throh
Generation V · #0538 — Judo Pokémon
Throh is a Fighting-type Pokémon from Generation V, introduced in Pokémon Black and White as National Pokédex entry #538. Known as the Judo Pokémon, Throh represents the martial art discipline and training philosophy, embodying the spirit of constant self-improvement through rigorous practice. Unlike many Fighting-types, Throh is exclusively male and does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon, making it a standalone species that serves as the counterpart to Sawk. With a base stat total of 465, Throh distinguishes itself through exceptional HP (120) and respectable Attack (100), though its Speed (45) remains among its weakest attributes. Its signature characteristic lies in the black belt it wears, which grows darker as it absorbs the wearer's sweat through intense training, visually representing the journey of a martial artist.
Base Stats
Height
1.3m
Weight
55.5kg
Category
Judo Pokémon
Gender
100% Male
Color
red
Shape
humanoid
Abilities
Increases Attack to 1.5× with a major status ailment.
Prevents flinching.
Bypasses targets' abilities if they could hinder or prevent a move.
Throh Biology & Physical Characteristics
Throh is a bulky, bipedal humanoid Pokémon with a distinctive red body characterized by rocky skin that gives it a weathered, battle-hardened appearance. Its round head sits low on broad shoulders, featuring a prominent T-shaped black marking that forms both its nose and brow ridge, creating a stern, focused expression. The Pokémon displays three rounded digits on both hands and feet, providing a somewhat simpler, more authentic martial artist silhouette compared to other Fighting-types. Its most iconic feature is the white judogi (martial arts gi) it wears, complete with a black V-neck collar that extends down the torso, integrated diamond patterns along the sleeves, and black square patches positioned at the knees. Beneath the gi, Throh wears a black belt that it either weaves from vines in the wild or receives through training, with the belt's darkness increasing proportionally to the amount of sweat it absorbs during combat and practice. This physical design directly mirrors traditional judo practitioners, reinforcing Throh's role as the quintessential martial arts Pokémon.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Throh Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Throh is exclusively male, with a gender ratio of 100% male and 0% female, making it impossible to breed this species through conventional means in most games. This all-male characteristic is unusual among Pokémon but thematically appropriate, as it emphasizes the species' connection to martial arts traditions historically dominated by male practitioners and the concept of an honor-bound brotherhood united through training. The species belongs to the Human-Like egg group, which comprises Pokémon with humanoid characteristics and physiology similar to humans or human-adjacent creatures. With a base friendship value of 70 and a medium-fast growth rate, Throh develops a moderate bond with trainers relatively quickly, suggesting that these disciplined Pokémon respect dedicated partners who can keep pace with their rigorous training demands. The 20-cycle egg counter indicates a standard hatching timeframe, though the mechanics of obtaining Throh eggs remain limited due to the lack of female members of the species, requiring trainers to capture wild specimens or receive them through in-game events and trades.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
black-belt
type-enhancement
Held: Fighting-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
expert-belt
held-items
Held: Holder’s Super Effective moves do 20% extra damage.
Cost: 4000
expert-belt
held-items
Held: Holder’s Super Effective moves do 20% extra damage.
Cost: 4000
expert-belt
held-items
Held: Holder’s Super Effective moves do 20% extra damage.
Cost: 4000
expert-belt
held-items
Held: Holder’s Super Effective moves do 20% extra damage.
Cost: 4000
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
sword shield
tm04
sword shield
+615 more TMs/HMs
Throh Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Throh is a standalone Pokémon that does not evolve into or from any other species, representing a complete and fully-realized martial artist rather than a transitional stage in an evolutionary line. This design choice emphasizes that Throh has already achieved its final form through years of dedicated training and discipline, mirroring how a master martial artist represents the pinnacle of their art rather than a stepping stone toward something greater. While Throh lacks mega evolution or other special forms, its strength increases through battle experience and the symbolic darkening of its belt, which serves as a visual indicator of growth and accomplishment. The belt changing system described in multiple Pokédex entries suggests that Throh upgrades to darker, more powerful belts as it becomes stronger, providing a narrative progression system within a single species that compensates for the absence of traditional evolution mechanics.
Where to Find
unova route 18
unova
+15 more
unova route 15
unova
+9 more
unova route 10
unova
+13 more
pinwheel forest
unova
+15 more
unova victory road 2
unova
+17 more
unova route 23
unova
+3 more
kalos route 11
kalos
Throh Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Throh exhibits a highly social and disciplined lifestyle, traveling and training exclusively in organized packs of exactly five members. These groups function as martial arts dojos, with each member maintaining rigorous training standards; any individual unable to keep pace with the group's demanding regimen will discard their belt and voluntarily leave, a behavior that reflects the honor and dedication central to martial arts philosophy. Within these packs, Throh develops an insatiable desire to test itself against stronger opponents, actively seeking to throw foes larger than itself regardless of the size disparity. This competitive drive is not rooted in aggression but rather stems from a genuine passion for self-improvement and the pursuit of mastery. According to Pokédex entries, wild Throh demonstrate remarkable craftsmanship by weaving their own belts from vines, a skill passed down through generations of training. The species is found in urban and training-focused environments where they can maintain their disciplined lifestyle, preferring areas that provide opportunities for consistent martial practice and competition against worthy adversaries.
Pokedex Entries
When it tightens its belt, it becomes stronger. Wild Throh use vines to weave their own belts.
When it encounters a foe bigger than itself, it wants to throw it. It changes belts as it gets stronger.
When they encounter foes bigger than themselves, they try to throw them. They always travel in packs of five.
When it tightens its belt, it becomes stronger. Wild Throh use vines to weave their own belts.
When it encounters a foe bigger than itself, it wants to throw it. It changes belts as it gets stronger.
When it tightens its belt, it becomes stronger. Wild Throh use vines to weave their own belts.
When it encounters a foe bigger than itself, it wants to throw it. It changes belts as it gets stronger.
It performs throwing moves with first-rate skill. Over the course of many battles, Throh’s belt grows darker as it absorbs its wearer’s sweat.
They train in groups of five. Any member that can’t keep up will discard its belt and leave the group.
Throh Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Throh derives from the English word "throw," reflecting the species' signature judo technique and competitive nature centered around grappling and throwing opponents. In Japanese, Throh is called Nageki (ナゲキ), which translates directly to "throwing" or "throwing technique," emphasizing the same martial arts foundation. The design draws heavily from judo culture and aesthetics, featuring the traditional white judogi, black belt, and humanoid fighting stance characteristic of Olympic judo competitors. The red coloration provides visual distinction and conveys energy and fighting spirit, while the rocky skin texture suggests durability and resilience cultivated through intensive training. The genus "Judo Pokémon" explicitly identifies the species' thematic inspiration, aligning perfectly with its mechanics, movepool, and behavioral patterns. The paired counterpart relationship with Sawk further reinforces the design philosophy, as Sawk represents karate while Throh embodies judo, two distinct martial arts traditions often portrayed as rival but complementary disciplines.
Learnable Moves
Throh can learn 70 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| circle throw | fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| coaching | fighting | Status | — | — | 10 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| mat block | fighting | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| revenge | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| storm throw | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| vital throw | fighting | Physical | 70 | — | 10 |
| wide guard | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Throh Competitive Battle Guide
Throh's competitive viability centers on its exceptional bulk, particularly its outstanding 120 base HP combined with decent defensive stats (85 Defense and 85 Special Defense), allowing it to function as a physical wall capable of enduring sustained punishment. Its base Attack of 100 provides sufficient offensive pressure when combined with powerful Fighting-type moves like Dynamic Punch (100 power, 50 accuracy) and Brick Break (75 power, 100 accuracy), establishing Throh as a reliable physical attacker despite lower Special Attack (30). The ability Guts doubles Attack when Throh operates under a major status condition, creating interesting strategic opportunities for intentional status application or defensive pivoting. Inner Focus prevents flinching, providing protection against priority moves and aggressive opponents, while the hidden ability Mold Breaker allows Throh to bypass defensive abilities that would normally mitigate damage or prevent attacks. However, Throh's critical weakness lies in its abysmal Speed stat of 45, forcing it into a slow, methodical playstyle dependent on prediction and careful prediction rather than outspacing opponents. Competitive players typically pair Throh with priority move support or Trick Room setups to overcome its Speed limitations, leveraging its bulk and attacking power within carefully constructed team structures that accommodate its deliberate pace and emphasize its role as a resilient physical backbone.
Commonly Asked Questions About Throh
What type is Throh?
Throh is a fighting type Pokemon.
What does Throh evolve from?
Throh does not evolve.
What are Throh's weaknesses?
Throh is weak to flying, psychic and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Throh?
Throh can be found in unova route 18 (unova), unova route 15 (unova) and unova route 10 (unova) and 4 other locations.
Throh Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Throh has become an iconic representation of martial arts within Pokémon culture, appealing to players who appreciate traditional fighting disciplines and the philosophical aspects of martial training beyond pure power. Its design has inspired countless fan artworks, competitive team builds, and discussions about martial arts representation in gaming media, establishing Throh as a beloved symbol of discipline and honor. The species appears in various Pokémon anime episodes and manga adaptations, most notably in Pokémon Adventures where it participates in significant story arcs involving combat tournaments and character development through martial training. Throh's partnership with Sawk as regional counterparts has influenced competitive metagame discussions about martial arts balance and specialization, with players debating the merits of judo-focused techniques versus karate-style approaches. In competitive Pokémon communities, Throh serves as an example of how thorough stat distribution and ability selection can create viable strategies despite obvious weaknesses, encouraging creative team-building and non-obvious strategic applications. The species resonates particularly with players who value thematic consistency and martial arts authenticity, reinforcing Pokémon's broader appeal to audiences interested in combat philosophy and traditional athletic practices.
Where to Find Throh in Every Pokémon Game
Throh was first introduced in Pokémon Black and White, where it could be encountered in the wild as Pokédex entry #044 in the Unova region, typically found in areas suitable for martial training and combat practice. In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Throh's local entry number changed to #267, reflecting the expanded Pokédex modifications of the sequel generation. The species continued appearing in subsequent generations, becoming available in Pokémon X and Y as Coastal Kalos entry #097, maintaining its accessibility across Generation VI titles. Throh was notably featured in Pokémon Sword and Shield as entry #248, where it gained recognition as the sole Pokémon capable of using the move Mat Block, a defensive support move exclusive to the species. The species also appears in modern entries like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, ensuring continued availability for players seeking to train this dedicated martial artist. Beyond main-series games, Throh has appeared in numerous spin-off titles and Pokémon GO, where players can encounter and catch it during specific events or through raid encounters. Its consistent availability across multiple regions and generations reflects the species' popularity and thematic importance to the Pokémon franchise's martial arts representation, making Throh a reliable choice for trainers seeking a Fighting-type companion across nearly every generation since its introduction.