Kotegaeshi - Tsuki - Standing

Aspect Description
Japanese 小手返しηͺγη«‹γ‘ζŠ€
Translation Wrist-return throw from straight punch, standing
Classification Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Kotegaeshi series > Striking attack variations

Overview

Tsuki Kotegaeshi is kotegaeshi applied from a straight punch (thrust) to the midsection. When the opponent punches straight with their right hand, you deflect the punch to the outside, capture their striking hand, turn it outward, and execute kotegaeshi. This demonstrates how kotegaeshi adapts to horizontal attacks while maintaining the same core wrist mechanics.

This technique teaches responding to linear attacks with circular deflection and wrist control.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 3, Pages 28-31

[1] Initial Punch

[2] Deflect and Step

Key action: Deflect horizontally past you

[3] Grab Wrist

Same grip: Universal kotegaeshi grip

[4] Step Behind and Rotate

Dead angle entry: Behind and controlling

[5] [6] Cut Down and Throw

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

Deflect to Outside

The deflection must be to the outside:

Why outside?:

Capture Extended Arm

After deflection:

Timing:

Same Kotegaeshi Principle

Once wrist captured:

Only difference:

Riai (η†εˆ) - Sword Connection

The Tsuki as Sword Thrust

Tsuki represents:

Deflecting the Thrust

In sword combat:

Empty-hand mirrors:

Capturing the Sword Hand

After deflecting thrust:

Dead Angle from Thrust

Stepping behind after thrust:

Technical Details

The Incoming Punch

Photo ❢:

Deflecting to Outside

Photo ❷:

Deflection direction:

The Wrist Grab

Photo ❸:

Timing critical:

Stepping Behind

Photo ❹:

Using their commitment:

The Throw

Photo ❺❻:

Common Mistakes

1. Deflecting to Inside

2. Not Stepping Offline

3. Blocking Instead of Deflecting

4. Wrong Timing on 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 Tsuki Responses

From tsuki deflection:

All share deflection principle.

Other Kotegaeshi

All share kotegaeshi principle.

Tsuki as Universal Attack

Tsuki (straight punch/thrust):

Sources

Primary Sources

Notes

The Horizontal Deflection

Tsuki requires horizontal deflection:

This teaches:

Timing Challenge

Tsuki presents unique timing challenge:

Why this matters:

Extended Arm Vulnerability

After punch deflected:

This is the key:

Same Core Principle

Despite horizontal deflection:

This reinforces:

Forward Commitment

Punching creates forward commitment:

Using this:

Deflection to Outside

Why to outside (their right, your left)?

If to inside:

Real Combat Application

Tsuki is most common real attack:

Training tsuki kotegaeshi:

Speed Development

Tsuki forces speed development:

This is valuable:

The Continuous Flow

Deflection to capture must be continuous:

If you pause:

Horizontal to Vertical

Interesting principle:

Horizontal becomes vertical:

Whole-Body Deflection

The deflection is not just hand:

Hand alone:

Whole body:

Integration with Strikes

Learning all kotegaeshi strikes:

Together teach:

The Universal Grip

Same four fingers/thumb grip:

This consistency:

Practical Self-Defense

Tsuki kotegaeshi most practical:

This makes it:

Balance of Speed and Control

Tsuki requires balance:

This balance:

Training Realism

Training tsuki:

Unrealistic training:

Realistic training: