Yoko wakare (横分) is the judo side separation: you step both feet outside your partner's foot, lie on your side and rotate them over you. It is a sacrifice throw that looks like simply getting out of the way.
- Japanese name: yoko wakare, 横分. On the judoinfo.com list of Japanese judo terms, yoko sutemi waza means side sacrifice throws.
- Kodokan classification: yoko-sutemi-waza, a side sacrifice technique. The Gokyo no Waza listed on judoinfo.com places it in Gokyo, the fifth group.
- In judo: it belongs to the family of throws that use a partner's forward push against them, and it is a useful one to understand even if you never throw it, because it teaches you what a forward-leaning partner is giving away.
What is yoko wakare in judo?
The Kodokan defines yoko wakare as a technique to throw down the opponent by breaking his balance forward and stepping both feet onto the outside of his right foot while laying down the body onto the left side and rotating him over the body.
Compared with tomoe nage and sumi gaeshi, there is no foot or shin on the partner to lift them. Your body on the mat is the obstacle, and your hands do the rotating.
How do you do yoko wakare?
Right-handed, as the Kodokan describes it; mirror for the left.
- Break the balance forward. Pull with both hands, sleeve and lapel, so your partner's weight comes onto their toes and they lean toward you.
- Step both feet to the outside of their right foot. Move off the line of their push so you stand at their right side, close, with your legs stretched past their foot.
- Lay down onto the left side. Drop onto your left hip and side across the front of their right leg, keeping both grips tight.
- Rotate them over the body. Pull the sleeve down and across and drive the lapel hand over, so their upper body turns and they roll over you.
- Finish on top. Keep rolling with them and come up into a pin.
The most common mistake is laying down without the forward kuzushi, so you end up on your side under a balanced partner. The throw only exists when they are already leaning onto you; drop at that instant and keep the hands moving the whole way. Our judo training gear covers the kit for throwing practice.
Video: KODOKAN official channel
Where can you read more about yoko wakare?
Sacrifice throws such as yoko wakare are often the ones adult beginners find hardest to commit to, because they ask you to go to the mat on purpose. If you are starting out, read Starting Judo as an Adult for what the first months on the mat look like.
Is yoko wakare legal in judo competition?
Yes. The IJF Sport and Organisation Rules score a throw when it is a Kodokan classified technique or a recognised variation, and yoko wakare is one, so a clean throw can score yuko, waza-ari or ippon.
In BJJ a throw counts as a takedown: 2 points under the IBJJF rules once your partner lands on the back, side or seat and you hold the top for three seconds.
Sources
- Kodokan defines yoko wakare, Kodokan Judo Institute
- Judoinfo.com list of Japanese judo terms, JudoInfo
- Gokyo no Waza listed on judoinfo.com, JudoInfo
- IJF Sport and Organisation Rules, International Judo Federation
- IBJJF rules, IBJJF
Related terms
Tani otoshi (valley drop), Tomoe nage (circle throw), Sumi gaeshi (corner reversal), Sacrifice techniques, Breakfall, Off-balancing.