ipponpath

Judo technique

Ippon-seoi-nage

Learn the basics of Ippon-seoi-nage and its arm position.

Start lessonLesson overview
Illustration of Ippon-seoi-nage, a one-arm shoulder throw
Technique image: In Ippon-seoi-nage, tori controls one arm, turns in under uke's upper body, and keeps the arm connected through the throw.

Meaning

One-arm shoulder throw

Pronunciation

ee-pohn seh-oh-ee nah-geh

Understand the technique

is a one-arm shoulder throw. keeps one of arms connected, turns fully underneath the upper body, and directs uke over the back and shoulder line. The throw relies on entry and rotation, not on lifting with the lower back.

How it works

Keep the arm connected

Use the controlled arm to create forward and draw uke into the entry. The arm should stay guided and mobile through the turn, not be painfully trapped or pulled straight down.

Turn underneath with posture

Bend the knees, turn until the back is close beneath uke's upper body, and keep the chest from collapsing forward. Continue the rotation and leg drive so uke travels over the shoulder line in a clear forward arc.

Common mistakes

Pulling the arm without entering

Arm strength alone neither brings uke onto the shoulder line nor keeps the arm comfortable. Take balance first, turn fully underneath, and let the arm connection follow the body rotation.

Bending forward to lift

If tori bends at the waist, uke is carried on the lower back instead of being turned over the shoulder. Stay compact with flexed knees and finish through rotation.

First learning focus

First rehearse the close, low turn while keeping uke's arm connected. The shoulder line should arrive under the upper body before the throw is completed.

What you will learn

  • Recognize the name Ippon-seoi-nage
  • Understand the one-arm shoulder-throw idea
  • Connect the throw to larger uke situations

Key terms