Harai Goshi | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph

Harai Goshi

bjjtransitiontakedownjudothrowstanding

Visual Execution Sequence

From standing position, you establish strong sleeve and collar grips while maintaining proper distance and posture. Your opponent typically responds by attempting grip fighting or maintaining their defensive stance. You initiate the throw by stepping in with your lead foot while simultaneously pulling them forward and off-balance toward your hip. As they begin to lose balance, you turn your body, inserting your hip below their center of gravity while your sweeping leg swings across their legs in a powerful arc. The combination of hip rotation, leg sweep through their base, and coordinated arm pull creates an irresistible off-balancing force that lifts them off the ground. As your opponent becomes airborne, you continue the rotational momentum, throwing them over your hip and following through to the mat where you establish side control.

One-Sentence Summary: “From standing with sleeve and collar grips, you step in and rotate your hip under their center while sweeping your leg across theirs, using coordinated rotation to throw them to side control.”

Execution Steps

1. Setup Requirements: Establish dominant sleeve and collar grips from standing position with proper distance control
2. Initial Movement: Step in with lead foot while pulling opponent forward and off-balance
3. Opponent Response: Opponent typically attempts to regain posture or pull away from throw
4. Hip Insertion: Turn body and insert hip below opponent’s center of gravity while maintaining grips
5. Leg Sweep Execution: Swing sweeping leg across opponent’s legs while rotating torso and pulling with arms
6. Throw Completion: Continue rotation and leg sweep until opponent is airborne and falling
7. Consolidation: Follow opponent to ground and establish side control or top position

Key Technical Details

• Grip Requirements: Strong sleeve control on throwing side arm, deep collar grip for rotation control
• Base/Foundation: Stable posting of support leg with knee slightly bent for power generation
• Timing Windows: Execute when opponent steps forward or has weight on front leg
• Leverage Points: Hip acts as fulcrum while sweeping leg removes base and arms control upper body
• Common Adjustments: Vary sweep angle and hip depth based on opponent’s height and stance

Common Counters

Opponent defensive responses with success rates and conditions:

• Sprawl Defense → Standing Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: early recognition before hip insertion)
• Base Widening → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: spreading stance to prevent sweep)
• Counter Throw → Top Position (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: redirecting momentum with superior timing)
• Hip Block → Standing Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: preventing hip insertion with defensive positioning)

Decision Logic for AI Opponent

If [hip insertion] is prevented early:
- Execute [[Hip Block]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [throw timing] is telegraphed:
- Execute [[Sprawl Defense]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [opponent can] widen base:
- Execute [[Base Widening]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [advanced skill] allows redirection:
- Execute [[Counter Throw]] (Probability: 25%)

Else [optimal execution conditions]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Base Success Rate + Applied Modifiers)

Expert Insights

John Danaher

“Harai Goshi represents the apex of coordination between three mechanical systems: the hip insertion creates the fulcrum, the sweeping leg removes the opponent’s base structure, and the arm pull controls their upper body rotation. What makes this throw particularly effective is the timing window - when executed at the moment of forward weight commitment, the opponent cannot recover their base. The technique teaches fundamental principles of simultaneous action and proper sequencing that apply throughout all throwing arts.”

Gordon Ryan

“In competition, I’ve adapted Harai Goshi for both gi and no-gi contexts as a high-percentage takedown when opponents are hesitant to engage. The key is creating the forward momentum through grip fighting and feints, then capitalizing on that split-second of weight transfer. Landing directly into side control gives immediate positional dominance and point scoring opportunities. The throw’s dynamic nature also creates psychological pressure on opponents who know they’re one step away from being airborne.”

Eddie Bravo

“Harai Goshi integrates beautifully with unconventional grip configurations and can be modified from various clinch positions. I’ve found success chaining it with failed arm drags or collar ties, using the opponent’s defensive reactions to set up the hip insertion. The technique’s rotational mechanics also connect well with rubber guard entries if the throw is partially defended, creating seamless transitions between standing and ground systems. Its versatility makes it valuable beyond traditional judo applications.”

