SPINNING HIKKOMI GAESHI
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Hikkomi Gaeshi·welcomematstevescott
Hikkomi Gaeshi (Pulling Reverse Direction Throw) is a popular and effective throw. This video shows two variations using…
Hikkomi Gaeshi
SubFamily引込返(Hikkomi Gaeshi)
TraditionalTranslation: pulling-in reversal
Overview
Hikkomi Gaeshi is a rear sacrifice throw where the attacker pulls the opponent forward while falling backward, then uses the feet against the opponent's body to launch them overhead. [1] The attacker falls to their back while gripping the opponent, places one or both feet on the opponent's midsection, and uses the falling momentum plus leg extension to flip them over. [1] Similar to Tomoe Nage but with a pulling entry rather than a direct frontal attack. [1]
Hikkomi-GaeshiJPPulling ReversalHikkomigaeshi
History & Origin
Classified in the Kodokan Judo syllabus. [1]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Kodokan judo lineage: Jigoro Kano (1860–1938) systematized this technique as part of the Kodokan judo curriculum. Transmitted through the Kodokan instructor system to judo federations worldwide. Adopted into BJJ through Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → the Gracie family lineage. [1]
Competition Record
Recognized Kodokan judo technique but rarely seen in modern IJF competition due to rule changes favoring forward-throwing techniques. Occasionally appears in kata demonstrations and regional tournaments. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Pull opponent forward while falling backward, place feet on their midsection, launch them overhead
Joints Involved — Arms (pulling grip), core (falling backward), legs (placement + extension for launch)
Force Vector — Backward fall creates pulling force, then legs drive upward to launch opponent over
Position & Entry
From standing — Pull opponent forward and down while dropping to your back, place feet on their hips/stomach, extend legs to throw
Against charging opponent — Use their forward momentum to enhance the pulling-in effect
Variants
Butterfly guard sweep version — from seated guard with butterfly hooks
Double foot placement — both feet on the hips
Single foot placement — one foot on the hip, one on the thigh
Videos
SUMI GAESHI AND HIKKOMI GAESHI A COMPARISON
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Hikkomi Gaeshi·welcomematstevescott
Sumi Gaeshi (Corner Reverse Roll) and Hikkomi Gaeshi (Pull Down Reverse Roll) are similar throws but there are some dist…
2 videos
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Moderate.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
IJF Judo— Kodokan classified technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025PDFUnified MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFTraining Notes
✓The pull must come BEFORE the fall — don't just drop, bring the opponent with you
✓Place feet precisely on the opponent's hips — too high misses, too low has no leverage
✓The leg extension must be explosive — a slow extension allows the opponent to base out
✓Maintain grip throughout — letting go means losing control of where the opponent lands
Common Mistakes
!Falling backward without pulling the opponent — they stay standing while you're on your back
!Feet placed too high on chest — opponent can posture up and escape
!Not extending legs explosively — opponent bases and passes guard
!Releasing grip during the throw — uncontrolled landing
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Opponent pushes forward → absorb and pull → Hikkomi Gaeshi
2Guard pull → butterfly hooks → immediate Hikkomi Gaeshi sweep
3Grip fight → snap down → pull into Hikkomi Gaeshi as opponent resists
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
1BookKano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
[1] Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationKano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
[1] Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
Community
Athletics
Requires
strong grip for pulling, core strength for controlled falling, leg power for launch
Key muscles
latissimus dorsi (pulling), hip flexors (foot placement), quadriceps (launch)
Notes
Hikkomi gaeshi (pulling reversal) is a rear sacrifice throw where the attacker sits back and pulls the opponent over using the legs. A sutemi-waza (sacrifice technique) that requires committing the body to the ground. (Kano, Kodokan Judo)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Hikkomi Gaeshi' mean and how is it different from other gaeshi techniques?
The word 'Gaeshi' means rolling backward or reversing, like a rear somersault. Hikkomi Gaeshi is a counter movement where you throw your opponent backward across your back in a counterbalanced motion, rather than throwing them forward.
What's the most important grip principle for executing Hikkomi Gaeshi?
You need to close your opponent's body to yours—this is critical. The left hand on the lapel traps and rolls the shoulder while anchoring and pulling them into you; you must hug them close with a shorter grip on the shoulders rather than pulling up and stepping away.
How do I execute the throw once I have the grip?
Pull your opponent in, step and jam them close to your body, then drop under them and roll them over you while kicking back. The movement is very round and flowing, making it hard to counter.
Why is it important to eliminate body space in Hikkomi Gaeshi?
Having no body space between you and your opponent is essential to the technique's effectiveness and makes the throw much harder to defend against.
How does the Hikkomi Gaeshi work?
Hikkomi Gaeshi is a rear sacrifice throw where the attacker pulls the opponent forward while falling backward, then uses the feet against the opponent's body to launch them overhead. The attacker falls to their back while gripping the opponent, places one or both feet on the opponent's midsection, and uses the falling momentum plus leg extension to flip them over.
Where does the Hikkomi Gaeshi come from?
Classified in the Kodokan Judo syllabus.
Is the Hikkomi Gaeshi legal in competition?
IJF Judo: Legal: legal — Kodokan classified technique; IBJJF: Legal {src:IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024|/sources/IBJJF: legal — Rules-v6.0-June-2024.pdf}; Unified MMA: Legal {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: legal — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}; FIAS Sambo: Legal {src:FIAS International Sambo Competition Rules|/sources/FIAS: legal — Sambo-Rules.pdf}
How dangerous is the Hikkomi Gaeshi?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate.
How do I set up the Hikkomi Gaeshi?
The standard setup chain: Opponent pushes forward → absorb and pull → Hikkomi Gaeshi → Guard pull → butterfly hooks → immediate Hikkomi Gaeshi sweep → Grip fight → snap down → pull into Hikkomi Gaeshi as opponent resists.
How do I defend against the Hikkomi Gaeshi?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back to prevent the pull / Post hands on the mat — prevent being pulled over / Grab the legs — prevent the foot placement.
What are the variants of the Hikkomi Gaeshi?
Common variants: Butterfly guard sweep version (from seated guard with butterfly hooks); Double foot placement (both feet on the hips); Single foot placement (one foot on the hip, one on the thigh).
How effective is the Hikkomi Gaeshi in competition?
Recognized Kodokan judo technique but rarely seen in modern IJF competition due to rule changes favoring forward-throwing techniques. Occasionally appears in kata demonstrations and regional tournaments.
What are common mistakes when doing the Hikkomi Gaeshi?
Top errors to watch for: Falling backward without pulling the opponent — they stay standing while you're on your back / Feet placed too high on chest — opponent can posture up and escape / Not extending legs explosively — opponent bases and passes guard / Releasing grip during the throw — uncontrolled landing.
What are other names for the Hikkomi Gaeshi?
The Hikkomi Gaeshi is also known as Hikkomi Gaeshi, Hikkomi-Gaeshi, Pulling Reversal, Hikkomigaeshi.