Tsubame Gaeshi

From Red River Judo
Tsubame Gaeshi
General information
DomainTachi-Waza
ClassificationNage-Waza
Sub-ClassificationAshi-Waza
KodokanYes
IJF LegalYes
GroupingShinmeisho No Waza
RelatedDe Ashi Harai
ComplexityBeginner
Technique name
AliasCounter De Ashi
RōmajiTsubame gaeshi
Japanese燕返し
EnglishSwallow counter
Korean제비 반환

Tsubame Gaeshi (燕返し) is a judo throw that falls within the seventeen techniques of the Shimmeisho no waza, officially recognized by the Kodokan in 1982<ref>Kano, Jigoro (1986), Kodokan Judo, Tokyo: Kodansha</ref>. Literally translated as "Swallow Counter," Tsubame Gaeshi is the countering of an ashi waza (foot technique) with Deashi Harai (advanced foot sweep) from the opposite leg<ref>Mifune, Kyuzo (2004), Canon of Judo, Tokyo: Kodansha</ref>.

Execution:

In practice, Tsubame Gaeshi is executed when the opponent (uke) attempts a Deashi Harai. The practitioner (tori) avoids the sweep by bending the knee of the leg being targeted, then immediately counters with a Deashi Harai using the opposite leg. For example, if uke performs a right-handed Deashi Harai, tori would bend their right knee and counter with a left-handed Deashi Harai.

Kata

Tsubame Gaeshi is featured in several kata (forms) within judo. It is the opening move of the Kaeshi-no-kata, a kata dedicated to counter techniques

Historical Context:

The name Tsubame Gaeshi is a reference to the famous technique of the legendary Japanese swordsman Sasaki Kojirō. Kojirō’s Tsubame Gaeshi was an overhead katana stroke performed so swiftly that it resembled the flight of a swallow, hence the name. This technique is renowned for its speed and precision, drawing inspiration from the swift and elusive movements of a swallow in flight.


Demonstration