Tsurikomigoshi

Tsurikomigoshi, also romanized tsuri-komi-goshi, is a traditional judo throwing technique (nage-waza). It is one of the Kodokan’s core throws and falls under koshi-waza, or hip techniques. The name combines elements meaning lifting or pulling (tsuri), entering or driving in (komi), and hip (goshi). The technique is designed to throw an opponent by lifting their center of gravity with the hips while pulling them forward.

Technique overview: Tsurikomigoshi is typically initiated from a standard grip on the opponent’s gi, commonly with one hand on the sleeve and the other on the belt or obi. The tori steps in to place the hip against the uke’s center, then rotates the body to align the hips and fulcrum with the opponent. As the tori lowers their center of gravity and drives the hip into uke, the arms generate a forward pull to help load uke onto the hip. The throw finishes with uke rotating over the hip and landing on their back.

Execution and variations: Proper execution requires precise timing, balance, and control of kuzushi (off-balancing) to position uke over the hip. Variations exist in grip configuration and entry angle, but all rely on the hip as the primary lever and the upper body to direct the fall. As with other throws, tori must maintain safe breakfalls and control to minimize injury risk.

History and classification: Tsurikomigoshi is among the traditional 40 throws associated with early judo curriculum created by Jigoro Kano and remains a common technique taught in standard judo instruction. It is grouped with koshi-waza due to its emphasis on hip contact as the primary mechanism of throw.