Yoko Wakare – Side Separation

Yoko wakare is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the fifth group, Gokyo, of the traditional throwing list, Gokyo, of Kodokan Judo. It is also part of the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo. It is classified as a side sacrifice technique, Yoko-sutemi.

Yoko Wakare – Side Separation Demo

Yoko Wakare KUZUSHI

From a right natural posture (migi shizentai), draw Uke out to his front. While breaking his balance to ma mae advance your left foot outside and past his right foot. This action, has Tori commit one of Judo’s major faux pas, of crossing the legs. Yet by doing so, Tori is able to generate added momentum in order to execute the technique.

TSUKURI

Simultaneously drop to the mat on your left side directly beneath and in front of Uke. Maintain a strong pull downwards with both hands all the while, and extend your right leg and body fully across the front of Uke’s body. Since Uke’s weight is now centered on his toes and he is unable to step forward to regain his balance because your outstretched body, he continues to tilt forward revolving over your waist. Whereas, in Uki Waza he floats over your outstretched left leg, in yoko wakare Uke is blocked by your right waist.

Special Note: This technique is often used as a counter-throw to Uki Goshi, O Goshi or Seoi Nage, by stepping quickly around in front of your opponent as he attempts his throw, and you use his forward tsurikomi as an advantage to your own technique.

KAKE

Guided by your tsurikomi, Uke falls onto his back at approximately right angles to you after performing a forward rolling fall over your right hip.