Entry and Jamming Position
The hikkomi gaeshi begins with the practitioner stepping the right foot inward while simultaneously bringing the left foot to jam tightly against the opponent's thigh. The goal is to close all body space between the two fighters, pulling the opponent into a compressed position against the attacker's body.
Rolling Mechanics and Body Control
Rather than falling first, the practitioner maintains the tight jam position, then drops underneath the opponent and rolls backward across the right hip to execute the throw. This rolling motion is circular and difficult to counter, as it involves the practitioner rotating on their back while controlling the opponent's body.
Grip Structure and Lapel Control
The left hand grips the opponent's lapel to anchor and pull them inward, while simultaneously trapping and controlling their shoulder. The right-side entry requires the practitioner to jam and roll under the opponent in a spinning motion at an angle.
Entry Sequence and Compression
The practitioner steps with the right foot inward, then jams the left foot against the opponent's thigh while pulling them tight. The sequence emphasizes compression before the drop—the fighter must establish a locked position before sitting down and rolling the opponent over the right hip.
Transition to Ground Control
After executing the throw, the practitioner lands directly on top of the opponent in a dominant position, typically achieving side control or a pin. This technique is effective as both a scoring throw and as a transition to ground fighting, preventing loss of position after the throw is completed.
Spinning Variation Entry
The spinning variation begins with the same grip structure but uses a different foot sequence: the left foot steps across first, followed by the right leg attaching. This creates a more pronounced spinning motion compared to the direct-line entry of the standard version.
Spinning Variation Footwork
The practitioner steps across with the left leg and catches with the right leg in a turning step, allowing the throw to still execute at approximately 90 degrees. This footwork creates more rotational momentum and a slightly greater body distance at the point of jamming compared to the standard version.
Directional Approach and Hip Drop
The practitioner must enter at an angle, turning into the opponent rather than approaching directly, or the opponent can kick or shove them away. Upon contact, the fighter flexes the foot to catch the upper thigh, sits straight down on the heels, and then holds and rotates through the throw.
Ground Position Finish
Both variations result in the practitioner landing in a controlling position on top of the opponent after the throw completes. The technique is valuable not only as a throw for scoring but as a direct transition to ground fighting with established control maintained throughout.
SPINNING HIKKOMI GAESHI
Key Takeaways
- •Entry and Jamming Position
- •Rolling Mechanics and Body Control
- •Grip Structure and Lapel Control
- •Entry Sequence and Compression
Hikkomi Gaeshi (Pulling Reverse Direction Throw) is a popular and effective throw. This video shows two variations using a spinning entry. View hundreds of videos of judo, freestyle judo, Shingitai Jujitsu, sambo, submission grappling and sport jujitsu on our Youtube channel at http://youtube.com/user/welcomematstevescott. The Welcome Mat Judo-Jujitsu Club was founded in 1969. Please subscribe to our Youtube channel if you have not done so already. Visit our web sites at http://www.WelcomeMatJudoClub, http://www.judoblackbelt.com and visit our online store at http://www.WelcomeMatStore.com. Join our premium channel at http://www.grapplingcoach.us. Thank you for watching our video.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about hikkomi gaeshi?
This video covers entry and jamming position, rolling mechanics and body control, grip structure and lapel control. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.
How long does it take to learn hikkomi gaeshi?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing hikkomi gaeshi?
The practitioner must enter at an angle, turning into the opponent rather than approaching directly, or the opponent can kick or shove them away. Upon contact, the fighter flexes the foot to catch the upper thigh, sits straight down on the heels, and then holds and rotates through the throw.
