Ippon Seoi Nage

bjj transition takedown judo throw standing

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

Transition ID: T230
Transition Name: Ippon Seoi Nage
Alternative Names: One Arm Shoulder Throw, Single Sleeve Shoulder Throw

State Machine Properties

Starting State: Standing Position, Clinch Position
Ending State: Side Control, Top Position, Mount
Transition Type: Attack - categorizes transition purpose

Transition Properties

Success Probability: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 70% - core probability data
Execution Complexity: High - technical difficulty requiring deep entry and explosive power
Energy Cost: High - physical demand of execution
Time Required: Quick - duration of transition
Risk Level: Medium - chance of backfire or position loss

Physical Requirements

Strength Requirements: High for upper body control and explosive lifting
Flexibility Requirements: High for deep hip entry and shoulder mobility
Coordination Requirements: High for technical precision and timing
Speed Requirements: High for timing-dependent execution

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From standing position with collar and sleeve control, you initiate the throw by pulling your opponent forward to break their balance. As they resist or step forward, you step deeply in front of them with your lead foot while simultaneously releasing your sleeve grip and driving that arm under their armpit, threading it through to grab their belt or back of their gi. You then bring your back foot close to your lead foot, dropping your hips below their center of gravity while turning your back to them completely. The key is to load their weight onto your back by pulling them forward with your collar grip and lifting with your arm that’s threaded under their armpit. Once loaded, you explosively straighten your legs and rotate your torso, throwing them over your shoulder in a clean arc to land on their back. You follow through by maintaining control and landing in a dominant top position such as side control or mount.

Template: “From standing with collar-sleeve grips, pull opponent forward breaking balance. Drive arm under their armpit, step in deep, drop hips below theirs. Load weight on your back, explode upward rotating torso, throw over shoulder. Follow through to dominant top position.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

Setup Requirements: Establish collar and sleeve grips from standing position
Initial Movement: Pull opponent forward to break their balance while stepping in
Opponent Response: Opponent typically resists or attempts to maintain posture
Adaptation: Adjust depth of entry and grip position based on resistance
Completion: Drive controlled arm under opponent’s armpit and load them on your back
Consolidation: Explode upward and rotate to throw over shoulder to dominant position

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

Grip Requirements: Deep collar grip and proper arm insertion under armpit
Base/Foundation: Feet close together with hips dropped below opponent’s center
Timing Windows: Execute as opponent moves forward or is off-balance
Leverage Points: Back and shoulder as fulcrum for throwing motion
Common Adjustments: Vary entry depth and rotation speed based on opponent size

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

Setup Quality: Strong grips and deep arm insertion (+/-20%)
Timing Precision: Executing during opponent’s forward momentum (+/-20%)
Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive reactions and balance (+/-5%)
Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding throw mechanics (+/-10%)
Position Control: Quality of hip entry and loading (+/-15%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

Hip Block: Preventing deep entry with defensive stance → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: early recognition)
Posture Recovery: Breaking grips and stepping back → Standing Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: strong grip break)
Counter Throw: Using momentum for own takedown → Top Position (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: superior timing)
Sprawl Defense: Dropping hips to prevent throw → Front Headlock (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: wrestling background)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [hip entry] is blocked:
- Execute [[Hip Block]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [throw setup] is recognized early:
- Execute [[Posture Recovery]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [opponent has wrestling defense]:
- Execute [[Sprawl Defense]] (Probability: 30%)

Else if [momentum can be redirected]:
- Execute [[Counter Throw]] (Probability: 25%)

Else [optimal throw execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

John Danaher: “Ippon seoi nage is the purest expression of shoulder throw mechanics in judo. The technique requires complete commitment - you must turn your back fully to the opponent and drop your hips below theirs. The arm threading under the armpit creates exceptional control compared to the two-handed version, but demands more precise timing and deeper entry. This throw teaches the principle of using your entire body as a lever.”
Gordon Ryan: “In high-level competition, ippon seoi nage is devastating because it often results in a hard throw that can immediately transition to mount or submission. I focus on the explosive power element - once you’ve loaded them on your back, the straightening of the legs must be violent and fast. The single arm control also sets up immediate attacks on that arm if the throw is defended.”
Eddie Bravo: “Ippon seoi nage represents the classic judo approach - high risk, high reward. In the 10th Planet system, we adapt this by using it as a setup for back takes when partially defended. The deep entry and rotation create excellent scramble opportunities. It’s particularly effective in no-gi when you can control the tricep instead of the gi sleeve.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

