BJJ Graph

Tomoe Nage

Jun 15, 202511 min read

Tomoe Nage

bjjtransitiontakedownjudosacrifice_throw

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T062
  • Transition Name: Tomoe Nage
  • Alternative Names: Circle Throw, Stomach Throw

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 65% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: High - requires precise timing, grip control, and sacrifice mechanics
  • Energy Cost: High - demands explosive movement and full body commitment
  • Risk Level: High - potential for losing position if mistimed or countered
  • Execution Speed: Fast - must be executed quickly to off-balance opponent

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium to High for pulling and lifting motion
  • Flexibility Requirements: High for hip mobility and leg extension during throw
  • Coordination Requirements: High for timing grip, foot placement, and sacrifice fall
  • Speed Requirements: High for quick entry and off-balancing action

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

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

From a Standing Position or Clinch Position, you begin facing the opponent with a strong grip, typically a collar and sleeve grip or over-under control, maintaining an upright posture to control their upper body and set up the takedown, while keeping your feet shoulder-width apart for a stable base. You initiate the attack by pulling the opponent forward with your grips, breaking their posture and forcing them to step or lean toward you, as you step back slightly with one foot to create space and angle your body for the throw, ensuring your pulling action keeps their weight shifting over their front foot. As they commit their weight forward, you place your dominant foot (often the same side as your sleeve grip) on their lower abdomen or hip, with your toes pointing up to create a pivot point, while simultaneously sitting back and down into a controlled sacrifice fall, rolling onto your back and pulling them over you with both arms, using your core to guide their momentum. With your foot acting as a fulcrum, you extend your leg powerfully to lift and flip the opponent over your head, maintaining grip control to direct their fall, as your other leg bends or posts on the mat to assist in the rotation and prevent them from landing directly on you. You follow through by rolling with the momentum, either coming up on top if the throw lands them on their back, securing a top position like side control or mount, or transitioning into a guard position if they manage to turn mid-air, ready to attack or defend as the situation dictates.

Template: “From Standing or Clinch Position, secure collar and sleeve or over-under grip, maintain upright posture. Pull opponent forward to break posture, step back to create space and angle. Place dominant foot on lower abdomen or hip, sit back into sacrifice fall, pull them over. Extend leg to lift and flip opponent over head, control fall with grips. Roll with momentum to top position or transition to guard based on landing.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Start in Standing or Clinch Position with strong grip control
  2. Grip Establishment: Secure collar and sleeve or over-under grip for upper body control
  3. Posture Break: Pull opponent forward to disrupt balance, force weight onto front foot
  4. Positioning Step: Step back with one foot to create space and angle for throw
  5. Foot Placement: Place dominant foot on opponent’s lower abdomen or hip as pivot
  6. Sacrifice Fall: Sit back and down, rolling onto back in controlled fall
  7. Pulling Action: Pull opponent over with both arms, guide momentum with core
  8. Leg Extension: Extend pivot leg to lift and flip opponent over your head
  9. Throw Completion: Direct opponent’s fall with grips, roll with momentum
  10. Position Outcome: Land in top position (side control/mount) or transition to guard

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Control: Strong pulling grips to break opponent’s posture and guide throw
  • Foot Placement: Accurate positioning of foot on abdomen/hip as pivot point
  • Sacrifice Timing: Controlled fall to back at precise moment of opponent’s imbalance
  • Leg Power: Explosive extension of pivot leg to lift and flip opponent
  • Momentum Management: Rolling with throw to secure advantageous landing position

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Grip Strength: Effectiveness of collar/sleeve control for pulling (+/-20%)
  • Opponent Posture: Degree of forward lean or imbalance (+/-15%)
  • Timing Precision: Coordination of pull and sacrifice fall (+/-15%)
  • Foot Placement Accuracy: Correct positioning on abdomen/hip (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding sacrifice throw mechanics (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Posture Recovery: Stepping back to regain balance → Standing Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Base Widening: Lowering center of gravity to resist pull → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Counter Throw: Using attacker’s fall for own takedown → Top Position (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: advanced skill)
  • Guard Pull Defense: Falling into guard to avoid full throw → Guard Position (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: defensive mindset)

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

Decision Logic

If [throw setup] is recognized early:
- Execute [[Posture Recovery]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [center of gravity] can be lowered quickly:
- Execute [[Base Widening]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [skill level] allows counter attack:
- Attempt [[Counter Throw]] (Probability: 25%)

Else [defensive mindset] prioritizes position:
- Attempt [[Guard Pull Defense]] (Probability: 20%)

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

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “Tomoe Nage is a classic judo sacrifice throw that exemplifies the principle of using an opponent’s momentum against them. The key is in the precise timing of the sacrifice fall and the foot placement to create a pivot for the throw, demonstrating how strategic yielding can lead to dominance. This technique teaches critical principles of balance manipulation that are essential for advanced takedown systems.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, Tomoe Nage can be a high-risk, high-reward move, especially against opponents who overcommit forward. I focus on pulling them into the throw with strong grips and rolling with the momentum to secure top control. This throw shows how judo techniques can be adapted into BJJ for dynamic stand-up game.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Tomoe Nage is a slick sacrifice throw that blends judo with BJJ’s ground focus, offering a way to transition from standing to ground with control. It’s a great move for grapplers who like to surprise opponents with unorthodox takedowns, often leading directly into guard attacks. This technique integrates well with systems that prioritize fluid transitions from standing to ground.”

