Video 52: Uchi Mata

Uchi mata is one of the original 40 throws of judo. Ronda Rousey considers this not only one of the most beautiful throws in all of judo but the most difficult to learn. So, don’t fret. Don’t be down on yourself. Just watch this video and practice over and over.

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Here are the main things:

1. Similar to hane goshi.

Ronda will ease you into this by starting out somewhere that you’re used to. Grip the elbow of the judo gi and grab the collar lapel of your opponent/willing uke.

2. Start like hane goshi, straighten leg at the end of kick.

Begin this movement just like the hane goshi, but you’re going to straighten the leg at the end of the kickback. Remember your pointy toes! Kickass judo toes!

3. Start open, then turn (to close hips).

So, start open and turn your body to close the hips and send that leg up and eventually straight out. It looks intimidating and it is, but you’ll eventually get it. This is an elite technique.

4. Motion: Swinging “scissor style” kick.

Get your grips, step up, big toe to big toe, do your ballerina step and finish with the scissor kick. We know what you’re thinking, this looks like a gymnast’s floor routine, but this is necessary if you’re going to master this judo throw.

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Don’t let uchi mata beat you. Actually, let uchi mata beat you because it will. You don’t have to use Ronda Rousey’s ankle weight and stair pain method to learn it, but do your best to practice hard and move on to the hane goshi.