Kani-basami
蟹挟かにばさみ
- Yoko-sutemi-waza
Key idea
The defining action scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward.
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 Kani-basami is the coordinated action that scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward.
This technique has specific competition restrictions. Practise only under qualified supervision and check the current rules before use.
- 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
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 Kani-basami is the coordinated action that scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward.
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 Kani-basami, watch for the moment the side sacrifice becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward.
- When reviewing Kani-basami, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ko-uchi-makikomi | 小内巻込 | Ko-uchi-makikomi hooks the leg from the inside and falls forward; Kani-basami scissors the lower body with both legs. |
| Kawazu-gake | 河津掛 | Kawazu-gake entangles one leg from the inside and falls with uke; Kani-basami scissors the lower body with both legs. |
| Harai-makikomi | 払巻込 | Harai-makikomi continues Harai-goshi into a wrapping sacrifice; Kani-basami scissors the lower body with both legs. |
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, Kani-basami belongs to side sacrifice techniques. Its name is attached to the action that scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Kani-basami 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 Kani-basami is the coordinated action that scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Kani-basami 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 Kani-basami, watch for the moment the side sacrifice becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward.
- When reviewing Kani-basami, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Kani-basami is the side sacrifice: scissors the lower body with both legs while dropping sideways to take uke backward. 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
Do not attempt this action from text or video alone. Practise only where a qualified Judo instructor has confirmed that the training method, partner preparation and ruleset make it appropriate. The current IJF competition rules do not allow this application, and competition rules can change.
Competition rules
Competition note
The IJF Sport and Organisation Rules dated 14 August 2026 list the application of Kani-basami among actions that are not allowed in IJF events and are penalised with hansoku-make. This competition rule does not remove the technique from the Kodokan's official technique list.