Judo Level 2: Harai Goshi — Connect hip entry and leg sweep

払腰, harai-goshi, means sweeping hip. Kodokan classifies it as a hip technique. The combined clip’s original Ashi Waza label does not change Harai Goshi’s official classification.

Forward or forward-corner imbalance connects the partner to the hip as the leg sweeps upward into rotation. Observe how hands, hip and leg pass the movement through, instead of treating the sweep as a separate kick.

The visible leg sweep in harai-goshi works with bringing uke onto the hip. Kodokan describes forward imbalance, support on the rear hip and an upward sweeping leg. Watching only leg height can make it look like a kick. Begin with uke's torso approaching, then follow the sweeping action.

Uchi Mata is a foot technique involving the inner thigh; Hane Goshi springs through hip and leg. Names depend on mechanism, not simply seeing one raised leg. Check for a sweep starting while the bodies are still too far apart.

In the combined harai-goshi, uchi-mata and hane-goshi clip, separate the demonstrations by contact point and uke's movement. The combined title does not make every segment harai-goshi. Ask your instructor to distinguish sweeping, lifting the inner thigh and springing with hip and leg in moving footage.

Review entry distance and support-leg balance with your instructor before adding the sweep. If you feel you must kick to make the partner fall, revisit imbalance and connection rather than immediately adding speed.

The Level here refers to the IMAC Dojo curriculum. Use the article and clips to prepare questions and review them with your instructor. Practical training needs a suitable partner, space and controlled conditions.

Rewind before the sweep to examine tori's supporting foot relative to uke's torso, then follow the hands through the finish. Watching only the sweeping leg misses upper-body control. Review how hands, hip and leg work together instead of using a harder leg action to compensate for insufficient proximity.

In Kano’s account reproduced by Kodokan, Saigo Shiro learned to evade Uki Goshi by hopping forward, prompting a change in leg action. The story illustrates development of the principle, without establishing that nobody had used a similar movement earlier.