SUMI GAESHI BASICS
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Sumi Gaeshi·welcomematstevescott
Sumi Gaeshi is a popular and effective throwing technique in all grappling and combat sports. This video focuses on the …
Sumi Gaeshi
SubFamily隅返し(Sumi Gaeshi)
TraditionalTranslation: corner reversal
Overview
Sumi Gaeshi, the corner reversal throw, is a rear sacrifice technique in which tori drops underneath uke while hooking the inside of uke's thigh with one leg and rolling backward to sweep uke over. [1] The throw works by disrupting uke's balance to the rear corner (sumi) while tori's body acts as a fulcrum, creating a wheeling action that carries uke overhead. [1],[2] Sumi gaeshi is one of the original forty throws of the Kodokan gokyo and is classified as a ma sutemi waza (rear sacrifice technique). [2],[3] The technique is especially effective against opponents who adopt a defensive, bent-over posture, as their lowered centre of gravity can be exploited by the rolling action. [3]
History & Origin
Sumi gaeshi was included in the Kodokan gokyo from its earliest formulations, reflecting its importance in classical judo training. [1] The technique derives from older jujutsu methods of using an opponent's forward pressure against them. [1],[2] Modern competitors frequently use butterfly guard entries from BJJ as adaptations of the sumi gaeshi principle. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Competition Record
Sumi gaeshi is commonly scored in IJF competition and is a staple technique in BJJ competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Sweeping, reaping, or blocking the opponent's foot or leg to remove their base of support
Joints Involved — Attacker's sweeping leg (ankle or shin contact), opponent's supporting ankle or knee (swept)
Force Vector — Two opposing forces — the upper body is directed one way while the sweeping leg removes the support in the opposite direction
Timing Principle — Maximum effectiveness when the opponent's weight is committed to the targeted foot — timing supersedes strength
Position & Entry
From judo grip — Use push-pull timing (kuzushi) to catch the opponent as they step, sweep the support foot in the direction of their movement
From clinch (collar tie) — Push or pull to make the opponent step, sweep the stepping foot at the exact moment it lifts off the mat
Videos
Sumi gaeshi in depth
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Sumi Gaeshi·Shintaro Higashi
Sumi gaeshi in depth for Judo, BJJ and Sambo. In this video, we cover how to do sumi gaeshi in a RvL losing position. S…
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
6
High6/10
Ma-Sutemi-Waza; tori falls backward pulling uke over; spinal compression risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal throwing technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— Unified MMA — Legal throwing technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Sumi gaeshi (corner reversal) uses a butterfly hook (foot on uke's inner thigh) to throw them diagonally over your shoulder (Mifune, Canon of Judo, 1956)
✓Hook your instep inside uke's near thigh — this is the fulcrum that elevates their lower body
✓Pull uke forward and to the side as you fall back — the diagonal direction distinguishes sumi gaeshi from tomoe nage
✓The throw direction is over your shoulder, not directly overhead
✓In BJJ, sumi gaeshi is one of the most effective sweeps from butterfly guard — the mechanics are identical
✓Grip deep on uke's belt or around their back for maximum control during the roll
✓Sumi gaeshi is excellent when uke leans forward with a wide base — hook and roll
Common Mistakes
!Hooking too deep (behind the knee) instead of on the inner thigh — reduces the lifting action
!Throwing directly overhead like tomoe nage instead of diagonally — different throw, different direction
!Not pulling uke's upper body to the side with the grips — the diagonal pull is what makes sumi gaeshi work
!Falling straight back instead of at an angle — the diagonal fall matches the diagonal throw
!Releasing the grips too early — maintain control through the landing
!Not elevating with the butterfly hook — the leg must actively lift, not just block
!Attempting without uke's weight committed forward — sumi gaeshi needs forward pressure to redirect
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to executeLift the Targeted Leg — raise the foot being attacked above the sweeping actionCounter-Throw — exploit the attacker's committed weight to throw them insteadGrip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configurationStiff-Arm — maintain distance with straight arms to prevent the entry
Setup Chain
1Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) — establish the controlling grips needed for the throw
2Off-Balance (Kuzushi) — break the opponent's balance in the throwing direction
3Entry (Tsukuri) — position the body for the throw by turning, stepping, or loading
4Execution (Kake) — complete the throwing action with full commitment and follow-through
5Fall (Sutemi) — commit body weight to the ground to generate throwing force
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
1BookKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing technique terminology (Kodokan Institute)
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)
5CitationKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing technique terminology (Kodokan Institute)
Community
Athletics
Requires
precise timing, ankle coordination, upper body kuzushi ability
Favours
excellent balance and quick reflexes
Key muscles
tibialis anterior, calves, hip rotators, forearms (grip)
Sub-techniques
Notes
Sumi gaeshi (corner reversal) appears in 5 books in our corpus. A sacrifice throw where the attacker falls to their back while hooking the opponent's inner thigh, rolling them over. Commonly used as a counter to forward-driving opponents. (Kano, Kodokan Judo)
Frequently Asked Questions
What grip should I use when setting up sumi gaeshi?
