Wrist Locks: Kote Mawashi

Kote mawashi or out-turned wrist is one of the simplest wrist locks found in jiu jitsu. That is the complexity of the lock, and not a reference to the skill required to apply it effectively. Like kote gaeshi this wrist lock can be entered into in numerous ways, but a simple way to learn how to get into this technique is from a double lapel grab as shown in the photograph on the right. This is not an uncommon position to end up in at the beginning of some sort of confrontation. The person grabbing is either trying to restrain you against a wall or is about to drag you forward into a head-butt. An alternative technique is required if pinned against a wall, but if we'll assume for now a simple head-butt is intended instead. We can add to the basic wrist lock to provides some defence against this.

As the attacker grabs (looks like they swopped who was aggressive here folks!), the jitsuka steps backwards and covers across with the opposite arm to the wrist on which the lock will be applied. In the photograph here the lock is to be applied to the attacker's right hand so the jitsuka steps back with her left leg and covers across with her right hand. The hand is pinned tightly against the lapel. After all we wouldn't want the attacker to let go now they're right where we want them! By bringing the arm over the elbow is then positioned between the attacker's head and the jitsuka's head. Most people will find that their elbow is considerably harder than the attacker's head. Therefore should the attacker follow through with a head-butt, the jitsuka's arm is braced by their own shoulder and deep stance. With a little bit of aiming, the attacker will find their nose impacting on the jitsuka's elbow rather than a head on head.

The step and cover are carried-out at the same time. This should draw the attacker forwards and disrupt their balance if done sharply enough. If an opponent is particularly large and/or aggressive, the action of the hand being brought over the top of the attacker's arms can be used as an atemi. Consider a slap across the face (suprisingly effective), a hooked punch (you may not need the wrist lock - or you may need it more than ever), or even a sweep across the eyes with the tip of the fingers (very effective, but you need control and accuracy for that and it is not safe to practise in the dojo. The photograph on the right shows the sort of grip that the jitsuka should be taking when grabbing the attacker's wrist.

The jitsuka now withdraws back from the opponent by sliding her forward leg to the back. This has the effect of drawing the attacker further off balance. As the jitsuka 'retreats', the opponent's arm is wound over in a large circular motion across the front of the opponent's body. This is illustrated in the two photographs below. (Watch out though the girls have swapped roles again!).

The action of winding the arm over is very important in controlling the opponent. Depending upon the size of the opponent, a simple winding motion may be enough to control the opponent and bend them at the waist - an effective controlling position. However on a larger opponent a firm winding motion may not be enough. In such cases the wind needs to be transformed into a whip. By bending the arm during the initial movement and then whipping it down and round into position a larger opponent can be moved into position. The discomfort and energy added into the action should reduce any natural (or even purposeful) resistance the opponent has into being bent into the controlling position.

A point of note here is that the opponent has been bent double and brought her arm up to protect her face from any kick that the tori jitsuka may perform - the head is after all an easy kicking target at this point. It is always a good idea to adopt this defensive position just in case!

With the opponent bent double or perhaps even down in a kneeling or prone position, the jitsuka may apply a strong wrist lock using not only the hands and arms, but also the position of the shoulders in relation to the opponent should allow the jitsuka to use his body weight in applying the lock. From this position, even the thighs can add to the lock by allowing the jitsuka to lean into it. The photograph on the right shows a close up of the wrist lock. The thumbs of each hand are squarely positioned on the back of the opponent's palm, with the base of the hands supporting the base of the opponent's wrist. The lock is applied by attempting to press the palm of the opponent's hand onto his own forearm - but an increased torque on the wrist can better be attained by trying to stretch the hand out to the upper part of the forearm; effectively trying to touch the opponents fingers to his elbow. As mentioned above, many jitsuka will apply a kick to the opponent's head from this position when demonstrating the lock with a full application finish. The kick should ideally make contact with the arm the uki jitsuka is using to protect from such a kick. The outside leg should obviously be used for the kick to get the easiest strike. From there it is a simple matter to step in behind the distracted (a.k.a. concussed) opponent and take them down backwards with an appropriate propping/gake technique.

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