Uki-gatame
浮固うきがため
- Osaekomi-waza
Key idea
The defining action uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance.
Kodokan official demonstration
Kodokan technique list (opens in a new tab)YouTube (opens in a new tab)
VISUAL GUIDE
How to read the movement
The central principle of Uki-gatame is the coordinated action that uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance.
- Tori
- the person applying the technique
- Uke
- the person receiving the technique
- Red line
- main direction or point of contact
AT A GLANCE
Classification representative
IN SEQUENCE
Three basic phases
- 1Establish the position
- 2Restrict upper-body movement
- 3Maintain a responsive base
Original AI-generated educational illustration for TokyoWaltz, 2026. A simplified three-stage concept; practise under qualified instruction.
PLAY WHEN NEEDED
Watch the basic movement slowly
- 1Starting pointEstablish the position
- 2Decisive actionRestrict upper-body movement
- 3CompletionMaintain a responsive base
1 / 3Starting point— Establish the position
Follow the red line and phase indicator. The guide does not autoplay or loop.
How it works
The central principle of Uki-gatame is the coordinated action that uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance.
Entry
Establish the position
Move into the relationship shown in the official demonstration and establish position before adding pressure. Keep the transition controlled.
Control
Restrict upper-body movement
The central principle of Uki-gatame is the coordinated action that uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance.
Hold
Maintain a responsive base
Keep a stable base and adjust as uke moves. Maintain the recognised control without relying on sudden or uncontrolled pressure.
Key points
- To identify Uki-gatame, watch for the moment the holding orientation becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Tate-shiho-gatame | 縦四方固 | Tate-shiho-gatame mounts along uke’s torso while controlling the head-and-arm line and securing the lower body with the legs; Uki-gatame uses the leg as a principal upper-body control. |
| Ura-gatame | 裏固 | Ura-gatame holds uke from beneath the back line; Uki-gatame uses the leg as a principal upper-body control. |
| Yoko-shiho-gatame | 横四方固 | Yoko-shiho-gatame controls across the torso from the side with one grip through the legs and another around the far collar; Uki-gatame uses the leg as a principal upper-body control. |
Reference
Open the detailed source material when you need definitions, technical distinctions, training context, or references.
Official definition
What this technique is
Within the Kodokan list, Uki-gatame belongs to holding techniques. Its name is attached to the action that uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Uki-gatame demonstration is therefore the best starting point for recognizing the technique before comparing variations in timing, grip or stance.
Core principle
The central principle of Uki-gatame is the coordinated action that uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Uki-gatame demonstration before the decisive action and check what support remains, where contact is maintained and whether tori is lifting, reaping, blocking, rotating, wrapping or applying controlled pressure.
Detailed execution
Key recognition points
- To identify Uki-gatame, watch for the moment the holding orientation becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance.
- When reviewing Uki-gatame, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Uki-gatame is the holding orientation: uses the leg as a principal upper-body control while the other leg extends back for balance. Compare that action with neighbouring names in the same Kodokan category. If the contact point, control route or sacrifice direction changes, the result may belong under a different official name even when the landing position looks similar.
Training and safety
Training and safety
Practise positional entry, breathing space, and safe escape responses under a qualified Judo instructor. Release pressure promptly when a partner signals discomfort.