支釣込足 Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi propping foot, lift-pull

Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi in detail

Reference video

Classification

Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi (支釣込足, "propping, lift-pull foot") is the third throw of the first group (Dai Ikkyo) of the Kodokan Gokyo. It belongs to the foot techniques (ashi-waza). The name describes the two halves of the throw: sasae, the foot that props Uke's ankle, and tsurikomi, the lifting and pulling action of the hands. It is the close relative of Hiza-guruma, which blocks at the knee instead of the ankle.

Principle

The lift-pull brings Uke up onto the toes and forward, so Uke has to step. Tori makes a small step forward to the right with the right foot, which brings the hips close enough and opens the angle for the turn. Just as Uke's right foot takes weight, Tori props it at the ankle with a straight leg. The foot can't move, Uke's body keeps travelling forward, and Tori turns 180° on the right foot while both hands steer: Uke falls forward over the blocked foot, goes right over and lands on the back on the far side of Tori.

Grips (kumikata)

The animation shows two right-handed judoka in ai-yotsu: both stand in migi shizentai (right foot forward) and grip the same way – right hand on the partner's left lapel, left hand on the partner's right sleeve.

• Left hand (hikite): the outside of Uke's right sleeve at the elbow. It lifts and pulls Uke forward, then pulls the sleeve down.
• Right hand (tsurite): Uke's left lapel. It lifts Uke onto the toes and pulls up during the turn, so that both hands turn Uke like a steering wheel.

Step-by-step

1. Lift-pull: lift and pull Uke forward towards the right front corner, so Uke comes up onto the toes and steps in with the right foot.
2. Step forward right: make a small step forward and to the right with the right foot and start turning to the left.
3. Prop: with the weight on the right foot, place the sole of the left foot against the front of Uke's right ankle, toes turned in, leg straight – just as the foot takes weight.
4. Turn: keep the ankle propped and turn 180° to the left on the right foot; the left hand pulls the sleeve down and the right hand pulls the lapel up, like turning a steering wheel.
5. Finish: Uke falls forward over the blocked foot and lands on the back on the far side, head at your feet, slapping the mat with the left arm. Finish the turn facing Uke, balanced on both feet.

Key points to get right

These points are also shown as callouts in the animation at the moment they matter.

• Lift-pull Uke forward onto the toes. Without the lift, Uke simply steps over the blocking foot.
• Small step forward to the right. The step brings you close enough and sets the angle for the turn.
• Sole against the front of the ankle, leg straight. The foot props, it doesn't kick – Uke's foot stays where it is while the body goes over it.
• Keep lifting and turn Uke like a steering wheel. Sleeve hand pulls down, lapel hand pulls up, while your upper body turns to the left.
• Turn 180° and keep the sleeve. The full turn on the right foot carries Uke over the blocked foot; the sleeve keeps the landing under control.

Variations and related techniques

• Hiza-guruma: the same turn, with the block at the knee.
• Harai-tsurikomi-ashi: the foot sweeps Uke's lower leg instead of propping it.
• De-ashi-harai: the advancing foot is swept away just before it takes weight instead of being blocked.
• Sasae against a retreating or circling Uke: prop the foot that moves last and turn Uke in the direction of the movement.

Combinations and counters

Set-ups: Ko-uchi-gari or O-uchi-gari make Uke step forward onto the right foot; when Uke steps over the block, Hiza-guruma or O-soto-gari can follow. Counters (kaeshi-waza): Uke can lift the propped foot and step around, countering with a foot technique of their own, or sweep Tori's single supporting foot when Tori leans back too far.

Safety for teaching

Uke tips over fast and needs a reliable breakfall onto the back with a left-arm slap. Teach the block with the sole against the front of the ankle – never with the toes or against the shin bone. Practise the lift-pull and the step first as uchi-komi with a light touch on the ankle, then throw slowly; Tori keeps the sleeve and lifts slightly at the end.