Irimi Nage
入身投げ
Literally: entering throw
Aikido throw in which tori enters directly into uke's space; according to some sources it was created by Morihei Ueshiba himself.
Quick Facts
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Common mistakes: stepping back instead of entering, pulling the head with the hand instead of leading with the whole body, and stopping midway through the turn, after which the attacker regains balance.
💡 Key Tip
Do not enter into the attack but beside it. The entry belongs to the instant the attack sets off — not sooner, and not once it is over you.
About
Irimi nage (入身投げ), literally "entering throw," is a throwing technique of aikido from the nage waza (投げ技) group. Tori moves directly into the space occupied by uke, and the classic form resembles the technique known in English as a "clothesline." It rests on the principle of irimi, movement into uke's space, which together with tenkan is one of the two basic movement principles of aikido. According to some sources, unlike techniques inherited from Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu, it was created directly by aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Unlike kote gaeshi, which combines a lock with a throw, it is a purely throwing technique. Under the Aiki-LA club's syllabus it is tested from 5th kyu.