Tomoe nage (judo equivalent from standing)

Tomoe nage (judo equivalent from standing) is the judo-derived name for the overhead sweep — the seated guard sweep in which the bottom player drops onto their back and uses an upward leg push to elevate the top player overhead, mirroring the standing tomoe nage circle throw from a ground position.

Etymology. Tomoe (巴) refers to the comma-shaped tomoe symbol of traditional Japanese heraldry, with the spinning, circular motif giving the throw its name. Nage (投) means “throw.” The “(judo equivalent from standing)” parenthetical in this alias name disambiguates the seated guard sweep from the standing judo throw of the same Japanese name — both share the circular elevation arc, but the seated version applies it from a guard exchange rather than as a standing sacrifice. The Japanese terminology bridges judo’s throw catalogue and BJJ’s guard-sweep vocabulary.

Mechanics. The sweep requires the bottom player to control the top player’s posture, drop onto their back while loading one foot into the top player’s stomach or hip, then extend the leg upward to elevate the top player overhead. The rotational arc takes the top player over the bottom player’s head as the bottom player rolls up to top position. The motion mirrors the standing throw’s circular arc; the difference is the starting and finishing positions.

Cross-reference. English-speaking no-gi and BJJ use “overhead sweep” or “overhead kick.” Full mechanical coverage on Overhead Sweep.