Kotegaeshi - Ushiro Ryokatadori - Standing
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Japanese | ε°ζθΏγ εΎγδΈ‘θ©εγη«γ‘ζ |
| Translation | Wrist-return throw from rear both-shoulders grab, standing |
| Classification | Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Kotegaeshi series > Ushiro (rear) attack variations |
Overview
Ushiro Ryokatadori Kotegaeshi is kotegaeshi applied when the opponent grabs both your shoulders from behind. This rear attack requires turning to face the opponent while executing atemi to create an opening, then capturing one hand and executing standard kotegaeshi. This demonstrates escaping from strong rear control through body turning and striking.
This technique teaches dealing with rear attacks through decisive turning and counter-striking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 3, Pages 36-39
[1] Initial Grab
- Your partner grabs both your shoulders from behind (ushiro ryokatadori)
[2] Turn and Strike
- Turn your body to the right to face your partner
- Execute an atemi to your partner's face with your right hand
- This causes her to release her left hand
Key actions:
- Body turn
- Decisive atemi
[3] Grab Released Hand
- Grab your partner's left hand (the one that released) with your right hand
- Your right hand grabs from above with four fingers on the back of her hand and your thumb on her palm
Standard grip: Same as all kotegaeshi
[4] Step Behind and Rotate
- Step deeply behind your partner with your right foot to her left rear corner
- Turn your partner's hand outward (external wrist rotation)
- Raise both hands above your forehead
Dead angle: Behind and controlling
[5] [6] Cut Down and Throw
- Cut down with both hands as though cutting with a sword
- Step forward with your left foot
- Throw your partner backward
Kuden (ε£δΌ) - Oral Teachings
Turn to Face the Attack
From rear grab, must turn:
- Can't execute technique from rear position
- Turn to face opponent
- Active response
- Takes initiative
Why turn?:
- See the opponent
- Face the threat
- Enable techniques
- Offensive posture
Atemi Creates Opening
The atemi is essential:
- Both shoulders grabbed firmly
- Can't escape without creating opening
- Strike to face
- They release to defend
Without atemi:
- Held from behind
- Can't escape
- Limited options
- Controlled
With atemi:
- They must respond
- Hand releases
- Opening created
- Technique possible
Same Core Kotegaeshi
After capturing hand:
- Exactly same as katatedori
- Same grip, rotation, throw
- No difference
- Standard technique
Challenge is:
- Escaping rear position
- Creating opening
- Then standard execution
Riai (ηε) - Sword Connection
Rear Grab Preventing Sword
Ushiro ryokatadori represents:
- Grabbing from behind
- Preventing you from drawing sword
- Controlling your shoulders
- Must escape to survive
Turning Like Drawing Sword
The turn represents:
- Turning to draw sword
- Nukitsuke (ζγδ»γ - drawing cut)
- Face the threat
- Offensive action from disadvantage
Atemi as Sword Cut
The strike represents:
- Cutting with sword as you turn
- Forces opponent to defend
- Creates space
- Enables technique
Standard Disarm After Opening
Once hand captured:
- Same as any kotegaeshi
- Control sword hand
- Turn to disarm
- Complete technique
Technical Details
The Rear Grab
Photo βΆ:
- Partner behind you
- Both hands on your shoulders
- Strong bilateral control from rear
- Cannot see opponent
The Turn
Photo β·:
- Turn body to right
- Face the partner
- Right hand prepares atemi
- Active not passive
Decisive turn:
- Not hesitant
- Full commitment
- Changes situation completely
- From controlled to controlling
The Atemi
Photo β·:
- Right hand strikes face
- As you turn
- Genuine threat
- Partner's left hand releases to defend
Timing:
- As you complete turn
- Facing them
- Full power
- Real strike
Capturing Released Hand
Photo βΈ:
- Right hand grabs their left hand
- Four fingers on back
- Thumb on palm
- Immediate capture
Which hand?:
- Usually left hand releases
- Closest to strike
- Natural defensive response
- Grab what releases
Stepping Behind
Photo βΉ:
- Right foot steps deep behind
- To their left rear corner
- Turn hand outward
- Raise both hands above forehead
Reversal complete:
- They grabbed you from behind
- Now you're behind them
- Complete reversal
- Dead angle achieved
The Throw
Photo βΊβ»:
- Cut down as though cutting with sword
- Left foot steps through
- They fall backward
- Standard kotegaeshi completion
Common Mistakes
1. Not Turning to Face
- Error: Trying technique while still facing away
- Correction: Turn to face the opponent
- Necessity: Must face to execute
- Active: Turn decisively
2. Weak Atemi
- Error: Light tap that doesn't create real threat
- Correction: Genuine strike to face
- Effect: Real strike = real release
- Essential: Must be effective
3. Hesitant Turn
- Error: Slow, tentative turning
- Correction: Decisive, committed turn
- Quality: Fast and complete
- Initiative: Take control
4. Not Capturing Immediately
- Error: Pause after they release
- Correction: Immediate capture
- Timing: Before they can re-grip
- Speed: Quick transition
5. Wrong Wrist Grip
- Error: Not using standard grip
- Correction: Four fingers on back, thumb on palm
- Universal: All kotegaeshi use same grip
- Consistent: Never changes
6. Not Reaching Dead Angle
- Error: Staying beside them
- Correction: Step deeply behind
- Position: Dead angle (their rear)
- Complete: Must reach rear
7. Low Hands
- Error: Not raising above forehead
- Correction: "Above your forehead"
- Power: Height creates cutting angle
- Universal: All kotegaeshi require this
8. Pushing Instead of Cutting
- Error: Pushing their hand down
- Correction: Cut down "as though cutting with sword"
- Quality: Cutting motion
- Principle: Sword mechanics
Training Progression
Kotai (εΊδ½ - Solid Practice)
- Partner grabs firmly from behind
- Practice decisive turn
- Build genuine atemi
- Develop immediate capture
- Clear stages
Jutai (ζδ½ - Soft Practice)
- Partner maintains firm grip
- Turn becomes sharper
- Atemi more decisive
- Capture faster
- Natural flow
Ryutai (ζ΅δ½ - Flowing Practice)
- Strong rear grab
- Immediate turn and strike
- Continuous capture and throw
- No pauses
- Natural response
Kitai (ζ°δ½ - Ki/Spirit Practice)
- Minimal motion
- Natural timing
- Complete reversal
- Advanced expression
Related Techniques
Other Ushiro Attacks
- Ushiro ryotedori (both wrists from behind)
- Ushiro katadori (one shoulder from behind)
- Ushiro kubishime (rear choke)
All share:
- Rear position disadvantage
- Must turn or escape
- Create opening
- Execute technique
Other Kotegaeshi
- Kotegaeshi - Katatedori - Basic foundation
- Kotegaeshi - Shomenuchi - Overhead strike
- Kotegaeshi - Morotedori - Two-on-one grab
All share core principle.
