other-martial-arts
Tsutaezori
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Tsutaezori is an official sumo kimarite in which the attacker slips beneath the opponent’s armpit while arching backward and carries the opponent over. The clearest cue is that the attacker passes under the arm rather than lifting at the knees or securing a leg. Tsutaezori is recognized by the passage beneath the armpit; the other sorite rely more visibly on knees, thigh control, shoulder loading, or a hook. The practical English gloss “Underarm backward drop” 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 | 伝え反り |
|---|---|
| Reading | つたえぞり |
| Group | Backward body drops (反り手) |
| English guide | Underarm backward drop |
| Official no. | 44 |
What happens
The result is recorded when the attacker slips beneath the opponent’s armpit while arching backward and carries the opponent over.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the attacker passes under the arm rather than lifting at the knees or securing a leg.
- Result the attacker slips beneath the opponent’s armpit while arching backward and carries the opponent over.
- Compare Tsutaezori is recognized by the passage beneath the armpit; the other sorite rely more visibly on knees, thigh control, shoulder loading, or a hook.
Similar techniques
Tsutaezori is recognized by the passage beneath the armpit; the other sorite rely more visibly on knees, thigh control, shoulder loading, or a hook. The related pages Izori and Shumokuzori offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Tsutaezori is written 伝え反り and read つたえぞり. It belongs to Backward body drops (反り手); “Underarm backward drop” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Tsutaezori 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 16 Tsutaezori results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 65th 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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