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Ipponzeoi

Two sumo wrestlers demonstrate Ipponzeoi, as the captured arm passes over a turned-in shoulder as the opponent is carried forward
Original educational illustration of Ipponzeoi: the captured arm passes over a turned-in shoulder as the opponent is carried forward, shown as a clear throwing techniques finish on a dohyō.
Image: TokyoWaltz / Original illustration · All rights reserved

Ipponzeoi is an official sumo kimarite in which both hands secure one opponent arm, the attacker turns in, loads that arm and shoulder line, and throws forward. The clearest cue is that the captured arm passes over a turned-in shoulder as the opponent is carried forward. Ipponzeoi is an arm-over-shoulder throw; Kotenage keeps the attacker outside the arm, while Koshinage centers the opponent on the hip. The practical English gloss “One-arm shoulder throw” 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一本背負い
Readingいっぽんぜおい
GroupThrowing techniques (投げ手)
English guideOne-arm shoulder throw
Official no.16

What happens

The result is recorded when both hands secure one opponent arm, the attacker turns in, loads that arm and shoulder line, and throws forward.

How to spot it

Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.

  • Action the captured arm passes over a turned-in shoulder as the opponent is carried forward.
  • Result both hands secure one opponent arm, the attacker turns in, loads that arm and shoulder line, and throws forward.
  • Compare Ipponzeoi is an arm-over-shoulder throw; Kotenage keeps the attacker outside the arm, while Koshinage centers the opponent on the hip.

Similar techniques

Ipponzeoi is an arm-over-shoulder throw; Kotenage keeps the attacker outside the arm, while Koshinage centers the opponent on the hip. The related pages Nichōnage and Yaguranage offer useful visual comparisons.

Name

Ipponzeoi is written 一本背負い and read いっぽんぜおい. It belongs to Throwing techniques (投げ手); “One-arm shoulder throw” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.

Context

Ipponzeoi can emerge directly from the tachiai, after a prolonged exchange, or as a counter when posture and footing change. Left-right orientation, wrestler size, and camera angle can alter its appearance without changing the classification.

Statistics

The Japan Sumo Association table consulted on 12 September 2026 counted 19 Ipponzeoi results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 62nd in that bounded dataset. This is a dated sample, not a timeless probability; check the association’s live page for later totals.

Sources

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