Kotegaeshi - Yokomenuchi - Standing

Aspect Description
Japanese 小手返し ζ¨ͺι’ζ‰“γ‘η«‹γ‘ζŠ€
Translation Wrist-return throw from side strike, standing
Classification Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Kotegaeshi series > Striking attack variations

Overview

Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi is kotegaeshi applied from a diagonal strike to the side of the head. When the opponent strikes diagonally with their right hand toward the left side of your head, you deflect from above, capture their striking hand, turn it outward, and execute kotegaeshi. This teaches the principle of always deflecting from above in yokomenuchi attacks.

This technique demonstrates how kotegaeshi principle adapts to diagonal strikes while maintaining the same core mechanics.

Historical Context

From Takemusu Aikido Volume 3

Saito Sensei emphasizes that in yokomenuchi attacks, you must always deflect from above, never from below. This is a universal yokomenuchi principle that applies across all techniques - ikkyo, nikkyo, sankyo, yonkyo, and kotegaeshi.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 3, Pages 24-27

[1] Initial Strike

[2] Deflect from Above

Critical principle: Always from above, never from below

[3] Grab and Control

Same grip: Four fingers on back, thumb on palm

[4] Step Behind and Rotate

Dead angle: Behind and controlling

[5] [6] Cut Down and Throw

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

Always From Above, Never From Below

From Volume 3 (Page 24):

"In yokomenuchi, you should always strike your attacking partner's hand down from above, never from below (photo ❷). This is also the case for ikkyo, nikkyo, sankyo, and yonkyo."

This is universal yokomenuchi principle:

Why from above?:

Why not from below?:

Same Core Kotegaeshi

After deflection and capture:

Difference only in:

Riai (η†εˆ) - Sword Connection

Deflecting Diagonal Sword Cut

Yokomenuchi represents:

Never Receive from Below

In sword combat:

Empty-hand follows same:

Capturing the Sword Hand

After deflecting diagonal cut:

The Dead Angle

Stepping behind opponent:

Technical Details

The Incoming Strike

Photo ❢:

Deflecting from Above

Photo ❷:

From above:

The Grip

Photo ❸:

Continuous:

Stepping Behind

Photo ❹:

Dead angle achieved:

The Throw

Photo ❺❻:

Common Mistakes

1. Deflecting from Below

2. Not Stepping Outside

3. Blocking Instead of Deflecting

4. Wrong Wrist Grip

5. Not Reaching Dead Angle

6. Low Hands

7. Pushing Instead of Cutting

8. Pausing After Deflection

Training Progression

Kotai (固体 - Solid Practice)

Jutai (ζŸ”δ½“ - Soft Practice)

Ryutai (桁体 - Flowing Practice)

Kitai (気体 - Ki/Spirit Practice)

Other Yokomenuchi Responses

From yokomenuchi deflection:

All share: deflect from above, never from below.

Other Kotegaeshi

All share kotegaeshi principle.

Yokomenuchi Universal Principle

The "from above, never from below" applies to:

This is fundamental yokomenuchi principle.

Sources

Primary Sources

Notes

The Universal Yokomenuchi Principle

"From above, never from below":

Why universal?:

This shows:

Why From Above Matters

From above:

From below:

In sword terms:

Diagonal vs. Overhead

Shomenuchi (overhead):

Yokomenuchi (diagonal):

Both:

The Continuous Flow

Deflection to capture must be continuous:

If there's pause:

Continuity is key:

Yokomenuchi Teaches Angles

Practicing yokomenuchi teaches:

These skills apply to:

Same Core, Different Entry

Once you have the hand:

This reinforces:

Stepping Outside

Left foot to outside:

This is same across:

Height Above Forehead

Same requirement as all kotegaeshi:

This never changes:

Integration with Other Techniques

Learning yokomenuchi kotegaeshi helps:

Together with:

The Sword Mindset

Treating yokomenuchi as sword cut:

This mindset:

Deflection Quality

The deflection should be:

Not:

Just right:

Common Training Error

Many students:

Balance:

Application Beyond Training

While trained against formal yokomenuchi:

Training form teaches: