Lesson #2

Kote Gaeshi

The Outer Wrist Throw of Jujutsu

Kote Gaeshi is one of the most common techniques in the various styles and schools of Jujutsu. It can be said that it is an essential part of Jujutsu and it is debatable whether a school which does not teach it is teaching Jujutsu at all.

Initial Grab

Kote Gaeshi is performed by grasping the hand in a specific way. If it is being performed on the opponents right hand, then the defenders left hand must make the initial grab. This grab is done by placing the left thumb across the back of the opponents hands, generally between the middle two knuckles. The thumb then wraps around the meat of the opponents hand, below the thumb. The captured hand is then twisted outside to a forty five degree angle. This hand will be referred to as the "Pulling Hand".

Action of the Second Hand

The second hand is brought into play by pushing the wrist to the same forty five degree angle. The defender has a variety of options on how to apply this force. Some styles, often those with an Aiki influence, tend to push through with the second hand. Others, prefer to grasp the opponents hand in a similar manner to the first grip and twist. Still others strike the back of the hand, in the hope of injuring the wrist joint. This hand will be referred to as the "Pushing Hand".

Footwork

Interestingly enough, while Kote Gaeshi is an almost universal technique in Jujutsu, the means of applying the footwork to complete the throw tend to vary from school to school and instructor to instructor. Some rely on a great deal of rotational motion, others are much more linear, utilizing straight, crisp motions. Obviously, the use of rotational motion tends to produce a more spectacular throw, while the more linear delivery tends to produce a smaller takedown that is far less esthetically pleasing.

The exponents of the more linear delivery contend that it is far more combat effective. The exponents of the rotational delivery generally maintain that the use of extensive rotational motion is necessary for the technique to be effective.

As a Sensei, my professional analysis is that the rotational delivery requires a much greater area to perform, but the powerful drop will be much more likely to incapacitate the attacker. On the other hand, the linear delivery takes much less space, but can be countered much more easily.

In our style, we prefer a method in which the defender steps just between the opponents legs with the leg on the side of the pushing hand. The defender then steps directly backward or in an outside circle (Tenkan) to accomplish the throw. We feel that the most effective method of completing the technique is the Ketsugo method of pulling the arm until it is straight

Common Mistakes

Despite being one of the most common techniques in the art of Jujutsu, Kote Gaeshi is often performed improperly. In this section we will point out some of the more common errors in the execution of this technique and explain why these are MISTAKES , not stylistic differences.

Avoid Improper Grip

One very common mistake in the execution of Kote Gaeshi is the improper grip. Like almost any TE Waza (Wrist Technique), grabbing the wrist, as opposed to the hand, reduces the leverage the Jujutsuka can exert and can even allow a stronger opponent to use muscular force to escape the technique. Thus the "Point The Pinky" Method popularized by O-Sensei Harold Brosious is always recommended.

Similarly, grasping too high and holding the fingers will also reduce the leverage since you will be twisting the fingers and not the wrist/elbow/shoulder complex. In all likelihood, a quick opponent will escape from this hold and/or strike your exposed side. In addition, grasping too high will prevent the Jujutsuka from straightening the opponents arm.

Do Not Step Across The Opponent

Why Kote Gaeshi Cannot Be Combined With O Soto Gari

The above photo illustrates why it is a mistake to step across the opponent laterally. In the above sequence, Kote Gaeshi is combined with another Jujutsu technique, O Soto Gari (Major Outer Reap).
As can be clearly seen, attempting to add the leg trip will leave the Jujutsuka off balance and give the opponent the opportunity to knock him down.

The reason why combining these throws is not effective is because the leverage used to enact a Kote Gaeshi is different from that needed to perform O Soto Gari. At best, attempting this will give you an O Soto Gari that will be less effective due to the way you are turning the opponents body with Kote Gaeshi. Incidentally, any qualified Jujutsu Sensei Will Not Accept this kind of technique as a Kote Gaeshi, as the action on the wrist is incidental at best.

Why Kote Gaeshi Cannot Be Combined With Koshi Nage

The above to photos demonstrate why it is inadvisable to combine a Koshi Nage (Hip Throw) with a Kote Gaeshi. While it is possible to utilize the hips in the execution of Kote Gaeshi, it is not advisable to do it in this fashion. As can be seen, the opponent need only grab the jaw (or shoulder or hair) and pull backwards to counter. It should also be noted that any pressure by the opponents knee against the back of the Jujutsuka's knee will almost completely negate the leverage needed to effect this technique.

Like any Kihon (Basic) technique, Kote gaeshi can be effectively combined with other techniques. It is important to understand that the only purpose of combining techniques is to get a better result from the combination than either would have given you independently. If your combination does not have a noticeably superior result, then it is likely a waste of your time to practice it.

Good Techniques to Combine Kote Gaeshi With:

Hiki Otoshi: Drawing Drop Throw (when you need to add more leverage)
Ko Uchi Gari: Inner Foot Sweep (when the opponent has stepped forward as a counter)
Hiji Gatame: Side Armbar (from a hard straight thrust punch)
Seoi Otoshi: Shoulder Drop (from a rear attack)
Ude Garimi: Arm Entanglement Lock (as a standing submission/come-along)

Techniques Performed By:
Sensei Alex MacDonald
Sempai Derek Shantz

Photography By:
Gaelyn Roberts