other-martial-arts
Hatakikomi
Image: TokyoWaltz / Original illustration · All rights reserved
Hatakikomi is a sumo slap-down that redirects a low, advancing opponent toward the clay with downward hand action. The defender first creates an angle by moving the torso and feet away from the line of attack. Hikiotoshi is characterized by pulling the opponent down toward the attacker, while hatakikomi emphasizes the downward slap or strike against an advancing body. The practical English gloss “Slap-down” is a viewing aid rather than an official translation. Focus on the contact that causes the final movement and on whether the opponent is forced out, falls, or is thrown. Earlier exchanges may create the opening, but the kimarite names the action that actually decides the bout.
Overview
| Japanese | 叩き込み |
|---|---|
| Reading | はたきこみ |
| Group | Special techniques (特殊技) |
| English guide | Slap-down |
| Official no. | 66 |
What happens
The recorded result combines an advancing, lowered opponent with a body-opening response and a downward hand action.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the defender first creates an angle by moving the torso and feet away from the line of attack.
- Result the recorded result combines an advancing, lowered opponent with a body-opening response and a downward hand action.
- Compare Hikiotoshi is characterized by pulling the opponent down toward the attacker, while hatakikomi emphasizes the downward slap or strike against an advancing body.
Similar techniques
Hikiotoshi is characterized by pulling the opponent down toward the attacker, while hatakikomi emphasizes the downward slap or strike against an advancing body. Tsukiotoshi uses one hand at the armpit or side and diagonal downward pressure while opening the body. If the opponent simply loses balance without a decisive opponent action, one of the separately recorded non-technique outcomes may apply.
Name
Hatakikomi is written 叩き込み and read はたきこみ. The name evokes striking or patting downward, while the official classification places it in the broad special-technique group rather than among pushes or twists. English “slap-down” is descriptive, but the judging question is whether the downward action produced the decisive forward fall.
Context
Hatakikomi often appears after a hard tachiai, during extended pushing, or when an attacker chases too high or too far forward. It may look sudden because the decisive contact occupies only a fraction of the bout. The label does not say whether the winner planned the opening from the start or used it as an improvised defensive response.
Statistics
The Japan Sumo Association table consulted on 12 September 2026 counted 15,677 hatakikomi results, 8.2 percent of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, ranking it third in the displayed dataset. This is a dated sample, not a timeless probability; check the association’s live page for later totals.
Sources
Last updated:
