隅返し(Sumi Gaeshi)
TraditionalTranslation: corner reversal
Standard Sumi Gaeshi is the classical execution of the corner reversal throw in which tori secures a standard sleeve-and-lapel grip, steps in close, places the sole of one foot against the inside of uke's thigh, and falls directly backward while lifting with the planted foot and pulling with the arms to roll uke overhead. [1],[2] The throw finishes with uke landing on their back and tori following through into a mounted or side-control position. [2],[3]
Sumi gaeshi (corner reversal) is effective because the sacrifice entry draws the opponent forward and down while the butterfly hook on the inner thigh provides a powerful lifting mechanism to flip the opponent over. [1] It is particularly effective when the opponent is pushing forward aggressively, as their own momentum amplifies the throw. [2]
Sumi gaeshi is frequently scored at IJF events, particularly by European competitors who favour unorthodox sacrifice attacks. [1]
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Learn the art of the Sumi Gaeshi (corner reversal) throw from Sensei Juan, a 3rd Dan Kodokan Judo black belt. In this de…
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Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Ma-Sutemi-Waza; tori falls backward pulling uke over; spinal compression risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Kodokan 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)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
Traditional Judo throwing technique terminology (Kodokan Institute)
commitment, timing, body weight manipulation, falling skill
heavier build (body weight drives the throw), good ukemi
core rotators, hip flexors, abdominals
No—avoid wasting energy struggling against a strong uphill grip. Instead, move to your opponent's left side to weaken that arm, then reach under and grab the sleeve. Sensei Juan (3rd Dan Kodokan) emphasizes this positioning strategy makes the grip much easier to control.
Reach across the back and grab as much material as you can; if you can reach the belt, that's an excellent grip. However, remember the belt can move, so your ability to secure it depends partly on height differences. Sensei Juan notes that grabbing the sleeve and pinning it is also super important for control.
You can control the technique from beginning to end—choosing whether you land on top, roll to the side, or execute a back roll, and maintaining control throughout. Sensei Juan explains that the ability to control where you end up is the mark of real mastery.
Sumi Gaeshi is an entry into mount or side control, from which you can attack with submissions like the paper cutter, triangle, or cross choke. Sensei Juan emphasizes keeping the opponent's sleeve pinned to prevent them from defending against these follow-up techniques.
Standard Sumi Gaeshi is the classical execution of the corner reversal throw in which tori secures a standard sleeve-and-lapel grip, steps in close, places the sole of one foot against the inside of uke's thigh, and falls directly backward while lifting with the planted foot and pulling with the arms to roll uke overhead. The throw finishes with uke landing on their back and tori following through into a mounted or side-control position.
The standard form of sumi gaeshi has been taught at the Kodokan since the early 20th century and appears in the gokyo no waza as a foundational rear sacrifice technique.
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
Danger rating 6/10. High — Ma-Sutemi-Waza; tori falls backward pulling uke over; spinal compression risk
The standard setup chain: Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) → Off-Balance (Kuzushi) → Entry (Tsukuri) → Execution (Kake).
Standard counters include: Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to execute / Grip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configuration / Stiff-Arm — maintain distance with straight arms to prevent the entry.
Common variants: Rear sacrifice (falling backward while pulling the opponent over); Side sacrifice (falling to the side to project the opponent laterally); Rolling sacrifice (combining a roll with the sacrifice throw for rotation); Counter sacrifice (using the opponent's forward pressure as the driving force).
Sumi gaeshi is frequently scored at IJF events, particularly by European competitors who favour unorthodox sacrifice attacks.
Top errors to watch for: Hooking on the outside of uke's thigh instead of the inner thigh — the hook must be between the legs / Not gripping the belt deeply enough — a shallow grip slips during the roll / Falling straight back instead of diagonally — you'll miss the throw angle / Not extending the hooking leg during the throw — it must elevate uke, not just trip them.
The Standard Sumi Gaeshi is also known as Sumi Gaeshi, Classical Corner Reversal, Standard Corner Throw, Kihon Sumi Gaeshi.