Error: Shallow hip entry or insufficient dropping below opponent
Why It Fails: Cannot load opponent’s weight effectively on back
Correction: Drop hips deeply below opponent’s center of gravity before lifting
Recognition: Throw feels heavy or opponent maintains their base
Error: Arm not threaded deeply enough under armpit
Why It Fails: Lacks control and allows opponent to escape or counter
Correction: Drive arm all the way through to grab belt or back of gi
Recognition: Opponent pulls arm free or resists loading
Error: Insufficient balance breaking before entry
Why It Fails: Opponent maintains stable base and blocks entry
Correction: Pull strongly forward to create forward lean before stepping in
Recognition: Unable to complete entry or opponent easily defends

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

Optimal Conditions: When opponent leans forward or steps into your pull
Avoid When: Opponent maintains low, wide defensive stance
Setup Sequences: After grip fighting that brings opponent forward
Follow-up Windows: Must complete throw within 2-3 seconds

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

Technical Skills: Advanced standing grip fighting and deep entry mechanics
Physical Preparation: Hip flexibility and explosive leg power
Positional Understanding: Standing position mechanics and kuzushi principles
Experience Level: Advanced technique requiring commitment and timing

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the leverage in ippon seoi nage?”
Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to thread the arm under?”
Error Prevention: “What is the most common hip entry mistake?”
Setup Requirements: “Which grip transition is essential for the throw?”
Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent blocks your hip entry?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

Gi Specific: Traditional belt or back grip for maximum control
No-Gi Specific: Adapt to tricep control and overhook positions
Self-Defense: Modified version for clothing grips in street situations
Competition: High-scoring throw when executed cleanly
Size Differential: Particularly effective for smaller practitioners against larger opponents

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

Solo Practice: Hip entry and rotation motion without partner
Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows throw completion for timing development
Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive defensive resistance
Sparring Integration: Implementing throw during live standing exchanges
Troubleshooting: Identifying and correcting entry depth issues

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

Movement Verbs: Pull, thread, drive, drop, load, explode, rotate, throw
Spatial References: Armpit insertion, hip drop, shoulder load, arc trajectory
Pressure Dynamics: Pulling force, lifting power, explosive straightening
Momentum Descriptions: Deep entry, violent explosion, clean throw

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

Setup Cues: “Get your grips and pull them forward”
Execution Guidance: “Drive that arm deep under the armpit and drop your hips”
Adaptation Prompts: “Feel their weight loading and explode through”
Completion Confirmation: “Throw them clean and secure top position”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

Starting Position: Standing with collar and sleeve grips established
Transition Points: Arm threading, hip drop, loading, explosive throw
Ending Position: Top position with opponent on ground
Alternative Outcomes: Failed throw leading to scramble or counter

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

Force Vectors: Upward lifting force combined with rotational torque
Leverage Ratios: Back and shoulder as fulcrum multiplying leg power
Range of Motion: Full hip drop with explosive leg extension
Power Generation: Leg drive, core rotation, and grip strength coordination

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

Example Implementation

See Seoi Nage for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

Consistent transition data for state machine implementation
Probability calculations with modifier systems
Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
Educational value through expert analysis
Technical depth for authentic understanding
Structured decision analysis patterns
Knowledge assessment integration
Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all transition files to maintain consistency and educational value.

Seoi Nage - Related technique
Morote Seoi Nage - Related technique
Tai Otoshi - Related technique
Uchi Mata - Related technique
Side Control Top - Common ending position from ippon seoi nage

Competition Applications

IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as takedown (2 points)
No-Gi Competition: Highly effective with adapted grips
Self-Defense: Excellent for creating immediate dominance
MMA Applications: Modified version useful in mixed martial arts

Historical Context

Ippon seoi nage is one of the most iconic throws in judo, distinguished from morote seoi nage by the single-arm control under the opponent’s armpit. Developed within the Kodokan system, it emphasizes maximum commitment and explosive power, making it a favorite of elite judo competitors worldwide.

Safety Considerations

Landing Control: Maintain grip connection to control opponent’s fall
Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space for safe completion
Training Partners: Practice with appropriate resistance levels
Breakfall Skills: Both partners should understand proper falling techniques

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