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ExpertSeoi Nage
Seoi Nage
Taught by:Nathan Merkle
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About This Technique
Seoi Nage (Shoulder Throw)
Position:
- Typically, Seoi Nage is executed during stand-up exchanges in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but it can also transition into ground fights after the throw.
Steps to Execute Seoi Nage:
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Initial Grips:
- Begin by securing a grip on your opponent's gi lapel with one hand and their sleeve with the other. The lapel grip is important as it helps guide the opponent during the throw.
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Create Off-Balance:
- Essential in executing Seoi Nage is the notion of Kazushi, or off-balancing your opponent. To do this, pull your opponent forward slightly with your grips, ensuring their weight shifts towards the ball of their feet.
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Entry Step:
- Step in between their legs with your dominant foot, allowing your toes to point into your opponent as close as possible.
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Swing Body Position:
- Follow with your non-dominant foot by quickly pivoting on the balls of your feet to turn your back to them. Your feet should now be parallel and your knees slightly bent, rapidly dropping your hips below your opponent's center of gravity.
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Positioning the Arm:
- Dip your shoulder under their shoulder on the side you have control, keeping their arm tight against your back by maintaining your grip on the sleeve.
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Pull and Lift:
- Use the lapel grip to pull downwards and the sleeve grip to lever their arm over your body while standing up slightly, lifting your opponent onto your back.
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Execute the Throw:
- Rotate your hips and continue pulling with both arms, using the momentum to launch your opponent over your shoulder onto the ground in front of you. Ensure completion of the throw by controlling their fall, avoiding injury.
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Finishing Options:
- After the throw, immediately go into a strong pinning position or advance to a submission hold as your opponent is in a vulnerable position.
Safety and Tips:
- Practice cautiously with a compliant partner: Ensure proper break-fall techniques are mastered by both practitioners to minimize the risk of injury.
- Maintain Fluidity: Keep the motion smooth and continuous to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
- Focus on Off-balancing: Proper Kazushi is crucial, investing time in practicing this aspect will greatly improve the technique's success rate.
In BJJ, while it’s a technique of Judo origin, Seoi Nage is appreciated, especially when practicing self-defense applications or when transitioning into mat control after a successful throw.
How to Execute
# Seoi Nage from Standing Position in BJJ
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details:**
- Begin from a standing position facing your opponent.
- Ensure you have a solid base with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent to maintain balance and mobility.
- **Grips and Controls Needed:**
- With your right hand, establish a grip on your opponent's left sleeve near the elbow.
- With your left hand, grip your opponent's collar or lapel on the right side, ensuring a firm but flexible hold.
## Steps
1. **Break the Balance:**
- Pull your opponent slightly forward and to your right with your grips to disrupt their balance.
2. **Entry:**
- Step forward with your right foot, placing it between your opponent's feet. Your toes should point in the direction you want to throw.
- Pivot on your right foot to turn your body, bringing your left foot around to align both feet parallel to your opponent's feet.
3. **Positioning:**
- Drop your hips slightly lower than your opponent’s center of gravity.
- Turn your back to your opponent, ensuring your right elbow is snug under their armpit.
4. **Execution:**
- Pull your opponent’s right arm over your shoulder using your right hand.
- Maintain the grip on their collar with your left hand to control their upper body.
- Straighten your legs while simultaneously pulling your opponent over your shoulder.
5. **Follow Through:**
- Continue rotating your body to guide your opponent’s momentum over your back.
- Use your grips to control the direction of the throw and ensure your opponent lands safely on their back.
6. **Finish:**
- After your opponent lands, maintain control of their arm and transition to a dominant position on the ground, such as side control or mount.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember:**
- Maintain a low center of gravity to effectively use your hips as a fulcrum.
- Ensure your feet are parallel and close together to maximize leverage and control.
- Use your entire body to execute the throw, not just your arms or back.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid:**
- Avoid pulling your opponent over with just your arms; this can lead to ineffective throws and possible injury.
- Do not step too far away from your opponent; maintain close proximity to use your hips effectively.
- Ensure your grips are firm but not tense to allow fluid movement and adjustments during the throw.
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