Common Errors

Error 1: Insufficient hip insertion or turning away too early

• Why It Fails: Without proper hip placement below opponent’s center of gravity, there’s no fulcrum for the throw
• Correction: Commit fully to turning your back to opponent with deep hip penetration before initiating sweep
• Recognition: Opponent remains balanced on their feet or easily steps away

Error 2: Sweeping leg motion too weak or timing disconnected from hip rotation

• Why It Fails: Leg sweep alone cannot remove opponent’s base without coordinated hip rotation
• Correction: Synchronize powerful leg sweep with hip rotation and arm pull as one unified motion
• Recognition: Opponent’s legs are contacted but they maintain balance and posture

Error 3: Releasing grips or pulling in wrong direction during throw

• Why It Fails: Loss of upper body control allows opponent to post or twist away from throw
• Correction: Maintain strong grips throughout and pull in circular arc matching hip rotation
• Recognition: Opponent rotates away or posts hands during throw attempt

Error 4: Poor weight distribution on support leg

• Why It Fails: Unstable base prevents generation of rotational power needed for throw
• Correction: Keep support leg slightly bent with weight centered and balanced throughout
• Recognition: Feeling off-balance yourself or unable to generate throwing power

Error 5: Telegraphing the throw with obvious preparation movements

• Why It Fails: Gives opponent time to recognize attack and execute defensive counter
• Correction: Maintain normal grip fighting appearance until explosive entry
• Recognition: Opponent consistently defends or counters before throw initiates

Timing Considerations

• Optimal Conditions: When opponent steps forward, during grip exchange, or when they pull back and then step in
• Avoid When: Opponent maintains extremely low defensive posture with wide stance and backward weight
• Setup Sequences: After failed collar drags, following arm drag attempts, or during grip fighting exchanges
• Follow-up Windows: Must complete throw and establish control within 3-4 seconds to prevent scramble

Prerequisites

• Technical Skills: Understanding of kuzushi (off-balancing), basic standing grip fighting, fundamental hip mechanics
• Physical Preparation: Hip flexibility for rotation, leg strength for sweeping power, core strength for rotation
• Positional Understanding: Standing position control, grip dominance concepts, weight distribution awareness
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced - requires precise timing, coordination, and practiced hip insertion mechanics

Knowledge Assessment

1. Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the throwing force in Harai Goshi?”

   • A) Only the hip rotation
   • B) Only the leg sweep
   • C) The combination of hip rotation, leg sweep, and arm pull working simultaneously
   • D) Just pulling with the arms
   • Answer: C

2. Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute Harai Goshi?”

   • A) When opponent is pulling backward with all their weight
   • B) When opponent is moving forward or has their weight committed to the front leg
   • C) When opponent is completely stationary
   • D) When you are off-balance yourself
   • Answer: B

3. Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake when learning Harai Goshi?”

   • A) Gripping too tightly
   • B) Insufficient hip insertion or turning body away from opponent before sweep
   • C) Sweeping too slowly
   • D) Looking at opponent’s face
   • Answer: B

4. Setup Requirements: “Which grips are essential for effective Harai Goshi?”

   • A) Both hands on opponent’s collar
   • B) No grips needed in no-gi
   • C) Strong sleeve control and collar grip to break posture and control rotation
   • D) Only wrist control
   • Answer: C

5. Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent sprawls during Harai Goshi?”

   • A) Force the throw harder in the same direction
   • B) Give up and reset to standing
   • C) Transition to alternative throw or switch to collar drag depending on their base position
   • D) Pull guard immediately
   • Answer: C

Variants and Adaptations

• Gi Specific: Traditional judo grips with lapel and sleeve control provide maximum rotational control and off-balancing power
• No-Gi Specific: Adapt to overhook and underhook combinations or collar tie with arm control, focus more on body positioning
• Self-Defense: Modified version using clothing grips or body control in street confrontations
• Competition: Combination with other throws in rapid succession (renraku-waza) or as counter to opponent’s attack (kaeshi-waza)
• Size Differential: Taller practitioners have advantage with reach and leg sweep arc; shorter practitioners need deeper hip insertion

Training Progressions

1. Solo Practice: Hip rotation movements (uchi-komi), leg sweep motion patterns, footwork and entry steps without partner
2. Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows throw completion with light resistance for motor pattern development and timing
3. Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive resistance to grips and entries while allowing proper technique
4. Sparring Integration: Attempting throw during live stand-up exchanges with full resistance and counter opportunities
5. Troubleshooting: Identifying specific failure points (hip insertion, sweep timing, grip control) and drilling corrections

LLM Context Block

Purpose: This section contains structured decision-making logic for AI opponents, narrative generation, and game engine processing.