Turn-and-Strike Pattern
This pattern appears in many ushiro techniques:
- Turn to face
- Strike to create opening
- Execute technique
- Universal ushiro response
Sources
Primary Sources
- Takemusu Aikido Volume 3 (Pages 36-39): Complete ushiro ryokatadori kotegaeshi with emphasis on turning and atemi
Notes
The Rear Attack Challenge
Ushiro (rear) attacks present unique challenge:
- Can't see opponent
- They have advantage
- Strong control possible
- Must turn situation around
This teaches:
- Awareness
- Decisive action
- Turn disadvantage to advantage
- Complete technique
The Turn Principle
Turning to face is essential:
- From passive (being controlled from behind)
- To active (facing and countering)
- Changes entire dynamic
- Psychological and physical
Without turn:
- Remain controlled
- Limited options
- Passive position
- Weak
With turn:
- See opponent
- Face threat
- Enable techniques
- Strong position
Why Right Turn?
Turning right (in this example):
- Shortest path to face them
- Natural body mechanics
- Could also turn left
- Either way works
Key is:
- Turn decisively
- Complete turn
- Face them fully
- Take initiative
Atemi Timing
Atemi as you turn:
- Not after turn complete
- During turning motion
- Adds power to strike
- Natural timing
This integration:
- Turn and strike as one
- More powerful
- Faster
- More effective
Complete Reversal
From:
- Grabbed from behind
- They controlling you
- Disadvantageous position
To:
- You behind them
- You controlling them
- Dead angle achieved
Complete reversal:
- Shows technique power
- Turn situation completely
- From worst to best position
- Aikido principle
Which Hand Releases?
Usually hand on same side as strike:
- Strike to right side of face
- Their left hand releases
- Natural defensive response
- Predictable pattern
But be ready:
- Either hand might release
- Respond to what happens
- Don't predetermine
- Adaptable
Same Core Mechanics
Despite complex entry:
- Kotegaeshi identical after capture
- Same grip
- Same rotation
- Same throw
This reinforces:
- Core principle universal
- Entry varies by situation
- Principle constant
- Unified technique
Ushiro Trains Awareness
Practicing ushiro attacks:
- Develops rear awareness
- Can't see attack coming
- Must sense and respond
- Complete consciousness
Special training value:
- Not just technique
- Awareness development
- Complete martial training
- Full circle defense
The Initiative Shift
Moment of turn:
- They had initiative (attacked from behind)
- You take initiative (turn and strike)
- Shift happens
- Now you control
This shift:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Strategic
- Essential
Real Combat Application
Rear shoulder grabs represent:
- Restraint from behind
- Being stopped/held
- Aggressive control
- Real situations
Practical:
- Street confrontations
- Restraint situations
- Actual combat
- Self-defense
Training Genuine Atemi
The atemi must be trained properly:
- Not symbolic
- Real target
- Genuine threat
- Proper technique
Benefits:
- Technique works
- Realistic training
- Martial spirit
- Complete art
Body Turning Power
The turn itself generates power:
- Whole body rotation
- Hip power
- Natural mechanics
- Amplifies atemi
Used correctly:
- Turn adds force
- Strike more powerful
- Natural integration
- Efficient technique
Speed of Execution
From grabbed to thrown:
- Turn
- Strike
- Capture
- Throw
Must be fast:
- No hesitation
- Continuous action
- Natural flow
- Effective technique
Slow execution:
- They can adjust
- Recover grip
- Counter-attack
- Technique fails
The Complete Technique
Ushiro ryokatadori kotegaeshi is really:
- Escape technique (turn and strike)
- Control technique (capture hand)
- Throw technique (kotegaeshi)
Three phases:
- Escape from rear control
- Establish control
- Complete with throw
- Comprehensive technique
Training Value
This technique teaches:
- Rear awareness
- Decisive action
- Creating openings
- Complete reversal
- Standard execution
Multiple skills:
- Not just one technique
- Several principles
- Complete training
- Valuable practice