Tomoe Nage

Tomoe Nage, also known as the "Circle Throw" or "Stomach Throw," is a classic judo and grappling takedown that uses a combination of Leverage and Momentum to flip an opponent over your body. It is a sacrifice throw, meaning you intentionally go to your back to execute the technique, leveraging the opponent's forward pressure to off-balance and project them.

Key Elements

Setup

  • Often initiated when the opponent is leaning forward, pushing aggressively, or attempting a takedown. Their forward pressure creates the momentum needed for the throw.
  • Secure a grip on their collar and sleeve (gi setting) or a clinch grip in no-gi.

Execution

  • Pull the opponent forward while dropping your hips and sitting down directly underneath them.
  • Place one foot against their stomach or hip while maintaining strong grips on their upper body.
  • Use the foot on their stomach to push upward and guide them over your head in an arc-like motion.

Leverage and Momentum

  • The throw relies on your ability to redirect their forward energy upward while pulling them over your centerline.
  • Use your arms to steer and control their trajectory as they flip over your body.

Steps to Perform Tomoe Nage

Grip and Posture

  • Establish a strong grip on their collar or upper body.
  • Pull them forward to break their posture and disrupt their Base.

Positioning

  • Drop your hips and sit back, ensuring your back is flat on the mat.
  • Place one foot on their stomach or hip, with the other leg extended to create a stable base.

Initiate the Throw

  • Push with the foot on their stomach while pulling with your grips to lift them off the ground.
  • Use your arms and hips to guide their body over your head.

Follow Through

  • As they flip, maintain control of their body to ensure a clean landing.
  • Transition into a dominant position such as Mount or Side Control after they land.

Variations of Tomoe Nage

Straight Tomoe Nage

  • The classic version with the foot placed on the opponent's stomach, flipping them directly over your head.

Side Tomoe Nage

  • Rotate slightly to one side, placing your foot on the opponent's hip, to redirect their momentum and flip them at an angle.

Reverse Tomoe Nage

  • Instead of flipping the opponent forward, guide them backward using a rotational motion.

Key Principles for Success

Timing

  • Tomoe Nage works best when the opponent is leaning forward or applying forward pressure. Initiating too early or late reduces effectiveness.

Commitment

  • Fully commit to dropping your hips and engaging your core. Hesitation can leave you vulnerable to counters.

Control

  • Maintain strong grips on the opponent's upper body to direct their fall and prevent escapes during the transition.

Applications in Grappling

Judo

  • Used as a powerful scoring throw in competition.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

  • Effective for transitioning into dominant ground positions like Mount after the throw.

Self-Defense and MMA

  • A surprising technique to counter aggressive opponents, leveraging their momentum to take them to the ground.

Common Mistakes

Poor Foot Placement

  • Incorrect placement of the foot can reduce leverage, making the throw ineffective.

Lack of Momentum

  • Without proper timing and forward energy, the opponent will resist or counter.

Insufficient Hip Positioning

  • Sitting too far away or off-center disrupts the mechanics of the throw.

Tomoe Nage exemplifies the principles of Momentum, Leverage, and Angles, turning the opponent’s aggression into a clean and controlled takedown. When executed properly, it seamlessly transitions into a dominant position, making it a versatile tool in grappling and self-defense.

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