1. Objective and Purpose

The O-Goshi, also known as the Major Hip Throw, is one of the most fundamental and effective judo techniques. It utilizes the thrower’s hip as a pivot point to launch their opponent over their hip and onto the ground. In MMA, this throw can be used to quickly close distance, unbalance the opponent, and gain a dominant position on the ground. The purpose is to execute a clean, powerful throw that either results in immediate control or a positional advantage on the ground.

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2. Steps for Execution of the Judo Throw (O-Goshi)

1. Setup and Entry
   • Close the Distance: To execute the O-Goshi, you need to close the distance with your opponent, typically through strikes, feints, or by clinching after evading their attacks. The idea is to get close enough to create the angle for the hip throw.
   • Establish Grip Control: Like other judo throws, establishing a solid grip on your opponent’s body is crucial. You’ll typically grab the opponent’s upper body (collar if in gi, or around the waist or body if no gi). A strong grip around the torso or across the back can help control their posture.
   • Position Your Body: Position your body at a 45-degree angle to your opponent, ensuring your chest faces theirs. Your hips should be lower than theirs to allow for the proper use of your hips as a lever for the throw. A lower center of gravity gives you the ability to control the throw.
2. Execution of the Throw
   • Step in and Drive Forward: With your lead leg, step deep into your opponent’s stance. This helps you get closer and drives their balance off. While stepping forward, bring your hips in close to theirs, positioning your hip directly under their center of gravity.
   • Rotate Your Body: Once your hips are in position, rotate your body and pull the opponent’s upper body toward you. This action begins the motion of the throw by using your body rotation and hips to unbalance them.
   • Throw the Opponent Over Your Hip: At this point, you’ll use your hips as a fulcrum. By pulling their upper body forward and continuing your body rotation, you’ll lift their legs and throw them over your hip, typically landing them onto their back or side on the ground.
   • Follow Through: After the throw, follow through by landing in a dominant position, such as side control or mount. Staying on top of your opponent ensures you can control them and avoid being swept or countered.

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3. Defensive Techniques Against the O-Goshi

1. Breaking the Grip
   • Avoiding the Grip: One of the best ways to prevent an O-Goshi is by not allowing your opponent to establish a strong grip. If you notice them going for the body or collar grip, you can frame your arms to break their control or use footwork to stay out of range.
   • Escape from the Clinch: If you’re in a clinch and your opponent begins to set up the throw, work to pummel your arms or push off to break their grip. This will give you an opportunity to avoid getting caught in the throw.
2. Lower Your Center of Gravity
   • Sprawl: If you feel the O-Goshi coming, you can sprawl backward to make it harder for your opponent to use their hips effectively. A sprawl lowers your center of gravity, preventing the throw from succeeding.
   • Widen Your Base: Keep a wide base and lower your body. This will make it harder for your opponent to get in deep enough with their hips to lift you. A wider stance gives you a more solid foundation and increases resistance against the throw.
3. Posture Control
   • Stay Upright: Maintaining an upright posture in the clinch is key. If your opponent gets your torso bent forward or off-balance, they can easily perform the O-Goshi. Keep your chest up and back straight to avoid being overpowered by their grip and movement.
   • Frame and Push: Use your forearms and hands to frame against your opponent’s chest or neck to create distance. This helps maintain your posture and prevents your opponent from getting a deep angle for the throw.

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4. Counter-Defense for the O-Goshi

1. Counter with Sprawling
   • If you sense that your opponent is attempting the O-Goshi and you cannot escape the grip or clinch, a sprawl is a useful counter. By sprawling back and lowering your hips, you can prevent the throw from being completed. You’ll resist their attempt to lift you and break their control over your hips.
2. Reversing the Throw
   • If you’re being thrown, try to reverse the motion by using your opponent’s momentum against them. As they rotate and attempt to throw you, you can hook their far leg with your own or twist your body in the opposite direction to disrupt their balance. This can result in you landing on top or reversing the position entirely.
3. Knee Tap or Ankle Pick
   • If your opponent is committed to lifting you with their hip throw, you can counter with a knee tap or an ankle pick. This involves dropping your level quickly and targeting their supporting leg with your own leg to tap it or pick it. This often results in the opponent losing balance and falling without completing the throw.

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5. Keys to Success

• Proper Grip and Control: A secure grip on your opponent’s body or collar is essential for the success of the O-Goshi. You need to pull them into you while keeping their posture controlled.
• Timing and Distance: The O-Goshi works best when you enter into a clinch at the right time, after your opponent has overcommitted to an attack or strike. The timing of stepping in with your leg is key to making sure the throw works.
• Hips and Angle: Getting your hips under your opponent’s and maintaining the correct angle are the two most important elements of the throw. Without proper hip placement, the technique won’t have the power to lift your opponent off the ground.

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6. Common Mistakes

• Not Closing the Distance: If you fail to step in close enough with your lead leg, you won’t be able to properly execute the throw. Ensure you step deep and bring your hips in close to theirs.
• Weak Grip: If you do not secure a firm grip around their body, they can easily escape or defend against the throw. Make sure your grip is tight and controlling.
• Lack of Rotation: Without a full rotation of your body and hips, the opponent won’t be off-balance enough to be thrown over your hip. Practice full rotation to effectively throw them.

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The O-Goshi is a powerful and versatile technique for MMA. By using the hips as a lever and maintaining control over your opponent, you can throw them onto the ground, either gaining a dominant position or creating an opportunity for follow-up submissions or strikes. Mastering the setup, execution, and defense against this throw is crucial for any MMA fighter aiming to incorporate effective grappling and judo-based takedowns into their game.