Glossary of Judo waza (techniques) terms

Ura-nage (Back throw)

Summary

This Sute mi waza (Sacrifice techniques) closely resembles the "back drop" used in professional wrestling.

Features of this Waza

The Ura-nage (Back throw) consists of hugging your opponent from behind, and then throwing him backwards behind you.
This Waza is applied when the opponent attacks.
At the moment when Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) steps forward to grasp the back of Tori (Player executing technique) collar, Tori (Player executing technique) grasps the back of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) uniform.
Tori (Player executing technique) then hugs Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) with both arms. If Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) attempts to hook one of Tori (Player executing technique) legs, Tori (Player executing technique) can bend his knees to resist.
Tori (Player executing technique) then shifts his Center of gravity in the backward direction to pull Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) up onto his stomach, and uses the spring force of his knees to throw Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) around and behind him.
In actual competition, the Ura-nage (Back throw) may also be applied aggressively from directly in front of the opponent.
In that case, the combatant must bend his knees to lower his body, and then drive forward into the opponent's chest to obtain the hugging posture.

Waza details

Although the Ura-nage (Back throw) is commonly used by both men and women of all ranks, Ura-nage (Back throw) can be hazardous, and this Waza is therefore only lightly practiced.
In order to avoid the risk of injury, the combatant must twist his body sideways while executing the throw so that his body doesn't end up beneath the opponent. He must also keep his chin tucked in during the throw to prevent strong impacts to the back of his head.