How to Improve Your Judo Throws: Kuzushi, Tsukuri & Kake

Understanding the Three Phases

Every judo throw consists of three connected phases. First is Kuzushi, or breaking balance. Second is Tsukuri, the entry and positioning. Third is Kake, the execution of the throw itself.

Mastery of each phase is essential for powerful, consistent throws. Skip any phase and your technique will fail.

Kuzushi: The Foundation

Without breaking your opponent's balance, no throw will work efficiently. Kuzushi is the most overlooked aspect of judo, yet it determines success or failure.

Types of Kuzushi

Happo no Kuzushi teaches the eight directions of breaking balance. Push, pull, and circular movements each serve different throws. The highest level involves using their movement against them rather than creating kuzushi from scratch.

Kuzushi Drills

Practice uchikomi repetitions focusing only on the pull before adding the throw. Partner resistance drills build the strength to break balance against resisting opponents. Moving kuzushi in all eight directions develops versatility.

Tsukuri: Perfect Positioning

Your body position determines whether the throw succeeds or fails. Even with perfect kuzushi, poor tsukuri makes finishing impossible.

Key Positioning Points

Proper foot placement creates the base for your throw. Hip positioning relative to opponent determines the leverage available. Maintaining kuzushi during entry prevents them from recovering balance. Speed of entry catches them before they can adjust.

Entry Training

Static uchikomi develops correct positioning. Moving uchikomi adds timing to your entries. Slow-motion practice builds awareness of every detail.

Kake: Explosive Execution

The throw itself must be committed and powerful. Half-hearted execution fails even with perfect setup.

Execution Principles

Full hip rotation generates maximum power. Proper leg action, whether sweeping, reaping, or lifting, completes the technique. Following through completely ensures the throw finishes. Maintaining control allows you to land in dominant position.

Throw-Specific Training

Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw)

Focus on getting completely under their center of gravity. Drive upward with your legs as if standing up with them on your back. Pull strongly with your sleeve grip to load them onto your shoulder.

Osoto Gari (Major Outer Reap)

Kuzushi must break their weight backward before you attack. Step deep beside their leg to establish proper position. Sweep through with power and commitment, following through completely.

Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw)

Circular kuzushi is essential for this throw. Entry timing must coordinate with their step. Lift and rotate in one explosive motion.

Randori Practice Tips

Don't force throws. Feel for opportunities and take what your opponent gives you. Use movement to create kuzushi rather than static pulling. Practice your tokui waza, or favorite techniques, until they become instinctive.

AI-Powered Throw Analysis

mmaGPT can analyze your judo throwing technique from video, examining timing of kuzushi, entry positioning, execution efficiency, and balance during throws.

Upload your uchikomi or randori sessions for detailed feedback.

Related Resources: Train your judo throwing technique with AI analysis or explore video feedback for grapplers.