# Uchi-Mata

> A major judo throwing family that turns the opponent forward while the attacker's leg rises between or against the thighs.

- **Canonical page:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/uchi-mata
- **Markdown:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/uchi-mata.md
- **JSON:** https://www.ossmeta.com/api/public/techniques/uchi-mata
- **Category:** takedown
- **Format:** both
- **Level:** advanced
- **Aliases:** inner-thigh throw, uchi mata
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-25

## What it is

Uchi-mata is classified among judo's hip techniques and has many competition variations. The throw combines upper-body rotation, off-balancing, close hip position, and a rising leg action to send the opponent forward.

In jiu-jitsu and submission grappling, uchi-mata also functions as a reaction to single legs and body locks. Grips, stance, and landing control change between gi, no-gi, and wrestling-influenced contexts.

## Key principles

- Create forward and rotational off-balance before lifting the leg.
- Turn the supporting foot and hips into the throwing direction.
- Keep upper- and lower-body actions connected.
- Follow the landing with control rather than sacrificing top position.

## Common entries

- **Collar-and-sleeve:** Turn the shoulders and draw the opponent onto the lead leg.
- **Overhook:** Use upper-body pressure and head position to rotate from no-gi.
- **Single-leg counter:** Balance on the captured leg and rotate the opponent over the attacking thigh line.


## Productive next actions

- **Side control:** Follow the throw and settle beyond the opponent's knees.
- **Front headlock:** Maintain head-and-arm control if the opponent drops to their knees.
- **Back control:** Follow behind the hips when the opponent posts and turns away.


## Defensive priorities

- **Hip distance:** Keep your center outside the thrower's loaded hip line.
- **Posture and angle:** Square the shoulders and step around the lifting leg.
- **Combination awareness:** Expect foot sweeps and inside trips when resisting backward.

## Rules and safety

Scoring and permitted grips vary by promotion and division. Check the current organizer rules before competing.

This guide is descriptive, not remote coaching. Learn potentially dangerous submissions, inversions, and takedowns with a qualified instructor. Release immediately when a training partner taps.

## History and naming

Uchi-mata is one of Kodokan judo's recognized throwing techniques and remains a major international competition attack.

## Related techniques

- [Single-Leg Takedown](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/single-leg-takedown)
- [Side Control](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/side-control)
- [Back Control](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/back-control)
- [Wrestle-Up](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/wrestle-up)

## Associated athletes

- [Owen Livesey](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/owen-livesey): British Commonwealth Games judo champion turned BJJ black belt, ADCC veteran, Polaris title winner, and Carlson Gracie Hull coach.
- [Ffion Davies](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/ffion-davies): Welsh ADCC world champion, two-time IBJJF gi world champion, and one of Europe's most accomplished modern grapplers.
- [Bekzat Kapashov](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/bekzat-kapashov): Kazakh purple-belt standout, 2026 ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials −66 kg champion, and first Kazakh athlete to qualify for ADCC Worlds in that division.
- [Haisam Rida](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/haisam-rida): Ghanaian submission hunter, ADCC veteran, B-Team heavyweight, and 2026 ADCC EMEA Trials +99 kg champion.

## Sources

- [International Judo Federation technique catalogue](https://judo.ijf.org/) — reference
- [IBJJF rule book and rules resources](https://ibjjf.com/books-videos) — rules
- [ADCC official rules and legal-technique guides](https://adcc-official.com/pages/adcc-rules) — rules

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*Published by Ossmeta as part of the living jiu-jitsu database. Prefer citing https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/uchi-mata and check the last-reviewed date for rules-sensitive claims.*