How to do the Kotegaeshi Aikido wrist lock throw

The Kotegaeshi wrist lock is one of the main submission holds used in the martial art of Aikido. Like many of the core submissions in the art, it focuses heavily on bending the opponent’s wrist and using this as a form of control. Whether the outcome is breaking the wrist of the attacker or using it to throw them to the floor and control them, ultimately the Kotegaeshi acts as an ultimatum.

This idea is common throughout Aikido as it poses a dilemma to the opponent who is forced into choosing a bad decision. In modern Aikido, it can also be taught to disarm weapons such as knives and guns from an aggressor. However, it is traditionally used after blocking or dodging a punch from an attacker.

Physically, the Kotegaeshi works by bending the wrist backward towards the forearm. This is done by forcing the palm down instead of forcing it upwards. Generally, wristlocks that place the palm down are far more powerful than those that push the wrist up. The reason for this is that the wrist has a far greater range of motion when being pushed up, as opposed to being pushed down. This means that the Kotegaeshi is arguably one of the better wristlocks in Aikido as it poses a greater threat of damaging the wrist when compared to other wrist-based submissions. Usually, the end-game of the Kotegaeshi is to use it as a throw to put the attacker on the ground. Below we shall look at how to use the Kotegaeshi, from start to finish.

Setting up the Kotegaeshi wrist lock throw

Firstly, it’s important to understand the principle of Kuzushi. Kuzushi is used in Aikido and Judo and translates to unbalancing your opponent. The point is to get them moving in a direction that can benefit you, as opposed to benefitting them. In other words, the Kotegaeshi will not work if Kuzushi is not in place. To begin with, typically the attacker will try to move towards you, as if lunging in for a punch. In the dojo, the uke will typically play this role whilst drilling the move.

Once the opponent is close to your personal space, you should then step to the side. Of course, dodging strikes is a key part of Aikido, and moving your feet in the correct direction is necessary. Basically, when they step forward, you want to step off to their side to create an attacking angle. Otherwise, the Kotegaeshi becomes very difficult to pull off.

Whilst at the side, you then want to bring your one hand and chop down on their bicep, as if trying to perform a Karate chop. This hand doesn’t do the wrist lock or throw, instead it acts merely to control the arm of the opponent. When you have made contact, you then want to place your other hand on the wrist of the opponent. This is where the wrist lock begins and throw starts to take place.

Finishing the Kotegaeshi wrist lock throw

Firstly, we shall focus on the upper body mechanics of the Kotegaeshi. Once the wrist has been grabbed, you should then begin to push the wrist towards the forearm. This will result in one of two things. The first is if the wrist is pushed quickly and hard enough – then the wrist would break. However, more commonly, the opponent will react by rolling to avoid damage to their wrist.

Although this is what makes a large part of the throw, your footwork is relevant too. For example, when initially stepping off to create the angle and dodge the strike, you should then grab the wrist. After the wrist is secured and you begin to bend it, you should then move back into your original position. Basically, you want to step in and then back out. This will help throw the opponent by improving your angle and generating enough lower-body momentum in the process. With this done correctly, the opponent should end on the floor.

Using the Kotegaeshi when the opponent lands on the floor

As mentioned, most of the time – the uke or attacker will end up on the floor. This should mean their back is facing up and their face is looking directly at the ground. In any self-defense situation, this position is arguably the greatest situation to end up in. With strikes involved, you can easily hit the head from here with no defense from the opponent. Because of this, the Kotegaeshi is a powerful technique when it lands correctly. Remember, you should still have their wrist controlled at this point which will keep them restrained.

At this point, you don’t need to bend your wrist and can run if needed. However, there are other options from here. Firstly, you can perform a cops restraining hold by bending their elbow towards their head. This will immobilize their arm and threaten them with a broken shoulder. Alternatively, other wrist locks are available at this point. For instance, the Sankyo wrist lock is another option that can be used and is equally as painful as the Kotegaeshi.

If their arm is still straight upon landing, then you may want to attack the elbow. With a straight elbow, you can grab both hands around the elbow and put pressure on it, resulting in a broken elbow. To do this, the opponent’s arm needs to remain straight at all times. With this done, the Kotegaeshi is finished and throughout the process, the goal should be to stop your opponent from hurting you. The good thing about the Kotegaeshi is that depending on the scenario, you can choose to restrain the attacker, or even break bones if it is deemed absolutely necessary.

Using the Kotegaeshi against weapons

As touched upon earlier, the Kotegaeshi is ideal against weapons. As weapons are held in the wrist, the idea is to disarm the attacker as quickly and safely as possible. Arguably, the Kotegaeshi is one of the best techniques to do this for two reasons. The first reason is that by immobilizing the wrist, you literally can’t get stabbed by a blade. This may sound obvious, but if the wrist is controlled then it cannot function properly. Of course, the main issue is avoiding the initial strike, so your footwork needs to be perfectly timed. Secondly, the Kotegaeshi works by moving away from the opponent to make the throwing angle. This means you’re literally out of the way from getting struck and can safely carry out the technique.

This also works very well against firearms. Even if you bend the wrist, there’s still a possibility of getting shot if the opponent manages to pull the trigger. It won’t be an accurate aim, yet it could hit your lower body or ricochet. This isn’t ideal and needs to be addressed. In brief, as soon as the wrist is bent, you will need to move outside of the space so you’re no longer facing the aggressor. At this point, even if they do fire the gun, it literally can’t hit you. This means that the Kotegaeshi is suitable against most weapons, whether they are traditional blades or modern firearms.

When not to use the Kotegaeshi wrist throw

In life, things often don’t go as planned and you can run into problems. One common issue with the Kotegaeshi is the initial set up. Sometimes people will naturally straighten their arm to defend the wrist lock. This is actually a common defense and will remove their wrist from danger. It’s important not to try and force or rush the Kotegaeshi at this point and instead look for other alternatives. In the case of Aikido, if the opponent straightens their arm then you can once again attempt a straight arm lock (juji gatame). In other words, you can’t always pull off the move or technique that you originally aim for.

As you advance through Aikido, you will naturally start chaining moves together and looking for alternative options. This is based on improving your knowledge as well as your muscle memory. Whilst this may be disheartening in the beginning, you will eventually improve and things will fall into place. With this in mind, remember to enjoy the learning process and you’re not expected to be an expert straight away.