other-martial-arts
Koshinage
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Koshinage is an official sumo kimarite in which the attacker places the hips deeply beneath the opponent, loads the opponent onto the hip, and throws. The clearest cue is that the attacker’s hip becomes the fulcrum beneath the opponent’s center. Koshinage is identified by the hip load and can occur with varied grips; Ipponzeoi carries an arm over the shoulder instead. The practical English gloss “Hip throw” 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 | 腰投げ |
|---|---|
| Reading | こしなげ |
| Group | Throwing techniques (投げ手) |
| English guide | Hip throw |
| Official no. | 14 |
What happens
The result is recorded when the attacker places the hips deeply beneath the opponent, loads the opponent onto the hip, and throws.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the attacker’s hip becomes the fulcrum beneath the opponent’s center.
- Result the attacker places the hips deeply beneath the opponent, loads the opponent onto the hip, and throws.
- Compare Koshinage is identified by the hip load and can occur with varied grips; Ipponzeoi carries an arm over the shoulder instead.
Similar techniques
Koshinage is identified by the hip load and can occur with varied grips; Ipponzeoi carries an arm over the shoulder instead. The related pages Kubinage and Ipponzeoi offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Koshinage is written 腰投げ and read こしなげ. It belongs to Throwing techniques (投げ手); “Hip throw” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Koshinage 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 Koshinage results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 73rd 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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