Wrist Locks: Kote Gaeshi

Kote gaeshi or wrist twist is probably the most commonly seen wrist lock in jiu jitsu, and is prolific throughout many other martial arts. The wrist lock may be entered into from a variety of positions, but the example shown here is from a simple lapel grab and is the way jitsuka are typically taught the technique. From this position it may be that the attacker is simply going to drag the jitsuka away or they may be holding them in position to punch them with the other hand.

The jitsuka reacts as soon as she is grabbed and moves to pin the attacker's hand to her chest - after all she doesn't want her attacker to run before she finishes the wrist lock. Two hands provide the strongest grip, but if a punch is likely to come in from the attacker, a hand can be released to provide a simple block. For example a left handed punch from the attacker would require a right handed block from the jitsuka. At this point it is not necessary to release the hand from the lapel grip. The wrist lock may be applied just as well whilst the hand remains in contact with the jitsuka's chest. However if a full release is required (for example if you didn't want to stretch your best t-shirt or gi), pressure can be applied to the bones on the back of the hand - this will tend to give a slight release of the grip.

The jitsuka now takes a step and as the lock's name suggests - begins to twist the wrist. Before we cover the lock, note that the step is such that it protects the jitsuka's groin - a target for most people when they panic in a violent confrontation. However the step does much more than just protect the jitsuka. The step begins to take the balance of the attacker as it takes them to a point behind and to the right (one of the cardinal points of ku zushi). The step also enables the jitsuka to actually use all of the body against the attacker's wrist. No matter how strong the attacker is, a jitsuka with good technique using their whole body against a wrist will have no problem in taking control of the situation.

The wrist can move in all three of these dimensions and for this lock the hand is moved to the most extreme point of flexibility in each dimension - to thus produce a lock. Firstly the hand is bent so that the fingers point straight up with the attacker's elbow pointing at the ground. If the attacker's wrists are flexible it may be possible to bend it further to point the fingers towards the bicep. Secondly the hand is twisted as though it were mounted on a vertical spindle. The twist should turn the little finger towards the attacker and the thump towards the jitsuka. Finally the hand should be pushed as though the forearm was mounted on a horizontal spindle so that the hand is pushed over and down to the right of the jitsuka.

The wrist should now be locked. The grip on the hand can be used to apply more pressure if required. The position on the left is reasonably strong and allows for a good grip. The position on the right allows the jitsuka to bring more body weight to be brought to bear upon the wrist but some of the grip is then lost.

This wrist lock is very powerful and can break someone's wrist when applied with force. As a jitsuka advances through his studies, he will learn how to anticipate the locks and dive out before the breakfall is fully applied. He will also learn how to counter the wrist lock before it can be fully applied.

For more information on wrist locks take a look at the wrist locks page.