[T8.05] Uki-goshi: (Floating Hip Throw) [4^th kyu]

Translation: (Uki) floating, (goshi) hip

This is an AOKK root throw. It has a weakness. It is never good to surrender your back to complete the technique, so it must be practiced until it happens without conscience thought.

Technical Information:

Traditional throwing method: Break the attacker’s balance forwards and to their right front corner while wrapping your arm around the attacker’s waist. Pull them onto your hip. Quickly, twist your shoulders to take the attacker’s core out of alignment and throw the attacker in front of your feet. 

Karate throwing method:  Trap the attacker’s right hand with your left hand. Strike the adversary with your right palm or elbow. Under-hook the attacker’s left armpit or wrap your hand around the attacker’s back and grasp their obi (belt). Pull the attacker forwards with your right hand while striking the adversary with your hip to take his core out of alignment.  Pull the attacker onto your hip while rotating your shoulders and throw the attacker forwards. 

Note: There is only a slight difference between Uki goshi and O-goshi. O-goshi uses the legs to lift the adversary while Uki-goshi does not. It uses your hip a fulcrum. You can still wrap your arm around the opponent’s back and grasp his/her obi (belt) and pull them over the hip. In the AOKK version it is preferable to pull them across the small of the back or the hip. If your hip placement is too much to one side, the adversary can simply slide off the hip and counter the throw.  The legs in this throw can be wider apart than in O-goshi. Some schools would have you break uke’s balance forward to his/her right while lifting the obi to make the throw.  In the AOKK we suggest pulling to the opponent’s forward right corner while driving your shoulder into the opponent to force them to turn their shoulders with arm and shoulder that slips around to make the throw. A head-butt can also be applied, as you reach around, to make the opponent more pliable. 

AOKK Category:

• Hip Throws

Opening Technique:

It is always good to strike the opponent even in the clinch. It keeps them honest. This throw is applicable while in close quarters range-two where you’re struggling with an opening, and it can be the second step after establishing the over/under hook grip.

The attack may come from a circular punch or a clinch. If it is a punch, stop the blow with a middle forearm block and trap the limb. The attack will normally come from the attacker’s power side or for most their right hand. Break the attacker’s balance forward to their right corner. Strike them with a head-butt and drive your shoulder under their armpit. Lift and twist the attacker’s shoulders to make the throw.

Note: I have seen this used in competition with good results. Unfortunately, in a life preservation situation watch out for an adversary countering with a choke.

Execution:

• Pull uke forwards and insert your right arm under his/her armpit and around and between their shoulder and waist.
• Grasp uke’s wrist or sleeve with the other.
• Turn 180° and drive your right leg between uke’s legs.
• Pull uke up on your hip and throw him/her across your hip as you complete the rotation.
• If you follow him/her to the ground, drop your body weight on the opponent (makikomi).

Note: A clinch is not a long-term solution to an altercation. It is only a transitional position not unlike a joint lock. Use it to set-up something else.

Warning: Never go to the ground if there are multiple opponents.

Note: Follow this technique with an arm-bar, mount above the hips, or simply walk away. If you choose the mount, follow immediately with open hand strikes, closed hand strikes, and elbow strikes. In sport you may choose to apply a choke or lock the opponent to gain a submission.