IMAC Dojo Judo Curriculum · Level 7
Judo Level 7: Yoko Wakare — Read the partner’s path across the body
Yoko Wakare is a side sacrifice guiding the partner over the practitioner’s body. Observe that path together with forward imbalance.
Compiled by Phoenix — Co-founder of IMAC Dojo
Thaninpong Supapitakpong (Phoenix)Co-founder of IMAC DojoUpdated 29 Sept 2026
- Author
- Thaninpong Supapitakpong (Phoenix)
- Published
- Last updated
- Sources
- 1
- Reading time
- 2 min
Short Answer
Yoko Wakare is a side sacrifice guiding the partner over the practitioner’s body. Observe that path together with forward imbalance.
Key Takeaways
- Watch forward imbalance.
- Observe the practitioner’s feet before descent.
- Follow the partner rotating over the body.
Separate two paths: the practitioner descends sideways while the partner travels across.
In this article
What the name tells us
横分, yoko-wakare, combines side and separation and belongs to side sacrifices.
How the technique works
Foot placement to the side connects with forward guidance and descent. Space and prepared receiving are needed; simply lying across the route is not the technique.
Yoko-wakare places both of tori's feet outside uke's foot, then uses a side sacrifice so uke rotates across the body in Kodokan's definition. Read body placement across the path with continuing upper-body guidance, not simply lying near a partner.
What to watch in the clips
- Watch forward imbalance.
- Observe the practitioner’s feet before descent.
- Follow the partner rotating over the body.
A distinction worth noticing
Yoko Otoshi emphasizes a sideways drop, while Yoko Wakare highlights the path across the body. Compare Uki Waza through its forward-diagonal line and leg arrangement.
Yoko-guruma has a different leg route; yoko-gake acts at the outer ankle. Compare before the descent and at contact rather than naming the technique only from uke flying across.
Taking the lesson back to practice
Do not cut off an unprepared partner by dropping across the path. An instructor must establish distance and direction; practise slowly with control through landing.
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.
A short clip may show a rapid descent. Rewind to whether uke is already unbalanced forward. If entry distance is hidden, ask for a slow instructor demonstration rather than diving down to discover the position yourself.
Connect this with your next lesson
Yoko Wakare — Video lesson 1
An IMAC Dojo clip accompanying Yoko Wakare. Use the observations and distinctions in this article to guide your viewing.
Video published
Sources and further reading
- 横分 — 講道館 柔道 技名称一覧 — 講道館ReferenceAccessed 29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lying across the path enough?
No. Imbalance and controlled guidance across are necessary.
Whose path should I watch?
Both people, because they move along different lines.
How does it differ from Yoko Otoshi?
Compare a sideways drop with rotation across the body.
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