According to Welcome Mat Steve Scott, you want to secure a solid back grip on your opponent's middle back between the shoulder blades. When reaching around, use your thumb position and apply tension with the inside of your elbow against the opponent's deltoid rather than just reaching over the top.
How should I position my feet when executing sumi gaeshi?
Welcome Mat Steve Scott emphasizes standing with your toes pointing in the direction you're moving—your left foot steps in while your right foot jams as you roll back. Standing sideways is weak positioning and won't give you a strong base for the throw.
Is sumi gaeshi a good throw for taller people?
Welcome Mat Steve Scott notes that sumi gaeshi is considered a tall person's sacrifice throw, making it a good alternative to circle throws for taller practitioners or those of similar height to their opponent.
What setup techniques work well before attempting sumi gaeshi?
Shintaro Higashi recommends attacking your opponent's front leg with an ochi grip first to force their leg away and adjust their stance, which sets up the conditions for a successful sumi gaeshi entry. He also emphasizes establishing good head position and a two-on-one grip before executing the throw.
How does the Sumi Gaeshi work?
Sumi Gaeshi, the corner reversal throw, is a rear sacrifice technique in which tori drops underneath uke while hooking the inside of uke's thigh with one leg and rolling backward to sweep uke over. The throw works by disrupting uke's balance to the rear corner (sumi) while tori's body acts as a fulcrum, creating a wheeling action that carries uke overhead.
Where does the Sumi Gaeshi come from?
Sumi gaeshi was included in the Kodokan gokyo from its earliest formulations, reflecting its importance in classical judo training. The technique derives from older jujutsu methods of using an opponent's forward pressure against them.
Is the Sumi Gaeshi legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal throwing technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; UWW: legal — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman; Unified MMA: legal — Legal throwing technique; ADCC: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Sumi Gaeshi?
Danger rating 6/10. High — Ma-Sutemi-Waza; tori falls backward pulling uke over; spinal compression risk
How do I set up the Sumi Gaeshi?
The standard setup chain: Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) → Off-Balance (Kuzushi) → Entry (Tsukuri) → Execution (Kake) → Fall (Sutemi).
How do I defend against the Sumi Gaeshi?
Standard counters include: Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to execute / Lift the Targeted Leg — raise the foot being attacked above the sweeping action / Counter-Throw — exploit the attacker's committed weight to throw them instead / Grip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the Sumi Gaeshi?
Common variants: Forward sweep (sweeping the foot in the direction the opponent is stepping); Rear sweep (sweeping the foot backward as the opponent retreats); Combination sweep (chaining sweeps to both feet); Counter sweep (timing the sweep as the opponent initiates their own attack).
How effective is the Sumi Gaeshi in competition?
Sumi gaeshi is commonly scored in IJF competition and is a staple technique in BJJ competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Sumi Gaeshi?
Top errors to watch for: Hooking too deep (behind the knee) instead of on the inner thigh — reduces the lifting action / Throwing directly overhead like tomoe nage instead of diagonally — different throw, different direction / Not pulling uke's upper body to the side with the grips — the diagonal pull is what makes sumi gaeshi work / Falling straight back instead of at an angle — the diagonal fall matches the diagonal throw.
What are other names for the Sumi Gaeshi?
The Sumi Gaeshi is also known as Corner Reversal, Corner Throw, Sumi Gaeshi, Half Guard Sweep.