Tomoe-nage (circle throw) is a sacrifice throw from the third group of the gokyo. Tori pulls uke forward, drops onto the back underneath, plants a foot on uke's lower belly and sends uke over the head. It is the most recognizable throw in judo. It is also the one that leaves tori most exposed when it fails.
The circle and the ma-sutemi family
In the Kodokan classification it is a ma-sutemi-waza, a technique where tori sacrifices balance by falling straight onto the back. Its family includes sumi-gaeshi, ura-nage and hikikomi-gaeshi. In the nage-no-kata it opens the sutemi set. The gokyo lists it in the third group, and the wider nage-waza family keeps it apart from the standing throws.
The circle image is accurate. Uke does not fly in a straight line but turns around tori's foot, which acts as the pivot.
Kuzushi: it is decided on your feet
Tomoe-nage only works if uke is already moving forward, or if tori makes that happen. The ideal case is uke driving forward with the chest leaning in. Tori accepts the push, steps back half a step and pulls.
Both hands pull up and toward you, from a standard sleeve-and-lapel grip or two lapels. The pull has to continue throughout the fall without any pause. Tori drops at the moment uke's weight passes in front of the toes.
How to do tomoe-nage
- Tori steps the left foot deep between uke's feet.
- Tori lifts the right foot and places the sole on uke's lower belly, below the belt.
- Tori drops onto the back with the hips close to the left heel and as close to uke as possible.
- The hands pull up and over the head. The right leg extends upward as uke goes over.
- Uke turns and lands with a forward rolling breakfall.
The detail that changes everything is falling close. The further your hips land from uke, the more you have to lift with your leg, and that will not work.
Useful variations
Yoko-tomoe-nage. Tori falls diagonally onto the side and throws uke toward the shoulder. This is the version you see most in competition. It is easier to land against an opponent who does not push hard.
Another version places the foot on uke's hip or thigh, often in opposite stance. Contact is shorter but the rotation stays the same.
Both feet on the belly is rarer. It is worth knowing against a very heavy opponent who leans down on you.
Mistakes to avoid
- Foot too high, on the chest. Uke gets pushed back instead of lifted and falls on top of you.
- Falling without pulling. You end up lying down with uke standing over you.
- Pulling down. Uke collapses onto you.
- Throwing tomoe-nage on reflex to escape the standing exchange. Referees penalize false attacks, and it is a bad habit to build.
Counters and risks
When uke senses the drop, uke can pull the hips back, leave tori on the back and go straight to groundwork. Uke can also step around the foot and look for a pin. That is the main risk of tomoe-nage: a failed attempt leaves you underneath. If you do not train newaza, do not make it your main throw.
Follow-ups on the ground
This is where tomoe-nage gets interesting. Even when uke does not land on the back, the fall often leaves uke on all fours or on the side, right next to tori. Tomoe-nage into juji-gatame is a classic combination. Sankaku-jime is another, when uke tries to escape by moving forward.
In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tomoe-nage is used as a guard pull with upside. If uke does not go over, tori is in guard, which is no disadvantage under BJJ rules. That rule difference explains why BJJ players try it far more readily.
Learn the fall before the throw
Start on a crash mat. Tori practices the backward fall alone, rolling onto the back without hitting the head and with the legs ready. Next, with uke kneeling and tori seated, work the foot under the belt and the pull. Finally, do it standing with a uke who has a solid forward rolling breakfall.
A coach's opinion: learn tomoe-nage together with its ground follow-up, never separately. A tomoe-nage with no plan B costs points. With an armlock behind it, everyone in the room starts to worry about it.