Tomoe-nage

Official definition

The Kodokan definition describes breaking the opponent forward, falling backward, placing a foot against the lower front of the opponent’s torso, and lifting and directing the opponent over the thrower. The representative form establishes the central relationship without prescribing one compulsory grip or entry.

Recognised variations may change foot placement, body angle, or whether one or both feet contribute, provided that the principal tomoe-nage mechanism remains identifiable.

Technical principle

Tomoe-nage joins forward imbalance to a controlled rearward sacrifice. The hands keep the opponent connected while the supporting relationship between the foot and lower torso converts the thrower’s descent into an upward and forward path.

The foot is not used as an uncontrolled kick. In training, its role is to support and direct the opponent while the hands, trunk, and falling path remain coordinated.

Overview

Name and meaning

The name is written 巴投. Tomoe is the comma-like, curved motif seen in Japanese crests and decorative design; nage means throw. The name is commonly understood as referring to the circular visual relationship or path of the movement.

That interpretation describes the form of the action. It should not be expanded into claims about ancient symbolism or warrior spirituality without documentary evidence.

Classification as ma-sutemi-waza

The Kodokan classifies tomoe-nage as ma-sutemi-waza, the rear-sacrifice branch of Sutemi-waza. Ma indicates a direct or rearward sacrifice line, distinguishing it from yoko-sutemi-waza, in which the thrower falls more clearly onto a side.

The category identifies how the thrower’s fall contributes to the throw. It does not mean that every backward fall with a foot on the opponent is tomoe-nage.

Kuzushi, tsukuri and kake

Kuzushi is directed forward so the opponent cannot settle back over the heels. Tsukuri places the thrower beneath the opponent’s line while maintaining space and control for a safe projection. Kake completes the curving lift and direction as the thrower falls onto the back.

These phases overlap. If connection is lost during the descent, the action may become a failed pull to the ground rather than a completed throw.

Sacrifice throws in Judo

In Judo, a sacrifice throw uses the thrower’s deliberate fall as part of the throwing power and direction. The term does not imply self-injury or recklessness. A controlled sutemi-waza retains technical connection and responsibility for the receiving partner’s landing.

This is a Kodokan technical category. Competition rules separately decide whether a particular action scores, continues into ne-waza, or breaks a safety rule.

Common variations

Tomoe-nage can be performed with different grips, a more central or slightly angled foot placement, and one- or two-foot support. Yoko-tomoe-nage is a widely used descriptive label for a more oblique entry and projection, but it is not a separate name in the current Kodokan list of 68 nage-waza.

Variation labels should therefore describe the observed form without obscuring the official classification.

Tomoe-nage in Nage-no-kata

Tomoe-nage is the first technique in the ma-sutemi-waza set of Kata in Judo's Nage-no-kata, followed by ura-nage and sumi-gaeshi. The formal presentation studies attack, response, balance, sacrifice, and a controlled receiving fall.

The kata form is not a complete catalogue of every tomoe-nage variation. It is a structured study of the throw’s principle.

Relationship with Sumi-gaeshi

Tomoe-nage and sumi-gaeshi are both ma-sutemi-waza and both use a rearward fall to project the opponent. In the Kodokan representative tomoe-nage, the foot supports the lower front of the torso and the projection travels forward over the thrower. In sumi-gaeshi, the instep or lower leg acts against the opponent’s inner thigh or leg line and the opponent is directed toward a rear corner.

Competitive entries can blur the appearance, especially from bent or asymmetric postures. The principal point of support and throwing direction are more useful distinctions than a single photograph or grip.

Training

Training usually progresses from ukemi and controlled placement to complete throws, combinations, and randori. Because both judoka leave or approach the standing base, instruction must manage distance, head position, and the receiver’s landing.

Tomoe-nage should be practised on suitable tatami under qualified supervision. Learners should not imitate high-amplitude or rolling competition variations without the required falling skill.

Competition

Tomoe-nage is legal in IJF competition. Under the rules researched here—the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules dated 14 August 2026—the outcome is scored from the actual landing and skilful control, not merely because an action resembles the named throw.

If the throw does not score, a valid transition may continue into ne-waza. A failed or insincere sacrifice action can instead be treated as a false attack, and dangerous head-first actions remain prohibited. National and youth regulations may add restrictions.

Sources

• Kodokan Judo Institute, Judo Technique Names.
• Kodokan Judo Institute, Names of Judo Techniques.
• Kodokan Judo Institute, Definitions of Judo Techniques, 2022.
• Kodokan Judo Institute, Nage-no-kata.
• Kodokan Judo Institute, Promotion Examination Text: Kodokan Judo, 2026.
• Sato and Kudo, Historical Development of Judo Techniques, Research Journal of Budo.
• International Judo Federation, Sport and Organisation Rules, 14 August 2026.