Judo Level 4: Uchi Mata — Follow inner-thigh contact and upper-body guidance

内股, uchi-mata, means inner thigh. Kodokan places it among foot techniques; the name identifies an important observation point.

Kodokan connects forward imbalance with the back of the practitioner’s thigh sweeping the partner’s inner thigh. Raising a leg without hands and torso continuing to guide the partner does not explain the whole throw.

In uchi-mata, observe the back of tori's thigh relative to uke's inner thigh together with forward imbalance, not merely a high raised leg. Kodokan classifies it as ashi-waza even when a variation brings the hips very close. Classification and visual appearance explain different aspects.

Harai Goshi and Hane Goshi are hip techniques, unlike Uchi Mata’s classification. All use leg action and rotation, but a combined video label does not classify each technique.

A Tokyo Judo Federation article on uchi-mata leg action discusses forms resembling hane-goshi or harai-goshi. Its author marks part of the advice as personal opinion. Use it to open comparison, not establish a single mandatory entry. In the dojo's combined clip, compare contact and movement paths instead of just the swinging leg.

Have an instructor check entry distance and the support leg before adding the sweep. If you swing after a distant partner, reset distance rather than use force to compensate for missed contact.

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.

Follow the supporting foot alongside the working leg and see whether uke is guided in at the same time. Discuss differences between clips with your instructor rather than choosing the highest leg position as a universal model.