Tomoe-nage 巴投 (“Circular Throw”)

Category: Ma-sutemi-waza (Rear Sacrifice Techniques)
Translation: “Tomoe” refers to a comma-shaped swirl or spiral, symbolising circular motion; “nage” means throw — together: circular throw.

Description

Tomoe-nage is one of the most iconic and elegant throws in judo. It exemplifies the principle of ju (gentleness or yielding) by using minimal force to redirect an opponent’s momentum.

Tori breaks uke’s balance forward or to the front-right diagonal (kuzushi), then drops backwards while placing a foot (usually the right) into uke’s lower abdomen or belt knot area. With a powerful lifting and pulling motion, tori uses his leg to propel uke in an arcing trajectory over his head, completing the throw in a rolling fashion.

This throw is especially effective when uke is aggressive or moving forward with momentum. Because it involves both players going to the ground and uke being projected over the head, it requires a high degree of control and precise ukemi (falling technique). For safety reasons, it is not permitted in competition for judoka under 12 years of age.

Biomechanics of Tomoe-nage

• Classification: Lever throw combined with a couple force

• Type of throw: Rear sacrifice (ma-sutemi)

• Support point (C): Tori’s foot planted against uke’s lower abdomen or belt knot

• Force dynamics:

  • F1 & F2: Tori’s arms pull uke forward and help steer the trajectory

  • F3: The planted foot exerts an upward force to lift uke’s centre of gravity

  • Re: The resultant direction of the throw, following a curved or circular path

• Additionally, centrifugal force plays a role as uke rotates in an arc over tori.

Did you know?

• Tomoe-nage was one of Jigoro Kano’s personal specialties. As a smaller man, he developed and relied on techniques that could manipulate larger opponents using timing, positioning and leverage.

• The throw is derived from Tenjin Shinyo-ryu, one of the classical jujutsu styles Kano studied before founding judo. In its original form, it was known as Ando-gaeshi, named after Master Ando, who was known for his skill in using this motion to reverse opponents.

• Kano later adapted and refined the technique to fit judo’s educational and sportive framework, making it safer and more technically structured, and renamed it Tomoe-nage.

• The kanji 巴 (tomoe) refers to a swirling or comma-shaped design, often used in samurai crests (kamon) and Shinto shrines, symbolising cycles, movement, and balance. This reflects the circular nature of the technique.

• Tomoe-nage demonstrates that a well-timed sacrifice using rotational mechanics can neutralise superior size or strength, a core principle in judo’s philosophy.

• The throw is the first technique in the fourth group (Dai Yonkyo) of the Gokyo no Waza, the traditional syllabus of Kodokan Judo.

• Tomoe-nage appears as the final throw in the Nage-no-Kata, the formal throwing kata, symbolising the culmination of skill, control and timing in judo.