other-martial-arts
Uwatehineri
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Uwatehineri is an official sumo kimarite in which an overarm mawashi grip twists the opponent down toward the gripping side. The clearest cue is that the outside belt hand anchors the turn rather than casting the opponent through a broad throw. Uwatehineri twists toward an overarm grip; Uwatenage throws from that grip, and Shitatehineri uses an underarm hold. The practical English gloss “Overarm twist-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 | 上手捻り |
|---|---|
| Reading | うわてひねり |
| Group | Twist-down techniques (捻り手) |
| English guide | Overarm twist-down |
| Official no. | 53 |
What happens
The result is recorded when an overarm mawashi grip twists the opponent down toward the gripping side.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the outside belt hand anchors the turn rather than casting the opponent through a broad throw.
- Result an overarm mawashi grip twists the opponent down toward the gripping side.
- Compare Uwatehineri twists toward an overarm grip; Uwatenage throws from that grip, and Shitatehineri uses an underarm hold.
Similar techniques
Uwatehineri twists toward an overarm grip; Uwatenage throws from that grip, and Shitatehineri uses an underarm hold. The related pages Shitatehineri and Makiotoshi offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Uwatehineri is written 上手捻り and read うわてひねり. It belongs to Twist-down techniques (捻り手); “Overarm twist-down” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Uwatehineri 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 266 Uwatehineri results, 0.1% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 32nd 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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