Judo technique

Yoko-gake

Pronunciation: yoh-koh gah-keh
Meaning: Side hook

Tell a side sacrifice with an ankle sweep from a standing foot sweep.

Technique image: Tori in white makes contact at the outside of Uke’s ankle before falling to the side.

Understand the technique

is a side hook in , the side sacrifice throws. tips balance onto the outer edge of one foot, moves that support away with the sole at the ankle, and falls onto the side at the same time. A standing sweep like also works low on the foot, but there Tori stays upright; in Yoko-gake, Tori’s own fall is part of the throw.

How it works

Tip the balance onto the little-toe edge

In the right-sided example, Tori draws Uke’s balance toward the little-toe edge of Uke’s right foot. Tori’s left sole contacts the outside of that foot, just below the ankle.

Move the support and fall to the side

As the sole moves that support away, Tori falls onto the left side. The hands keep supporting and guiding Uke through the side fall. Never kick into the knee or wrench a planted leg sideways. The other side mirrors this example.

Common mistakes

Kicking while standing

Kicking the ankle while staying upright misses the side sacrifice that makes Yoko-gake work, and it hurts. Let the fall and the foot act together.

Falling before the balance shifts

If Uke’s weight is still centred, Tori lands alone and Uke stays standing. Tip Uke onto the outer edge of the foot first.

First learning focus

First watch Uke’s balance move onto the little-toe edge of the foot. Then follow Tori’s side fall and check that the hands keep supporting Uke all the way down.