Combat Sports
Ippon-Seoi-Nage Entry Drill
The Ippon-Seoi-Nage entry drill practices the turn-in for a one-arm shoulder throw without completing the throw. It develops coordinated pulling, leg control, and positioning with a cooperative partner.
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Moderate injury risk
- Rest 1 min
How to do it
- For a right-sided entry, grip your standing partner's right sleeve just above the elbow with your left hand.
- Draw your partner's weight forward toward the balls of their feet through the sleeve grip.
- Step your right foot between your partner's feet, near their right foot.
- Slide your bent right arm beneath their right armpit, with their upper arm resting in the crook of your elbow.
- Pivot to face the same direction as your partner, bringing your left foot alongside your right.
- Bend your knees to position your hips slightly below your partner's hips.
- Pause with your back close to their torso and their feet still on the mat.
- Unwind to your original face-to-face position.
Form cues
- Keep your chest upright.
- Balance over both feet.
- Move smoothly, not explosively.
Common mistakes
- Pulling the sleeve downwardGuide the sleeve forward and slightly upward so your partner follows the entry rather than folds at the waist.
- Twisting on a planted footLet your feet rotate with your hips so your knees follow your toes.
- Clamping the partner's elbowMake contact around their upper arm without squeezing or levering the elbow joint.
Safety
Abrupt pulling or forcing the arm position can strain your partner's shoulder or elbow. Turning against a planted foot can stress your knee, especially when fatigue disrupts coordination.
- Learn the entry under a qualified judo instructor's supervision before practicing independently.
- Use a clear training mat with enough space for both partners to step out freely.
- Agree on a stop signal and the entry-only endpoint with a cooperative partner offering no resistance.
- End the set when either partner loses control of their footing or grip.
If you have shoulder, elbow, knee, or back pain, choose unresisted footwork practice or seek advice from a physiotherapist before partner entries.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Combat Training Mat
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 5–8 reps per side
- Rest
- 1 min
Count each entry and return as one rep; practice the opposite side by reversing the directions.