Tag Archives: Hikikomi Gaeshi

Rise and Shine with El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: The 6am Class for Adults of All Levels

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in starting the day with strength, discipline, and a commitment to self-improvement. Our 6am class, held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, is designed to cater to adults of all levels—from beginners just stepping onto the mat to seasoned practitioners honing their skills.

Early Morning Training: The Perfect Start to Your Day

Why choose a 6am class? The early hours offer a unique opportunity to train when the mind is fresh and the day is just beginning. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Consistent Routine: Starting your day with training sets a positive tone and helps establish a consistent routine that balances work, personal time, and fitness.
  • Increased Focus: Morning sessions can enhance focus and concentration, providing a clear and calm mindset for the rest of the day.
  • Community and Camaraderie: The 6am class fosters a sense of community among like-minded individuals dedicated to improving their jiu-jitsu skills.

Technique Spotlight: Hikikomi Gaeshi

Currently, our 6am class is delving into the intricacies of the judo technique Hikikomi Gaeshi. This technique, known for its effectiveness and fluidity, is an excellent addition to any martial artist’s repertoire.

What is Hikikomi Gaeshi?

Hikikomi Gaeshi, often translated as “Pulling Down Reversal,” is a sacrifice throw in judo. It involves pulling your opponent forward and down while simultaneously executing a rolling motion to off-balance them and achieve a controlled throw.

Key Steps to Mastering Hikikomi Gaeshi

  1. Grip and Pull: Establish a strong grip on your opponent’s gi, ideally with one hand on their collar and the other on their sleeve. Pull them forward to break their balance.
  2. Drop and Roll: As your opponent is pulled forward, drop your body down and roll onto your back. Your motion should be fluid, using your momentum to guide the throw.
  3. Lift and Sweep: Use your legs to lift and sweep your opponent over you, completing the throw and landing in a dominant position.

Why Practice Hikikomi Gaeshi?

  • Versatility: This technique can be applied in various scenarios, making it a valuable skill for both sport and self-defense.
  • Control and Precision: Practicing Hikikomi Gaeshi enhances your ability to control your opponent’s movements and execute precise throws.
  • Full-Body Engagement: The technique engages your entire body, improving strength, coordination, and overall physical conditioning.

Join Us at 6am!

Whether you’re new to jiu-jitsu or an experienced practitioner, our 6am class at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu offers a supportive and challenging environment to grow your skills. Come and experience the energy and dedication of our morning training sessions, and take the first step toward mastering techniques like Hikikomi Gaeshi.

We look forward to seeing you on the mat bright and early!


For more information about our classes and schedule, visit our website or contact us directly. Keep training, keep improving, and keep striving for excellence at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.

Mastering the Hikikomi Gaeshi: From Judo to Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re constantly exploring the rich history and versatile techniques of martial arts. One such technique that has seamlessly transitioned from Judo to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is the Hikikomi Gaeshi, a dynamic and effective sacrifice throw.

Origins in Judo

The Hikikomi Gaeshi, which translates to “Pulling Sacrifice Throw,” has its roots deep in the tradition of Judo. Developed by Judo founder Jigoro Kano, this technique exemplifies the principle of using an opponent’s force and momentum against them, a cornerstone of Judo philosophy. The Hikikomi Gaeshi is categorized under the Sutemi Waza (sacrifice techniques), where the practitioner sacrifices their own balance to execute a powerful throw.

Execution in Judo

In Judo, the Hikikomi Gaeshi is typically initiated from a grip on the opponent’s collar or belt. The practitioner pulls their opponent forward, simultaneously dropping to the mat and using their legs to propel the opponent over them. This throw capitalizes on the opponent’s forward momentum, making it a highly effective counter to aggressive forward attacks.

Application in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with its focus on ground fighting and submissions, has embraced the Hikikomi Gaeshi for its ability to transition from standing to a dominant ground position. Here’s how this throw is adapted and applied in BJJ:

  1. Entry and Setup: Similar to Judo, the BJJ practitioner grips the opponent’s gi, in this case a double collar grip position.
  2. Execution: As the opponent advances, the practitioner pulls them forward, drops to the mat, and uses their legs to flip the opponent over. The key difference in BJJ is the emphasis on transitioning immediately to a dominant position, such as mount or side control, to continue the fight on the ground.
  3. Flow and Control: Once the opponent is thrown, the practitioner must flow into a controlling position, maintaining pressure and looking for submission opportunities. The Hikikomi Gaeshi often leads to advantageous positions, and at the very least a strong guard pull.

Practical Tips for Mastery

To effectively integrate the Hikikomi Gaeshi into your BJJ game, consider the following tips:

  • Grip Strength: Developing strong and strategic grips is essential. Practice different grip variations to find what works best for your body type and fighting style.
  • Timing and Balance: Perfecting the timing of your pull and drop is crucial. Drilling with a partner will help you understand the nuances of balance and momentum required for a successful throw.
  • Transitions: Focus on the transitions immediately after the throw. Work on flowing seamlessly into control positions and setting up submissions.

The Hikikomi Gaeshi is a beautiful example of the fluidity between Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. By mastering this sacrifice throw, you not only add a powerful technique to your repertoire but also deepen your understanding of the interconnectedness of these martial arts. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage you to explore and integrate such techniques, enriching your practice and expanding your skill set. Join us on the mats to learn, practice, and perfect the Hikikomi Gaeshi and many other exciting techniques!