Wrap-around Harai Goshi

Here is a demonstration of my tokui waza, or favorite technique, a wrap-around harai goshi. I call the setup for this hip throw a wrap-around but others call it tsuri-komi or the fish hook. The purpose of the move is to capitalize on your opponent’s step to swing him into a hip throw position instead of turning your own body into the fit.

This throw is my favorite because the movement becomes more dynamic with uke’s movement. The harder your opponent attacks, the more acceleration he has to eat on the throw.

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Here is a video demonstration:

• 1: Grips

Here our tori, Chris, and uke, Prentice, start in natural grips.
• 2: Pull

As Prentice steps forward, Chris adds a slight tug out and back with his collar grip. The angle of the tug is defined by a line that connects Prentice’s feet.
• 3: Recovery

The tug forces Prentice into a line of off-balance. He takes accelerated steps to recover his balance and regain his posture.
• 4: Fit

As Prentice moves toward the rear, Chris shuffles backward to maintain fit and he releases his collar grip. Chris loops his arm under Prentice’s shoulder and reaches high and forward.
• 5: Fit (Reverse Angle)

Hooking under the shoulder forces Prentice into forward off balance. As long as uke’s posture is broken forward, there’s no change for him to counterthrow or hop onto your back. This fit also generates extra lift, making your uke light. The arm should reach up uke’s back and head along centerline. The hook will work without prefect alignment, but it opens an opportunity for uke to slip off and break contact.
• 6: Sweep

Once Prentice circles back onto Chris’s hip, Chris raises his leg and sweeps back. He sweeps back with a stiff leg, toes pointed.
• 7: Sweep (Reverse Angle)

The sweeping angle is straight back and roughly hip high. Chris wants to “cut his man in half,” with his leg.
• 8: Impact

Prentice impacts at Chris’s feet, in what we’ve nicknamed “the workspace.” Chris maintains control of Prentice’s arm to help break his fall (in practice) and to enter pins, chokes or armbars.