Ippon Seoi Nage – One Arm Shoulder Throw

Ippon Seoi Nage, also known as the One Arm Shoulder Throw, is a classic and highly effective judo and jujitsu technique. This throw involves using one arm to lift and throw your opponent over your shoulder, utilising leverage and body mechanics to execute a powerful takedown. Ippon Seoi Nage is a versatile technique that can be used in both sport and self-defence situations. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to perform the Ippon Seoi Nage – One Arm Shoulder Throw:

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Establish a Grip:
• Lead Hand Grip: Start by gripping your opponent’s sleeve near the elbow with your lead hand (typically the right hand for right-handed throwers). This grip is crucial for controlling your opponent’s arm and setting up the throw.
• Control the Sleeve: Use your grip to pull your opponent’s arm slightly forward and towards you, disrupting their balance and preparing them for the throw.
2. Break Their Balance:
• Pull Them Forward: Use your lead hand to pull your opponent forward and off-balance, shifting their weight onto their toes. This movement is essential for making the throw easier to execute.
• Step In: As you pull, step forward with your lead foot, bringing it between your opponent’s feet. This step positions your body close to your opponent and sets up the throw.
3. Turn and Position:
• Turn Your Back: As you step in, turn your back towards your opponent, bringing your lead arm under their armpit. Your body should now be positioned in front of them, with your back tightly pressed against their chest.
• Lower Your Hips: Bend your knees and lower your hips to get underneath your opponent’s centre of gravity. Your hips should be positioned lower than your opponent’s hips, which allows you to lift them effectively.
4. Execute the Throw:
• Lift with Your Legs: Use your legs to drive upwards while pulling your opponent’s arm over your shoulder. This lifting motion helps to elevate your opponent off the ground.
• Rotate and Throw: As you lift, rotate your upper body and pull your opponent’s arm down and across your shoulder, using the momentum to throw them onto the mat. The throw should be smooth and controlled, with your opponent being flipped over your shoulder.
5. Follow Through:
• Maintain Control: After executing the throw, maintain your grip on your opponent’s arm to prevent them from escaping or countering. This control allows you to transition into a dominant ground position if necessary.
• Prepare for Ground Work: Depending on the situation, you can follow your opponent to the ground and transition into a submission or pin, or you can maintain a standing position to assess the next move.

Key Points for Ippon Seoi Nage – One Arm Shoulder Throw:

• Ensure a strong grip on your opponent’s sleeve to control their movement.
• Break their balance by pulling them forward and off their centre of gravity.
• Turn your back and position your body close to your opponent, with your hips lower than theirs.
• Use your legs to lift and rotate your opponent over your shoulder.
• Maintain control after the throw to secure a dominant position or follow up with ground techniques.

Ippon Seoi Nage is a fundamental and highly effective throw, especially in judo and jujitsu. Its reliance on leverage rather than brute strength makes it suitable for practitioners of all sizes, allowing them to take down larger opponents with precision and power. This throw is not only a staple in competition but also a valuable technique in self-defence scenarios.