other-martial-arts
Hikkake
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Hikkake is an official sumo kimarite in which the attacker hooks an extended or inside arm between both hands, opens the body, and sends the opponent out or forward down. The clearest cue is that the opponent’s arm is caught between an inside hook and an outside hand as the attacker pivots. Hikkake traps and redirects one arm; Tottari fixes an arm with both hands for a twist-down, while Hikiotoshi is a simpler pull. The practical English gloss “Hooked-arm force-out or 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 | 引っ掛け |
|---|---|
| Reading | ひっかけ |
| Group | Special techniques (特殊技) |
| English guide | Hooked-arm force-out or down |
| Official no. | 65 |
What happens
The result is recorded when the attacker hooks an extended or inside arm between both hands, opens the body, and sends the opponent out or forward down.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the opponent’s arm is caught between an inside hook and an outside hand as the attacker pivots.
- Result the attacker hooks an extended or inside arm between both hands, opens the body, and sends the opponent out or forward down.
- Compare Hikkake traps and redirects one arm; Tottari fixes an arm with both hands for a twist-down, while Hikiotoshi is a simpler pull.
Similar techniques
Hikkake traps and redirects one arm; Tottari fixes an arm with both hands for a twist-down, while Hikiotoshi is a simpler pull. The related pages Sokubiotoshi and Tsuridashi offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Hikkake is written 引っ掛け and read ひっかけ. It belongs to Special techniques (特殊技); “Hooked-arm force-out or down” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Hikkake 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 301 Hikkake results, 0.2% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 28th 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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