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Seoi-nage () literally translates to back carry throw. The main idea is to load the opponent on to your back and then lift and twist to throw them.

This throw is often referred to as a shoulder throw, which would be a misnomer.



Morote-seoi-nage (双手背負投) Two hand back carry throw.

With your left hand, grab the opponents left sleeve at the elbow or near the end of their sleeve. With your right hand, grip the opponents collar.

Step in with your right foot about halfway between you and your opponent. Break their balance to their front or front right by pulling up and back with your arms. Continue pulling back as you bend your legs, pivot on your right foot and place your left foot in front of the opponents left foot so that they are facing the same direction.

As you do this, your right arm should slide across the opponents chest and under their right armpit. You should have control of both arms now.

There should now be no space between you and your opponent. Straighten your legs, twist your body, and bend forward to load the opponent on to your back and throw them.



While very similar to seoi-nage, it is classified as it's own type of technique.

For more, please see the main article: Ippon-seoi-nage

Koga seoi-nage[edit]

This can be done with any hand placement commonly used for seoi-nage. Tori steps forward with their right foot to make a triangle with their and uke's feet while off balancing uke forward. As tori turns they replace their right foot with their left foot and step their right foot far behind uke's feet. By this point tori should have pulled uke tight to their back. After uke leaves the ground tori lifts their back foot in an uchi-mata like motion.

This variation was popularized by Toshihiko Koga (古賀 稔彦)


Drop knee seoi-nage[edit]

Variation where you drop deeper than usual.

It is important to note, if you drop your knees to the mat and do not rise again, then the throw would be classified as Seoi-otoshi.

Cross Sleeve grip seoi-nage[edit]

Variation where both hands grip same side of the gi. Normal lapel grip but the sleeve hand is on the same side as the lapel hand.

Double sleeve grip seoi-nage[edit]

Kata seoi-nage[edit]


Instructional Video[edit]