other-martial-arts
Hikiotoshi
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Hikiotoshi is an official sumo kimarite in which the attacker pulls the opponent’s arm or shoulder toward the surface, sometimes with a front mawashi grip. The clearest cue is that a direct backward or downward pull breaks the opponent’s forward balance. Hikiotoshi pulls at the arm, shoulder, or front belt; Hatakikomi uses a slap or press to the upper back, and Katasukashi works beneath the shoulder. The practical English gloss “Hand pull-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 | 引き落とし |
|---|---|
| Reading | ひきおとし |
| Group | Special techniques (特殊技) |
| English guide | Hand pull-down |
| Official no. | 64 |
What happens
The result is recorded when the attacker pulls the opponent’s arm or shoulder toward the surface, sometimes with a front mawashi grip.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action a direct backward or downward pull breaks the opponent’s forward balance.
- Result the attacker pulls the opponent’s arm or shoulder toward the surface, sometimes with a front mawashi grip.
- Compare Hikiotoshi pulls at the arm, shoulder, or front belt; Hatakikomi uses a slap or press to the upper back, and Katasukashi works beneath the shoulder.
Similar techniques
Hikiotoshi pulls at the arm, shoulder, or front belt; Hatakikomi uses a slap or press to the upper back, and Katasukashi works beneath the shoulder. The related pages Hikkake and Sokubiotoshi offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Hikiotoshi is written 引き落とし and read ひきおとし. It belongs to Special techniques (特殊技); “Hand pull-down” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Hikiotoshi 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 6,614 Hikiotoshi results, 3.5% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 7th 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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