmly. The hips rotate slightly to the side to create a pivot point. A sudden twist of the body tosses the opponent onto the mat. One game example involves a player throwing an opponent for a score. This move requires less lifting than a standard major hip throw. Success depends on the speed of the rotation and the close contact. The defender falls in a narrow arc around the hip of the player. Strategy involves catching the opponent when they are moving toward the side. This technique is an excellent example of using the waist for leverage.