Mastering the High-Percentage Throws for Ippon: Stats from the Best Judoka

Judo is all about timing, technique, and precision. While there are dozens of throws to learn, certain throws consistently lead to Ippon (the perfect throw), which ends the match. But which throws have the highest success rates, and what sets the world’s best Judoka apart in their ability to execute these throws? Let’s dive into the stats behind high-percentage throws and take a look at some of the top Judo players and the techniques that help them dominate on the mat.

What Makes a Throw High-Percentage for Ippon?

In Judo, Ippon is the ultimate goal of any throw. It’s awarded when a competitor successfully throws their opponent onto their back with force, speed, and control. However, not all throws are created equal. Some throws have a higher success rate due to their ability to off-balance the opponent quickly and forcefully.

High-percentage throws for Ippon tend to share a few common features:

• Strong kuzushi (off-balancing): Creating a strong imbalance is the first step in setting up any successful throw.

• Proper timing: Knowing when to execute the throw is critical. The best Judoka can sense the exact moment to attack.

• Adaptability: Being able to switch between different throws depending on the opponent’s movement and reactions.

Top Judo Players and Their High-Percentage Ippon Throws

The world’s best Judoka have refined certain throws that they’ve used to earn consistent victories. Let’s take a look at some of the top players in Judo and their high-percentage throws for Ippon.

1. Teddy Riner (France) – Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw)

Teddy Riner, one of the most decorated Judo players in history, has won numerous World Championship titles and Olympic gold medals. His signature move is the Uchi Mata (inner thigh throw).

• Throw Breakdown: Riner uses his massive size and incredible control to execute a flawless Uchi Mata, where he sweeps his opponent’s leg while simultaneously lifting them with his body. Riner’s ability to maintain perfect kuzushi while using his strength and leverage makes this throw one of his highest-percentage techniques.

• Success Rate: Uchi Mata is one of the highest-scoring throws in his repertoire, delivering Ippon with great consistency due to his ability to get his opponent’s leg off the ground and control their movement.

Teddy Riner performs a perfect Uchi-Mata

2. Shohei Ono (Japan) – Seoi Nage (Back Carry Throw)

Shohei Ono is known for his Seoi Nage, one of the most successful throws in Judo. His technique has helped him win multiple World Championships and Olympic gold.

• Throw Breakdown: Seoi Nage is a shoulder throw where the Judoka uses their hip and shoulder to lift the opponent onto their back, creating a clean Ippon. Ono’s success lies in his flawless timing, quick entry into the throw, and precision in lifting and throwing his opponent.

• Success Rate: Ono has a high success rate with Seoi Nage, particularly when he enters the throw while his opponent is off-balance or attacking. His ability to land Ippon with this throw makes it his go-to technique in major competitions.

Shohei Ono performing O-Soto-Gari (for some reason) using an armpit grip.

3. Clarisse Agbegnenou (France) – Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw)

Clarisse Agbegnenou is a dominant force in the women’s Judo world and has earned multiple World Championship titles. Like Riner, she excels with Uchi Mata, using it to secure many of her wins.

• Throw Breakdown: Agbegnenou’s Uchi Mata is characterized by precise movement and exceptional timing. She utilizes her footwork and kuzushi to set up the leg sweep with devastating effectiveness. By lifting her opponent’s leg and guiding them over her, she secures Ippon with smooth control.

• Success Rate: Uchi Mata is a key element of Agbegnenou’s strategy and results in frequent Ippon victories. She’s one of the most successful women in Judo with this move, frequently using it to dominate her opponents.

Clarisse Agbegnenou using expression based Kusushi

 4. Ryu Shichinohe (Japan) – Tomoe Nage (Circle Throw)

Ryu Shichinohe, a competitor from Japan, is known for his creative and effective use of Tomoe Nage (circle throw), a throw that isn’t seen as often in modern Judo, but when executed correctly, it’s a powerful weapon.

• Throw Breakdown: Tomoe Nage involves the Judoka using their body to create a circular motion, pulling their opponent over their head and onto their back. Shichinohe’s timing and positioning make him especially dangerous with this throw, as he can surprise opponents with quick and fluid movements.

• Success Rate: Shichinohe’s ability to land Ippon with Tomoe Nage is impressive, especially given how unexpected the move is for opponents. This throw isn’t as commonly used at the highest levels but has been incredibly successful for him when executed at the right time.

5. Naohisa Takato (Japan) – Ashi Waza (Foot Techniques)

Naohisa Takato has made his mark in the Judo world with his Ashi Waza (foot techniques), particularly his Kouchi Gari (small inner reap) and De Ashi Barai (advancing foot sweep).

• Throw Breakdown: Takato is known for his lightning-fast footwork. He uses Ashi Waza to attack his opponent’s legs, off-balancing them quickly and sweeping them off their feet with precision. His De Ashi Barai is a signature move that takes advantage of his opponent’s step forward to swiftly sweep their foot.

• Success Rate: Takato’s foot sweeps result in high rates of Ippon. He is quick, agile, and precise, making him a dangerous competitor when it comes to Ashi Waza.

Naohisa Takato being goofy.

The High-Percentage Throws: Why Timing Matters 

While the above Judoka have their favorite, high-success throws, the real secret to their success lies in timing. Ippon isn’t about just throwing an opponent, it’s about throwing them at the right moment. These high-percentage throws work because the Tori takes advantage of the opponent’s off-balance position and seizes the opportunity to execute the throw.

The success of a throw depends on:

• Kuzushi (off-balancing): You need to get your opponent’s weight onto the leg or position that is vulnerable to your attack.

• Timing: Knowing when your opponent is most vulnerable to a throw and reacting instantly.

• Commitment: Once you’ve set up the throw, committing to it fully is key to executing it successfully.

The Takeaway: Mastering High-Percentage Throws

While there are many throws to master in Judo, certain throws consistently produce high rates of Ippon. Judoka like Teddy Riner, Shohei Ono, and Clarisse Agbegnenou have made their names with certain signature techniques that they’ve perfected through practice, timing, and precision.

For beginners and seasoned competitors alike, focusing on mastering these high-percentage throws can give you an edge in competition. Whether it’s Uchi Mata, Seoi Nage, or Ashi Waza, these techniques have been proven to work time and time again at the highest levels of Judo.

So, the next time you hit the mat, remember that mastering these high-percentage throws could be the key to landing that Ippon and taking your Judo to the next level.

Your Turn:

What are your high-percentage throws? Why do you use them, and how do they work best for you? Also, who is your Judo hero or inspiration? Let’s hear who motivates you and what throws you’ve mastered from their playbook. Share your thoughts in the comments below!