Some may say that being tall in judo is a disadvantage as it is easier for your opponent to get underneath you for a throw. However, if you know the best judo throws for tall guys and when to use them, you can use your height as an advantage to gain the upper hand in a bout.
So what are some of the best Judo throws for tall guys?
The best judo throws for tall guys are:
- Uchi mata – long legs are put to good use
- Deashi Barai – can be applied from further out with a long reach
- O Soto Gari – an effective throw for tall guys
While these judo throws may be effective for tall guys, time still needs to be taken to learn and master them. Not only that, you need to know the best time to use them and how being a tall guy makes them work best or you. You should also consider the other ways you can use your height to your advantage.
Uchi mata
Uchi mata may be one of the most commonly used judo throws at international level, but that does not mean it is an easy throw to pull off effectively. Firstly, before attempting Uchi mata you need to be in a dominant position. If you aren’t, then you will likely be countered and be on the receiving end of a throw yourself!
Tall guys tend to have long legs and larger feet than shorter guys. This is why throws such as Uchi mata work so well for tall guys. Any foot/leg techniques (Ashi-Waza) can be used very effectively as long legs and large feet are perfect sweeping instruments.
It makes sense for tall guys to make use of leg grabs and sweeps to take advantage of their longer reach. When performing Uchi mata, as a tall guy, you don’t need to come in as tight or get as low as you would with a shoulder throw like Seoi nage for example. By staying further away from your opponent, you are less likely to be grabbed and ultimately thrown.
Uchi mata is a classic (and very popular) judo throw that suits tall guys perfectly. Take full advantage of your long legs and practice Uchi mata a lot!
Deashi Barai
Deashi Barai is all about catching your opponent distributing their weight unevenly. You are looking for a situation where they have little to no weight on their front foot so you can sweep it and throw them to the floor. This can be done when your opponent is moving in any direction but it tends to be most successful when they are moving sideways or backwards. When they are moving in these directions, they are less likely to be expecting a sweep as much as they are when they are moving forwards so it is easier to catch them unawares.
Like with Uchi mata, Deashi Barai makes great use of tall guys’ long legs. With longer legs you have a greater reach meaning you can sweep your opponents leg from a farther distance.
This type of sweep and throw tends to be a lower risk option for tall guys; it can be applied from a good distance away from your opponent so there is less chance of them being able to counter or grab you if you are unsuccessful.
Deashi Barai is a quick and effective attack when used at the right time. The key is in the timing of the sweep so timing drills are of great importance to make sure you know exactly when to strike!
Osoto Gari
One of the key factors in performing Osoto Gari is making sure your positioning is such that when you move in for the sweep, your opponent is already unbalanced and vulnerable to an attack. This is usually done by, first grasping them with a good grip. One hand grips the lapel while the other grips the sleeve from below the elbow. From this position you can then get them off balance by pushing them in a diagonal line in the direction you want to throw or by shifting their body weight onto the leg you want to sweep (reap).
Osoto Gari works well for taller players in a similar way to Uchi mata and Deashi Barai in that the longer reach of the arms and legs can create an advantageous position from further back meaning your opponent has less opportunity to grab you and perform their own attack.
Osoto Gari is a great counter move particularly for an opponent’s own Osoto Gari. It is one of the most popular judo throws and it is also relatively simple to learn. Take your time to master Osoa Gari so you are able to use it to most effect when you need to in a bout.
Benefits of Being Tall in Judo
Some of the most successful players in judo are small or of average height. This makes sense in a sport that is about throwing your opponent as the smaller (or shorter) you are, the lower your centre of gravity. Having a low centre of gravity makes you extra stable and therefore, less likely to be forced off balance and thrown.
Being tall does have some advantages in judo though. Firstly, as mentioned already, having longer limbs means you can reach your opponent from a greater distance so you are less vulnerable to a counter attack or being pushed or pulled off balance.
Being a tall guy in judo also means some throws are harder to perform on you. Any throw that requires you to be lifted off your feet will be much more challenging for a shorter opponent to pull off as they are unlikely to be able to generate enough lift to get your feet off the ground. This can help you tactically as you will be aware they will be more likely to try and move you sideways to get you off balance rather than attempting anything where a lift is required.
More Judo Throws for Tall Guys
While not necessarily the best judo throws for tall guys, there are plenty of other throws that work well for taller players. If timed right and executed well, these judo throws can also be effective for tall guys in judo:
- Harai Goshi
- Tai Otoshi
- Ouchi Gari
- Ashi Guruma
- Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi
- Sumi Gaeshi
- Kouchi Gari
- Darai Goshi
Tips for Tall Guys in Judo
- Adapt. You will likely find that you have to adapt grips and throws slightly to suit your height. For example, you may need to use the top grip instead of the lapel and sleeve as this may be an easier position to perform your throws. You might also need to adapt your strategies as if you use the top grip more, your opponent may notice and try to counter with O Goshi and Seoi Nage so you will need to be prepared for this. The more experienced you are in judo, the more understanding you will have of which throws work for you and which do not. Learn to adapt to make them work.
- High grips. You may find you grip your opponent higher than others simply because it is easier for you. Do not force yourself to use a lower grip as it may cause you to become vulnerable to an attack.
- Concentrate on your posture and movements. Taller guys tend to be a little less coordinated than shorter guys so focus on creating and maintaining a strong posture and move with decisiveness. Do not allow yourself to move around unnecessarily as you may become tired quicker, make each move a step towards victory!
- Be patient. This is important for all players but particularly tall guys in judo. It can be more challenging for tall guys for a while until they find what works best for them. This is normal so do not rush, be patient and the best throws for you will become apparent the more experienced you become.
- Study hard and practice a lot. To master judo throws and be successful, you will need to study outside of your regular classes. However, as a tall player you will likely need to do more specific studying of other successful tall judo players. By studying them and adapting your style to more closely match theirs you are more likely to be successful too.
Best Judo Throws For Tall Guys
Ultimately, the best judo throws for tall guys will be the ones the individual feels most comfortable performing and the ones they are able to do at exactly the right time. It may take years before you find your Tokui Waza (favoured technique) so do not expect to perfect your best throws in the early days of your judo journey.
It is always wise to study your craft both in a personal and professional manner. Listen to your sensei, perform their training and drills with full effort and take all of their feedback on board. This is the best way to master your throws and be successful in judo.