other-martial-arts
Ushiromotare
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Ushiromotare is an official sumo kimarite in which with the back turned, the attacker leans into an opponent behind and forces that opponent out or down. The clearest cue is that the winner’s back supplies pressure into an opponent positioned immediately behind. Ushiromotare is defined by backward leaning pressure and often emerges accidentally from a scramble; the other rear techniques are applied by a wrestler who has gained position behind. The practical English gloss “Backward lean-out or 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 | 後ろもたれ |
|---|---|
| Reading | うしろもたれ |
| Group | Special techniques (特殊技) |
| English guide | Backward lean-out or down |
| Official no. | 81 |
What happens
The result is recorded when with the back turned, the attacker leans into an opponent behind and forces that opponent out or down.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the winner’s back supplies pressure into an opponent positioned immediately behind.
- Result with the back turned, the attacker leans into an opponent behind and forces that opponent out or down.
- Compare Ushiromotare is defined by backward leaning pressure and often emerges accidentally from a scramble; the other rear techniques are applied by a wrestler who has gained position behind.
Similar techniques
Ushiromotare is defined by backward leaning pressure and often emerges accidentally from a scramble; the other rear techniques are applied by a wrestler who has gained position behind. The related pages Yobimodoshi and Okurinage offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Ushiromotare is written 後ろもたれ and read うしろもたれ. It belongs to Special techniques (特殊技); “Backward lean-out or down” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Ushiromotare 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 27 Ushiromotare results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 57th 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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