Kotegaeshi - Morotedori - Standing

Aspect Description
Japanese 小手返し θ«Έζ‰‹ε–γ‚Šη«‹γ‘ζŠ€
Translation Wrist-return throw from two-hands-on-one grab, standing
Classification Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Kotegaeshi series > Strong grab variations

Overview

Morotedori Kotegaeshi is kotegaeshi applied when the opponent grabs your one hand with both of their hands (two-on-one grab). This strong grip requires releasing one of their hands first, typically through atemi (strike) or body movement, then executing standard kotegaeshi. This demonstrates how kotegaeshi adapts to situations of superior gripping strength.

This technique teaches escaping from strong bilateral control through striking and leverage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 3, Pages 32-35

[1] Initial Grab

[2] Atemi and Release

Key action: Atemi creates opening

[3] Control Released Hand

Standard grip: Same as all kotegaeshi

[4] Step Behind and Rotate

Dead angle: Behind and controlling

[5] [6] Cut Down and Throw

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

Atemi Creates the Opening

The atemi is essential:

Without atemi:

With atemi:

Strike Must Be Genuine

The atemi must be real:

If strike is weak:

Same Kotegaeshi After Release

Once one hand released:

The challenge:

Riai (η†εˆ) - Sword Connection

Two Hands Preventing Sword

Morotedori represents:

Atemi as Sword Cut

The atemi represents:

Releasing Through Threat

In sword combat:

Empty-hand mirrors:

Standard Disarm After Opening

Once opening created:

Technical Details

The Strong Grab

Photo ❢:

The Atemi

Photo ❷:

Timing:

Capturing Released Hand

Photo ❸:

Speed:

Stepping Behind

Photo ❹:

Standard execution:

The Throw

Photo ❺❻:

Common Mistakes

1. Weak or Symbolic Atemi

2. Not Capturing Immediately

3. Trying to Force Free

4. Wrong Hand Capture

5. Wrong Wrist Grip

6. Not Reaching Dead Angle

7. Low Hands

8. Pushing Instead of Cutting

Training Progression

Kotai (固体 - Solid Practice)

Jutai (ζŸ”δ½“ - Soft Practice)

Ryutai (桁体 - Flowing Practice)

Kitai (気体 - Ki/Spirit Practice)

Other Strong Grabs

Similar principle:

Other Kotegaeshi

All share core principle.

Atemi Principle

Atemi creates openings in:

Universal principle across techniques.

Sources

Primary Sources

Notes

The Atemi Principle

Atemi (strike) is essential tool:

Without atemi:

With atemi:

Bilateral Control Challenge

Two hands on one:

This teaches:

The Release Mechanism

Why does atemi cause release?

Natural response:

This is universal:

Timing the Capture

The capture must be immediate:

Too slow:

Quick enough:

Which Hand Releases?

Usually the hand that was weaker grip:

Flexibility:

Same Core After Opening

Once opening created:

This shows:

Strong Grab Training Value

Practicing against strong grabs:

Benefits:

The Strike-Capture Sequence

The sequence is:

  1. Strike (atemi)
  2. They release to defend
  3. Immediately capture released hand
  4. Execute kotegaeshi

Smooth flow:

Atemi Targets Face

Why face specifically?

Other targets less effective:

Real Combat Application

Morotedori represents:

Practical:

The Two-Stage Technique

Morotedori kotegaeshi is really:

  1. Escape technique (atemi creates opening)
  2. Throw technique (standard kotegaeshi)

Two techniques in one:

Training the Atemi

Atemi must be trained:

Benefits:

Strength Limitations

This technique shows:

Even strong person:

The Opening Principle

Creating openings appears throughout:

This is fundamental: