Harai Goshi is a classic judo hip throw adapted for BJJ, using a sweeping hip and leg action to off-balance and project the opponent from standing. It is highly effective for transitioning directly to a dominant top position, especially against upright or forward-pressuring opponents.
Start
Standing, collar/sleeve grip
End
Top position
Prerequisites: Collar-and-sleeve grip · Kazushi (off-balancing) · Hip placement for throws · Basic breakfall awareness
Steps
1
Establish Collar-and-Sleeve Grip
Secure a high collar grip with your right hand and a sleeve grip at the opponent’s left elbow with your left hand, keeping elbows tight and wrists engaged for maximal control.
2
Initiate Kazushi (Off-Balancing)
Pull the collar grip upward and forward at a 45° angle while simultaneously steering the sleeve grip across your opponent’s centerline to shift their weight onto their right foot.
3
Step Inside and Align Hips
Step your right foot deeply between your opponent’s feet, turning your hips so your right hip is slightly ahead of and in front of their right hip, with your toes pointing in the same direction as theirs.
4
Pivot and Load Opponent
Pivot on your right foot while bringing your left foot around, so your body is perpendicular to your opponent, and pull them onto your hip shelf by extending your legs and rotating your torso.
5
Sweep with the Leg
Extend your left leg straight and sweep it backward in a wide arc, making contact with the back of their right thigh just above the knee, while keeping your toes pointed and leg stiff.
6
Execute the Throw
Simultaneously drive your hips forward, rotate your torso, and pull with both grips as you sweep, projecting your opponent over your hip and onto the mat.
7
Follow Through to Top Position
Maintain your grips and posture as you land, using your collar hand to post if necessary, and immediately transition to a dominant top position—ideally side control or knee-on-belly.
Key details most people miss
The sweep works best when your hip is lower than your opponent's center of gravity—avoid being too upright.
Your sweeping leg should remain straight and make contact above their knee, not at the calf or hip, to maximize leverage.
Kazushi is achieved with both hands: collar hand lifts and sleeve hand pulls across, not just down.
Keep your chest tall and avoid bending at the waist, or your opponent will slip off your back.
Common mistakes
If you step too shallow with your entry foot, your hips won't block theirs and they can sprawl or counter.
If you sweep too low (at the calf), the opponent's leg bends and absorbs the force, stalling the throw.
If you fail to off-balance before entry, the opponent remains stable and can counter with an uchi mata or hip switch.
If you release the sleeve grip during the throw, opponent may turn and land on top during the scramble.
Counters & responses
They try: Opponent posts their right leg wide to block the sweep
You do: Switch to O Goshi (hip throw without leg sweep) or transition to an inside trip (Ouchi Gari) as their weight shifts.
They try: Opponent lowers their base and backsteps to avoid being loaded
You do: Use the collar grip to snap them forward and reattempt the entry as they recover posture.
They try: Opponent grabs a whizzer/overhook on your entry
You do: Circle your hips in deeper and use the overhook to pull them onto your hip, or switch to a foot sweep (De Ashi Barai).
They try: Opponent attempts to counter with Uchi Mata as you turn in
You do: Keep your hips lower and tight, and drive your sweeping leg forcefully to disrupt their balance before they can elevate their leg.
Drill prescription
6 rounds × 2 min; 50% resistance; each round, alternate roles and aim for 5 clean throws per person, landing in top control and holding for 3 seconds.
How the masters teach it
Saulo Ribeiro
Emphasizes BJJ-specific grips and immediate transition to side control after the throw.
WorldMartialArts
Rickson Gracie
Focuses on hip placement and kazushi for effortless off-balancing, even against larger opponents.