Tawara gaeshi

Alternate names: Rice bale reversal

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Technique Description

Tawara Gaeshi, often translated as 'Rice Bale Reversal' or 'Rice Bag Reversal,' is a counter-throw primarily used to defend against an opponent's attempt to lift or pick you up. As the opponent tries to lift you, often for a throw like Ura Nage or a similar technique, you counter by wrapping your arms around their torso, securing a strong grip. Simultaneously, you drop your weight and use your legs to hook or wrap around the opponent's legs or hips. This combination of the upper body grip and the lower body control allows you to reverse their momentum and throw them over your shoulder or hip. The throw's name, 'Rice Bale Reversal,' comes from the image of flipping a heavy rice bale over one's shoulder. It was traditionally used in rice farming to move heavy sacks of rice. The throw requires good timing and coordination between the upper and lower body. Although the throw used to be legal in competition it is now banned due to being a reap. It is worth noting that the taware gaeshi throw is more effective when applied with the gi, but is technically feasible without the gi.