other-martial-arts
Okurigake
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Okurigake is an official sumo kimarite in which from behind, the attacker hooks an opponent’s leg from inside or outside and topples the opponent. The clearest cue is that a visible leg hook supplies the decisive trip while the attacker controls from the rear. Okurigake is defined by the rear leg hook; without that hook a similar finish may be Okurinage, Okuritaoshi, or Okurihikiotoshi. The practical English gloss “Rear leg-trip” 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 | 送り掛け |
|---|---|
| Reading | おくりがけ |
| Group | Special techniques (特殊技) |
| English guide | Rear leg-trip |
| Official no. | 75 |
What happens
The result is recorded when from behind, the attacker hooks an opponent’s leg from inside or outside and topples the opponent.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action a visible leg hook supplies the decisive trip while the attacker controls from the rear.
- Result from behind, the attacker hooks an opponent’s leg from inside or outside and topples the opponent.
- Compare Okurigake is defined by the rear leg hook; without that hook a similar finish may be Okurinage, Okuritaoshi, or Okurihikiotoshi.
Similar techniques
Okurigake is defined by the rear leg hook; without that hook a similar finish may be Okurinage, Okuritaoshi, or Okurihikiotoshi. The related pages Okurihikiotoshi and Waridashi offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Okurigake is written 送り掛け and read おくりがけ. It belongs to Special techniques (特殊技); “Rear leg-trip” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Okurigake 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 4 Okurigake results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 76th 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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