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

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Poor grip control or insufficient posture break

  • Why It Fails: Lacks leverage to pull opponent forward into throw

  • Correction: Secure strong collar/sleeve grip and pull to disrupt balance

  • Recognition: Opponent remains upright or easily steps back

  • Error: Incorrect foot placement on opponent’s body

  • Why It Fails: Reduces pivot effectiveness, making throw difficult or dangerous

  • Correction: Place foot accurately on lower abdomen or hip with toes up

  • Recognition: Throw stalls or foot slips during leg extension

  • Error: Mistimed sacrifice fall or lack of commitment

  • Why It Fails: Loses momentum or leaves attacker vulnerable on back

  • Correction: Commit to controlled fall as opponent leans forward

  • Recognition: Opponent counters with posture recovery or top pressure

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent overcommits forward or leans heavily
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains low, defensive posture with strong base
  • Setup Sequences: After establishing strong pulling grips to break posture
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete throw within 2-3 seconds to avoid counters

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of judo throw principles and sacrifice mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Hip flexibility and core strength for lifting and rolling
  • Positional Understanding: Control points in standing and clinch positions
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced - requires precise timing and commitment

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the pivot point in Tomoe Nage?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate Tomoe Nage?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in executing Tomoe Nage?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grip is essential for starting Tomoe Nage?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent resists during Tomoe Nage?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Standard Tomoe Nage: Classic judo throw with foot on abdomen and sacrifice fall
  • Side Tomoe Nage: Modified angle for throw to side rather than straight over
  • No-Gi Variation: Adjusted grip strength and pulling mechanics without gi
  • Counter Adaptation: Applied as counter to opponent’s forward pressure
  • Combination Setup: Used in chain with other judo throws or guard pulls

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Foot placement and sacrifice fall drills without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows throw for technique development
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive resistance to setup
  • Sparring Integration: Attempt during live standing or clinch scenarios
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and correct issues with timing or foot positioning

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Secure, pull, step, place, sit, roll, extend, lift, flip, follow
  • Spatial References: Abdomen pivot, over head, sacrifice back, top or guard landing
  • Pressure Dynamics: Posture break, pulling leverage, lifting force
  • Momentum Descriptions: Controlled fall, explosive extension, rolling transition

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Secure strong grips, pull to break their posture forward”
  • Execution Guidance: “Step back, place foot on abdomen, sit into sacrifice fall, lift over”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “If they resist, adjust angle or transition to guard pull”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Roll with momentum, come up on top or secure guard position”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Standing or clinch with pulling grips
  • Transition Points: Posture break, foot placement, sacrifice fall, leg extension
  • Finishing Position: Top position or guard after throw
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt leading to bottom position or counter

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Downward pull with grips, upward lift with pivot leg
  • Leverage Ratios: Foot on abdomen as fulcrum for opponent’s body weight
  • Range of Motion: Hip flexion and leg extension for throw mechanics
  • Power Generation: Core and leg strength for lifting and flipping action

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Hip Bump Sweep 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.

  • Standing Position - Primary starting position for this throw
  • Clinch Position - Alternative starting position with closer control
  • Sumi Gaeshi - Similar judo sacrifice throw with different mechanics
  • Guard Position - Common outcome if throw doesn’t secure top dominance

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as takedown (2 points)
  • No-Gi Competition: Effective with modified grip setups
  • Self-Defense: Useful for taking down aggressive opponents in real-world scenarios
  • MMA Applications: Applicable with adjustments for striking defense

Historical Context

Tomoe Nage is a traditional judo throw, known as the “circle throw,” developed as part of Jigoro Kano’s Kodokan Judo system in the late 19th century. It has been adapted into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for its effectiveness in transitioning from standing to ground, often leading to guard attacks or top control in modern grappling contexts.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Throw: Execute with control to avoid injuring opponent on impact
  • Personal Safety: Be prepared to adjust if throw fails or opponent counters
  • Partner Communication: Ensure opponent is ready for dynamic standing movement
  • Training Environment: Use in controlled settings with proper mats to prevent injury

Position Integration

Common Tomoe Nage combinations:

Training Applications

  • Takedown Development: Essential for judo-inspired standing game
  • Competition Preparation: High-risk, high-reward move for scoring takedown points
  • Control Training: Builds skills in transitioning from standing to ground
  • Timing Mastery: Encourages development of precise timing and balance disruption

Graph View

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