Tsubame-gaeshi
燕返つばめがえし
- Ashi-waza
Key idea
The defining action withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked.
Kodokan official demonstration
Kodokan technique list (opens in a new tab)YouTube (opens in a new tab)
VISUAL GUIDE
How to read the movement
The central principle of Tsubame-gaeshi is the coordinated action that withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked.
- Tori
- the person applying the technique
- Uke
- the person receiving the technique
- Red line
- main direction or point of contact
AT A GLANCE
Classification representative
IN SEQUENCE
Three basic phases
- 1Create usable imbalance
- 2Enter and stay connected
- 3Complete the defining action
Original AI-generated educational illustration for TokyoWaltz, 2026. A simplified three-stage concept; practise under qualified instruction.
PLAY WHEN NEEDED
Watch the basic movement slowly
- 1Starting pointCreate usable imbalance
- 2Decisive actionEnter and stay connected
- 3CompletionComplete the defining action
1 / 3Starting point— Create usable imbalance
Follow the red line and phase indicator. The guide does not autoplay or loop.
How it works
The central principle of Tsubame-gaeshi is the coordinated action that withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked.
Kuzushi
Create usable imbalance
Create the imbalance described by the official definition and continue it into the entry. Uke should not be able to recover stable support before the decisive action.
Tsukuri
Enter and stay connected
Enter with stable posture and continuous control. Use the official demonstration to check the required position, contact line, and direction.
Kake
Complete the defining action
Complete the defining action described in the official definition and shown in the demonstration. Maintain control through uke’s fall.
Key points
- To identify Tsubame-gaeshi, watch for the moment the leg or foot action becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked.
- When reviewing Tsubame-gaeshi, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| O-soto-gaeshi | 大外返 | O-soto-gaeshi counters O-soto-gari by using the attacked leg to counter-reap the attacker’s supporting line; Tsubame-gaeshi withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked. |
| O-uchi-gaeshi | 大内返 | O-uchi-gaeshi counters O-uchi-gari by turning the attacked leg into a counter-reaping action; Tsubame-gaeshi withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked. |
| Hane-goshi-gaeshi | 跳腰返 | Hane-goshi-gaeshi counters Hane-goshi by reaping or hooking the attacker’s pivot foot from the outside; Tsubame-gaeshi withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked. |
Reference
Open the detailed source material when you need definitions, technical distinctions, training context, or references.
Official definition
What this technique is
Within the Kodokan list, Tsubame-gaeshi belongs to foot and leg techniques. Its name is attached to the action that withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Tsubame-gaeshi demonstration is therefore the best starting point for recognizing the technique before comparing variations in timing, grip or stance.
Core principle
The central principle of Tsubame-gaeshi is the coordinated action that withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Tsubame-gaeshi demonstration before the decisive action and check what support remains, where contact is maintained and whether tori is lifting, reaping, blocking, rotating, wrapping or applying controlled pressure.
Detailed execution
Key recognition points
- To identify Tsubame-gaeshi, watch for the moment the leg or foot action becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked.
- When reviewing Tsubame-gaeshi, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Tsubame-gaeshi is the leg or foot action: withdraws from an incoming foot sweep and immediately counter-sweeps with the foot that was attacked. Compare that action with neighbouring names in the same Kodokan category. If the contact point, control route or sacrifice direction changes, the result may belong under a different official name even when the landing position looks similar.
Training and safety
Training and safety
Practise entries, controlled finishes, and ukemi under a qualified Judo instructor. Competition rules and permitted applications can vary, so confirm the current ruleset before competitive use.