Presented here for your enjoyment and edification: Harai Goshi, which translates as “sweeping hip.” This video is produced by the Kodokan Judo Institute, which was the very first judo school founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. They have moved locations a few times and now occupy an eight-story building in Tokyo.
This video is part of a series of 100 techniques that will be demonstrated by experienced practitioners. These videos are done in “demonstration style” using regular grips and little or no set up. They are not bogged down by lengthy explanations – it just shows the technique from several angles, in regular speed and slow motion. Because the Kodokan focuses on traditional martial arts rather than sports, you will see many techniques in this series that are no longer allowed in high level competitions, such as leg-grabbing techniques.
Not covered will be things like: how to obtain the best grip, how to move your partner into position for the throw, strength and conditioning, competition examples etc etc. That stuff is important, but more important is to understand the basic principle of a technique – WHY and HOW does a throw work.
It’s like learning music – you don’t start by doing a fifteen minute guitar solo. You practice the basics first, over and over again, until your fingers hurt. Then, after however many hundred or thousands of hours, you can start to combine techniques and even improvise.
