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.