Uchi Mata

Takedown

Uchi Mata is an inner-thigh reaping throw executed from an overhook (whizzer) clinch, where you sweep your opponent's leg while rotating your body to off-balance and throw them. It is particularly effective when you have a dominant overhook grip and your opponent is squaring up or pushing into you.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The overhook must be deep with strong shoulder pressure to control posture and prevent opponent from pulling away.
  • · Kuzushi (off-balancing) is generated by pulling the opponent forward and over your hip before the reap.
  • · Your sweeping leg drives upward through the opponent's inner thigh while your upper body rotates downward, creating a lever effect.
  • · Turning your back fully into the opponent and loading their weight onto your hip is essential before executing the reap.
  • · If the opponent resists by posting their leg wide, transition to Ouchi Gari or Ko Uchi Gari as chain attacks.

Execution

  1. 1 From overhook control clinch, secure a deep overhook on one side and grip the opponent's collar, sleeve, or neck on the other side.
  2. 2 Step your lead foot (same side as overhook) across and in front of the opponent's centerline, turning your back into them while pulling them forward off-balance.
  3. 3 Drive your hips back into the opponent's hips, loading their weight onto your hip as you continue rotating.
  4. 4 Sweep your free leg upward between the opponent's legs, reaping their inner thigh while pulling them over your hip with your upper body rotation.
  5. 5 Follow through the rotation to land in top position, maintaining the overhook or transitioning to side control.

Common mistakes

  • × Attempting the reap without first breaking the opponent's balance forward, resulting in a stalled throw with no leverage.
  • × Not turning the hips fully into the opponent, which prevents proper loading and leaves you bent over without power.
  • × Sweeping the leg too low near the knee instead of driving high through the inner thigh, reducing rotational force and allowing the opponent to base out.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Uchi Mata shows up.

Overhook Control Clinch

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Side Control Top