Tsubame Gaeshi (燕返し) is a Judo throw that falls within the seventeen techniques of the Shimmeisho no waza, officially recognised by the Kodokan in 1982.[1] Literally translated as "Swallow Counter", Tsubame gaeshi is the countering of an ashi waza with Deashi harai from the opposite leg. A right-handed Deashi-harai executed by uke, for instance, would be avoided by tori bending his right knee, followed by a left-handed Deashi-harai. Tsubame gaeshi as a counter against uke's Deashi harai is the opening move of the Kaeshi-no-kata. As a counter against Okuriashi harai, it forms the sixth technique of the Nage-Waza-Ura-no-kata.[2]

Tsubame gaeshi
ClassificationNage-waza
Sub classificationAshi-waza
KodokanYes
Technique name
RōmajiTsubame gaeshi
Japanese燕返し
EnglishSwallow counter

The name Tsubame Gaeshi is a reference to the famous technique of the legendary Japanese swordsman Sasaki Kojirō. It was an overhead katana (or, in Sasaki's case, a nodachi) stroke that was performed so swiftly it resembled the flight of a swallow, hence the name.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Kano, Jigoro (1986), Kodokan Judo, Tokyo: Kodansha
  2. ^ Mifune, Kyuzo (2004), Canon of Judo, Tokyo: Kodansha
  3. ^ Lowry, Dave (1986). Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword. Ohara Publications. p. 21–22. ISBN 978-0-89750-104-0.