Execution Decision Logic

decision_tree:
  conditions:
    - name: "Setup Quality Check"
      evaluation: "setup_quality_score >= 50"
      success_action: "proceed_to_timing_check"
      failure_action: "execute_hip_block"
      failure_probability: 45
 
    - name: "Timing Precision Check"
      evaluation: "timing_window_active AND forward_momentum_present"
      success_action: "proceed_to_energy_check"
      failure_action: "execute_sprawl_defense"
      failure_probability: 40
 
    - name: "Base Stability Check"
      evaluation: "opponent_stance_wide AND defensive_posture"
      success_action: "execute_base_widening"
      failure_action: "accept_transition_with_modifiers"
      failure_probability: 35
 
  final_calculation:
    base_probability: "success_probability[skill_level]"
    applied_modifiers:
      - setup_quality
      - timing_precision
      - opponent_fatigue
      - knowledge_test
      - position_control
    formula: "base_probability + sum(modifiers) - sum(counters)"

Common Troubleshooting Patterns

troubleshooting:
  - symptom: "Opponent maintains balance despite hip insertion"
    likely_cause: "Insufficient kuzushi or hip not deep enough under center of gravity"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Did you pull opponent forward before turning?"
      - "Is your hip fully inserted below their belt line?"
      - "Are you maintaining strong grip control throughout?"
    solution: "Emphasize forward pull with grips before entry, commit to deeper hip turn, maintain collar control"
 
  - symptom: "Leg sweep makes contact but opponent doesn't lift"
    likely_cause: "Leg sweep and hip rotation not synchronized"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you sweeping as you rotate or before?"
      - "Is support leg stable and bent?"
      - "Are arms pulling in coordination with sweep?"
    solution: "Practice simultaneous hip rotation and leg sweep, ensure support leg is loaded and stable"
 
  - symptom: "Opponent easily steps away or sprawls before completion"
    likely_cause: "Telegraphing throw with preparation movements"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you changing posture noticeably before entry?"
      - "Is your grip adjustment obvious?"
      - "Are you looking at their legs before attacking?"
    solution: "Maintain normal grip fighting appearance, use feints to mask actual attack, explosive sudden entry"
 
  - symptom: "Losing balance during throw attempt"
    likely_cause: "Poor support leg positioning or inadequate base"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Is support leg slightly bent with weight centered?"
      - "Are you leaning too far forward or backward?"
      - "Is support foot positioned properly perpendicular to throw?"
    solution: "Focus on support leg strength and positioning, practice weight distribution drills"

Timing and Setup Guidance

timing_guidance:
  optimal_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent steps forward with lead leg"
      success_boost: "+20%"
      recognition_cues: ["Forward weight shift", "Lead leg extending", "Upper body leaning in"]
 
    - condition: "During grip exchange when opponent pulls back then steps in"
      success_boost: "+15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Grip adjustment moment", "Momentum change", "Transitional movement"]
 
    - condition: "After failed attack attempt by opponent leaves them extended"
      success_boost: "+15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Recovery posture", "Weight on front foot", "Extended arms"]
 
  avoid_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent in low defensive posture with wide stance"
      success_penalty: "-25%"
      recognition_cues: ["Hips below waist level", "Feet wider than shoulders", "Backward lean"]
 
    - condition: "Opponent has dominant grips controlling your upper body"
      success_penalty: "-20%"
      recognition_cues: ["Strong collar control", "Arm trapped", "Limited rotation ability"]
 
    - condition: "Your own balance is compromised or you're off-center"
      success_penalty: "-15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Unstable footing", "Weight distribution off", "Reactive posture"]
 
setup_sequences:
  - sequence_name: "Collar Drag to Harai Goshi"
    steps:
      - "Attempt collar drag to side"
      - "Opponent resists and pulls back"
      - "Use their resistance to step in for Harai Goshi"
    success_boost: "+12%"
 
  - sequence_name: "Arm Drag Feint to Hip Throw"
    steps:
      - "Threaten arm drag"
      - "Opponent defends by pulling elbow back"
      - "Switch to Harai Goshi as they create space"
    success_boost: "+10%"
 
  - sequence_name: "Double Grip Break to Entry"
    steps:
      - "Break opponent's grips dynamically"
      - "Establish your grips during their reset"
      - "Enter immediately before they stabilize"
    success_boost: "+8%"

Narrative Generation Prompts

narrative_prompts:
  setup_phase:
    - "You establish strong sleeve and collar control, feeling your opponent's weight distribution through the connection."
    - "Your opponent matches your grips, both of you engaged in the standing chess match of grip fighting."
    - "You sense an opening as they adjust their stance, their weight shifting slightly forward."
 
  execution_phase:
    - "You explode into action, stepping in deep while pulling them forward off-balance."
    - "Your hip rotates smoothly beneath their center of gravity as your sweeping leg arcs through their base."
    - "The coordinated movement of hip, leg, and arms creates irresistible rotational force."
 
  completion_phase:
    - "Your opponent lifts off the mat, airborne for a moment before crashing down."
    - "You maintain control through the throw, following them to the ground."
    - "As they land, you're already establishing side control, capitalizing on the dominant position."
 
  failure_phase:
    - "Your opponent sprawls hard, preventing your hip insertion and nullifying the throw."
    - "They recognize the attack early, widening their base and shutting down your entry."
    - "Your timing is off and they counter, forcing you to abandon the technique."

Image Generation Prompts

image_prompts:
  setup_position:
    prompt: "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standing position, one practitioner with strong sleeve grip on right arm and deep collar grip, both in upright athletic stance, wearing blue and white gis, mat background, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Sleeve control", "Collar grip", "Athletic stance", "Upright posture"]
 
  mid_execution:
    prompt: "BJJ Harai Goshi in motion, practitioner's hip inserted under opponent, sweeping leg extended across opponent's legs, opponent off-balance beginning to lift, dynamic rotational movement, technical illustration"
    key_elements: ["Hip insertion", "Sweeping leg motion", "Rotation", "Off-balance"]
 
  completion_position:
    prompt: "BJJ side control after Harai Goshi throw, top practitioner securing crossface and underhook, bottom opponent on back, control established, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Side control", "Crossface", "Top position", "Throw completion"]

Audio Narration Scripts

audio_scripts:
  instructional_narration:
    script: "From standing, establish your sleeve and collar grips with strong control. As your opponent steps forward, explode into the throw by turning your hip underneath their center of gravity. Your sweeping leg arcs powerfully across their legs while your arms pull in a circular motion. The combination creates a sweeping rotation that lifts them off the ground. Follow through to establish side control as they land."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Moderate"
    emphasis: ["sleeve and collar grips", "turn your hip", "sweeping leg arcs", "follow through"]
 
  coaching_cues:
    script: "Get those grips strong. Feel their weight shift. Now step and turn. Hip in deep. Sweep through hard. Pull and rotate. Throw them over. Follow to the mat. Side control. Lock it down. Perfect execution."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Energetic"
    emphasis: ["grips strong", "hip in deep", "sweep through hard", "follow to the mat", "perfect execution"]
 
  competition_commentary:
    script: "Watch the grip fighting here. Excellent timing as the opponent commits forward. Beautiful hip insertion, and there's the sweep. Powerful rotation and he's airborne. Lands hard and immediate side control secured. Textbook Harai Goshi adapted for BJJ competition. That's two points and dominant position in one explosive movement."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Fast"
    emphasis: ["Excellent timing", "Beautiful hip insertion", "airborne", "Textbook Harai Goshi", "explosive movement"]

Competition Applications

• IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as takedown (2 points) with immediate side control establishing positional dominance
• No-Gi Competition: Highly effective with modified grip systems using overhooks, underhooks, and collar ties
• Self-Defense Context: Powerful throw for incapacitating aggressor and establishing control in real confrontations
• MMA Applications: Modified version viable in mixed martial arts with cage awareness and striking defense considerations

Historical Context

Harai Goshi is one of the 40 original throws of Kodokan Judo, classified in the Dai Ikkyo (first group) of the Gokyo no Waza. Developed in the late 19th century by Jigoro Kano, it represents the principle of maximum efficiency with minimum effort. The technique has been successfully adapted into BJJ competition, particularly in gi divisions where traditional grips enhance control. Its effectiveness in both judo and BJJ competition demonstrates the universal biomechanical principles underlying successful throwing techniques.

Safety Considerations

• Controlled Application: Execute with awareness of opponent’s falling trajectory to prevent injury on impact
• Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space around training area for safe throw completion and following to ground
• Partner Safety: Maintain grip connection throughout throw to control descent and prevent hard landing
• Gradual Progression: Build up speed and power incrementally, starting with cooperative drilling before live resistance
• Breakfall Requirement: Both practitioners must understand proper ukemi (breakfall techniques) before practicing throws

Position Integration

Common combinations and sequences:

• Standing Position → Harai Goshi → Side Control
• Standing Position → Harai Goshi → Side Control Top - Primary landing position
• Standing Position → Harai Goshi → Top Position
• Clinch Position → Harai Goshi → Side Control
• Standing Position → Failed Harai Goshi → Arm Drag (if countered)
• Standing Position → Harai Goshi → Mount (if opponent turns)

Related Techniques

• Osoto Gari - Related outer reaping throw with similar off-balancing principles
• Seoi Nage - Shoulder throw using different hip insertion angle
• Uchi Mata - Inner thigh throw with related sweeping mechanics
• O Goshi - Major hip throw focusing more on hip lift than sweep
• Tani Otoshi - Valley drop throw as counter to Harai Goshi defense
• Collar Drag - Setup technique that creates opportunities for hip throw entries