other-martial-arts
Gasshōhineri
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Gasshōhineri is an official sumo kimarite in which the attacker clasps both hands behind the opponent’s neck or upper back and twists sideways. The clearest cue is that the hands join in a prayer-like clasp behind the neck before the sideward turn. Gasshōhineri uses clasped hands; Tokkurinage keeps two hands separated around the head or neck. The practical English gloss “Clasped-hands neck twist-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 | 合掌捻り |
|---|---|
| Reading | がっしょうひねり |
| Group | Twist-down techniques (捻り手) |
| English guide | Clasped-hands neck twist-down |
| Official no. | 60 |
What happens
The result is recorded when the attacker clasps both hands behind the opponent’s neck or upper back and twists sideways.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the hands join in a prayer-like clasp behind the neck before the sideward turn.
- Result the attacker clasps both hands behind the opponent’s neck or upper back and twists sideways.
- Compare Gasshōhineri uses clasped hands; Tokkurinage keeps two hands separated around the head or neck.
Similar techniques
Gasshōhineri uses clasped hands; Tokkurinage keeps two hands separated around the head or neck. The related pages Tokkurinage and Kubihineri offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Gasshōhineri is written 合掌捻り and read がっしょうひねり. It belongs to Twist-down techniques (捻り手); “Clasped-hands neck twist-down” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Gasshōhineri 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 2 Gasshōhineri results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 79th 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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