other-martial-arts
Susotori
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Susotori is an official sumo kimarite in which while resisting a throw, the attacker catches the opponent’s ankle from outside and knocks the opponent down. The clearest cue is that the hand takes the outer ankle during a counter to a throwing action. Susotori is an outside ankle pick used while countering a throw; Kozumatori catches the front ankle of an advancing leg. The practical English gloss “Outside ankle pick” 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 | 裾取り |
|---|---|
| Reading | すそとり |
| Group | Leg techniques (掛け手) |
| English guide | Outside ankle pick |
| Official no. | 37 |
What happens
The result is recorded when while resisting a throw, the attacker catches the opponent’s ankle from outside and knocks the opponent down.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the hand takes the outer ankle during a counter to a throwing action.
- Result while resisting a throw, the attacker catches the opponent’s ankle from outside and knocks the opponent down.
- Compare Susotori is an outside ankle pick used while countering a throw; Kozumatori catches the front ankle of an advancing leg.
Similar techniques
Susotori is an outside ankle pick used while countering a throw; Kozumatori catches the front ankle of an advancing leg. The related pages Susoharai and Nimaigeri offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Susotori is written 裾取り and read すそとり. It belongs to Leg techniques (掛け手); “Outside ankle pick” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Susotori 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 5 Susotori results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 74th 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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