Tsubame Gaeshi
| Tsubame Gaeshi | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Domain | Tachi-Waza |
| Classification | Nage-Waza |
| Sub-Classification | Ashi-Waza |
| Kodokan | Yes |
| IJF Legal | Yes |
| Grouping | Shinmeisho No Waza |
| Related | De Ashi Harai |
| Complexity | Beginner |
| Technique name | |
| Alias | Counter De Ashi |
| Rōmaji | Tsubame gaeshi |
| Japanese | 燕返し |
| English | Swallow counter |
| Korean | 제비 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