Glossary of Judo waza (techniques) terms

Yoko-wakare (Side separation)

Summary

This dynamic Yoko sutemi waza (Side sacrifice techniques) requires a coordinated body motion.

Features of this Waza

The Yoko-wakare (Side separation) Waza consists of sliding both legs beneath the opponent and sharply twisting the body to perform a dynamic throw.

Waza details

After first destabilizing Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) in the backward direction, Tori (Player executing technique) induces Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) to attack. Then, at the moment Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) steps forward, Tori (Player executing technique) executes this Waza.
Just before Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) stepping foot makes contact with the floor, Tori (Player executing technique) uses his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) to pull Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) forward and destabilize him toward the front corner. Tori (Player executing technique) then slides his Tsurite (Lifting hand) side leg to the outer side of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) Tsurite (Lifting hand) side leg, while at the same time continuing to pull Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) with his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) and twisting his body until it is sideways. Tori (Player executing technique) backward-falling posture further destabilizes Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) toward the front corner.
As Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) begins to topple, Tori (Player executing technique) slides his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) side leg in beside his other leg with knee slightly bent. While pulling Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) strongly downward with his Hiki-te (Pulling hand), Tori (Player executing technique) rotates in a circular motion centered on his extended leg to throw Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack). After the throw, Tori (Player executing technique) body is approximately at right angles with Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) body.