How To Do Obi Tori Gaeshi – Belt Grab Reversal Judo Throw
In comparison to other judo techniques, the obi tori gaeshi is a relatively new technique and is not one of the original 40 throws developed by Kano Jigoro. Obi tori gaeshi burst onto the scene in the 1960s when the USSR judo team competed in Japan using techniques they had learned from other Russian sambo athletes. Originally known as the “Kharbarelli throw”, it is now commonly referred to as obi tori gaeshi.
The technique is a sacrifice throw and is sub-classified as a te-waza (hand technique). With that being said, there is a single variation of the throw which does not require a self-sacrifice. This version of the throw is still obi tori gaeshi but does not put you in a great newaza position since you are still standing. It should be noted that many of the obi tori gaeshi variations are currently illegal in judo competition since it requires you to grab the leg of your opponent before throwing them.
When the throw emerged in the 1960’s it was originally classified as a hikikomi gaeshi variation. It has since been reclassified as its own technique by the Kodokan. Due to its similarity with sambo, the throw is still very popular in eastern Europe with athletes such as the Belarussian Mikita Sviryd and the Bulgarian Ivalyo Ivanov using it often in a competition format.
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Entries To Obi Tori Gaeshi
A standard entry to obi tori gaeshi will be to control the collar of the opponent and then switch your sleeve grip to a Georgian grip. By crushing the posture of the opponent with your Georgian grip, you are now able to partially control their movement. When you are ready to throw the opponent, your lapel grip should be changed to an outside leg pants grip.
At this point, all it takes is for your back leg to step in front of your lead leg. Now you are in an ideal position to perform the throw.
Obi Tori Gaeshi As A Counter Throw
Obi tori gaeshi is a great counter throw in both judo and other grappling sports. There is not a single setup but it can be used as a counter for most inner reap throws. This is because the opponent is leaning their weight forwards and looking to place one of their legs in between yours. Whilst you can’t use the throw as a counter to major inner reaps due to the dynamic movement. It can be used as a counter to some footsweeps and also minor inner reaps.
Outside of judo, obi tori gaeshi can be used as a pure counter to a single leg takedown. Whilst grabbing the legs is illegal in judo, it’s legal in almost every other grappling sport such as sambo, BJJ, and wrestling. From the single leg position you can already have good control over the posture of your opponent since they’re hunched forward.
From this position, you can choose to control their belt alongside either their leg or arm and roll backward over one shoulder. A leg entanglement is ideal for more control over the bodyweight of the opponent.
Mechanics Of The Throw
The mechanics of the obi tori gaeshi are quite similar to most other judo sacrifice throws. This is because the fundamental principle behind the throw is that you must get underneath the opponent’s center of gravity. Once you are able to do this, the throw is made much easier since you aren’t lifting any added weight.
When all of the grips are secure and your back foot is bought in front of your lead leg, you must arch your back and fall back to the floor. It is ideal to look over the shoulder you want to throw. Your body will follow the direction of your head. You should always be rolling over the side of your Georgian grip, you will not get enough leverage if you try to roll over your other shoulder.
It is important to backward roll with the opponent (or throw yourself in competition), since you want to land on top of them. This will increase your chances of scoring ippon, as well as putting yourself in a good position when you don’t. It is especially important to follow your opponent in sambo and BJJ since you won’t be winning the match when your opponent lands on your back. The side mount position you will achieve is a good position to continue attacking the opponent.
Obi Tori Gaeshi For Self Defense
The benefit of obi tori gaeshi for self-defense is that if it’s done on a hard surface, the fight will be finished instantly. When training obi tori gaeshi in the gym, it is often done on a padded mat due to the impact of the throw. If this was performed in an uncontrolled environment such as the sidewalk. The impact of the throw would likely break the ribs of the opponent. Even if the impact of the initial throw wasn’t enough to finish the fight, you are still in a dominant side mount position.
Standing Variation
As obi tori gaeshi is usually a sacrifice technique, it is not always wise to use these techniques in a self-defense situation. This is because if the technique goes wrong, you have not just lost a judo match to ippon. You could actually be in some serious physical danger due to the lack of rules. The very last place you want to be in a street fight is your back on the ground with your opponent on top of you.
The standing variation of obi tori gaeshi is ideal for this situation since you can throw your opponent flat on their back whilst remaining standing. The throw is performed in a near identical setup to a standard obi tori gaeshi except you do not throw your weight backward onto the floor. Instead of doing this you can simply raise your non-throwing leg and launch your opponent over this. The leg is not used to throw the opponent but is used as more of a blocking mechanism similar to a harai goshi throw.
