WARSAW (AFP) - A run-of-the-mill press conference at Poland's parliament this week took an unexpected turn when a scuffle broke out and - to the delight of social media - ended with a judo move.

"Minimum effort - maximum effect," the Polish Judo Association tweeted after a conservative party spokesman was taken down by a leg hook.

The clash began when a passer-by tried to pose a question to ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party lawmaker Ryszard Terlecki and got too close for comfort, according to the politician.

PiS spokesman Krzysztof Wilamowski sprung into action and tried to pull the passer-by away, but the man swung his right leg around and brought them both down, unharmed.

"Harai goshi is a throw from the hip throw group," the Polish Judo Association said of the takedown move on Twitter, also attaching a how-to diagram.

"And judo can be of use to anyone and anywhere!"