Uchi-mata-gaeshi 内股返

Inner Thigh Throw Counter

Classification: Ashi-waza (leg technique)
Translation:

• Uchi-mata = inner thigh

• Gaeshi = reversal / counter

Technical Description

Uchi-mata-gaeshi is a counter throw to uke’s uchi-mata attack. It is part of the Kodokan’s officially accepted techniques and included in the Gokyo no Waza system developed by Jigoro Kano.

As uke attempts an uchi-mata:

• Tori closes the distance by pressing uke’s arms inward and downward toward uke’s own body, stopping the lift.

• Tori then hooks uke’s left leg using their own left leg, and sweeps it to the right, disrupting uke’s balance and reversing the throw.

This technique uses uke’s commitment and momentum against them, turning their attacking movement into their downfall.

Biomechanics of Uchi-mata-gaeshi

This technique is based on a couple (F1 + F2):

• F1 (upper-body force): Tori controls uke’s arms and upper body by pressing them inward and guiding uke backwards.

• F2 (lower-body force): Tori hooks uke’s attacking leg (typically the left) and sweeps it in the opposite direction of uke’s original motion.

The counter is highly effective when executed early, just as uke begins the upward leg lift during uchi-mata.

Did You Know?

Uchi-mata-gaeshi (内股返) is the 11th officially accepted throw on the Kodokan’s Shinmeisho no Waza list.
It perfectly illustrates judo’s reactive and adaptive philosophy—responding to force with control and timing, not brute strength.

“When your opponent attacks, they give you the key to their defeat.” – Judo maxim