other-martial-arts
Susoharai
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Susoharai is an official sumo kimarite in which after a pulling throw or arm pull, the attacker sweeps the opponent’s advanced leg from behind. The clearest cue is that the attacking foot clears the rear of the forward leg while upper-body control continues. Susoharai sweeps from behind; Kekaeshi kicks from inside to outside, and Nimaigeri combines its kick with a lift. The practical English gloss “Rear foot sweep” 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 | 裾払い |
|---|---|
| Reading | すそはらい |
| Group | Leg techniques (掛け手) |
| English guide | Rear foot sweep |
| Official no. | 38 |
What happens
The result is recorded when after a pulling throw or arm pull, the attacker sweeps the opponent’s advanced leg from behind.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the attacking foot clears the rear of the forward leg while upper-body control continues.
- Result after a pulling throw or arm pull, the attacker sweeps the opponent’s advanced leg from behind.
- Compare Susoharai sweeps from behind; Kekaeshi kicks from inside to outside, and Nimaigeri combines its kick with a lift.
Similar techniques
Susoharai sweeps from behind; Kekaeshi kicks from inside to outside, and Nimaigeri combines its kick with a lift. The related pages Nimaigeri and Komatasukui offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Susoharai is written 裾払い and read すそはらい. It belongs to Leg techniques (掛け手); “Rear foot sweep” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Susoharai 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 81 Susoharai results, 0.04% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 44th 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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