BJJ Graph

Sumi Gaeshi

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Sumi Gaeshi

bjjtransitiontakedownjudosacrifice_throw

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T052
  • Transition Name: Sumi Gaeshi
  • Alternative Names: Corner Reversal, Sacrifice Throw

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: High - requires precise timing and body positioning
  • Energy Cost: High - demands significant explosive movement
  • Risk Level: Medium - potential for position loss if mistimed
  • Execution Speed: Fast - must be executed quickly to catch opponent off-guard

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for lifting and throwing opponent
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for hip movement and falling safely
  • Coordination Requirements: High for timing grip, hip placement, and throw
  • Speed Requirements: High for quick execution to prevent counters

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From a standing clinch or over-under grip position, you engage with the opponent, securing a strong grip on their upper body, typically an overhook on one arm and an underhook on the other, while maintaining close hip contact. As the opponent pushes forward or resists, you initiate the throw by stepping to the side, placing your foot near their far foot to create an angle, and dropping your hips low to prepare for the sacrifice. You then pull their upper body forward and down with your grips, using their momentum against them, while simultaneously sitting back and rolling onto your back, guiding their body over your hip and shoulder. As you fall, you use your legs to lift and direct their lower body, flipping them over you to land on their back. Immediately after the throw, you follow through by rolling with the momentum to come up on top, establishing a dominant position such as mount or side control, securing control with chest pressure and arm isolation to prevent their escape.

Template: “From a standing clinch with over-under grips, step to the side near their far foot and drop your hips low. Pull their upper body forward and down, sit back, and roll onto your back, using your legs to flip them over your hip. Follow through by rolling on top into mount or side control, securing dominance.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish clinch with overhook and underhook grips
  2. Initial Positioning: Maintain close hip contact with opponent
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent pushes forward or resists your control
  4. Angle Creation: Step to side, placing foot near their far foot
  5. Sacrifice Initiation: Drop hips low and pull opponent forward/down
  6. Throw Execution: Sit back, roll onto back, lift with legs to flip opponent
  7. Follow Through: Roll with momentum to come up on top
  8. Position Consolidation: Establish mount or side control with control

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Strength: Secure over-under grips to control opponent’s upper body
  • Hip Positioning: Close hip contact and low drop for leverage
  • Timing: Execute as opponent pushes or overcommits forward
  • Leg Lift: Use legs to elevate opponent’s lower body during throw
  • Momentum Control: Guide opponent’s fall and follow through to top position

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Grip Quality: Strength and control of over-under grips (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Momentum: Capitalizing on forward push or resistance (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing at the right moment of overcommitment (+/-15%)
  • Hip Drop: Depth and speed of hip lowering for sacrifice (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding sacrifice throw mechanics (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Base Defense: Widening base to prevent throw → Standing Position (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Posture Adjustment: Straightening posture to resist pull → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Step Over: Stepping over during sacrifice to land on top → Top Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: fast adjustment)
  • Grip Break: Breaking grips before throw initiation → Neutral Position (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: strong grip defense)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [throw setup] is recognized early:
- Execute [[Base Defense]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [posture] can be corrected quickly:
- Execute [[Posture Adjustment]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [sacrifice] is initiated:
- Attempt [[Step Over]] (Probability: 35%)

Else [grips] are vulnerable:
- Attempt [[Grip Break]] (Probability: 30%)

Else [optimal execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “Sumi Gaeshi exemplifies the principle of using an opponent’s energy against them through a sacrifice throw. The key is in the precise timing of the hip drop and pull, ensuring their momentum carries them over you with minimal effort. This technique teaches critical concepts of leverage and kuzushi that apply to all takedowns.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In high-level competition, Sumi Gaeshi can be a game-changer because it catches opponents off-guard when they push into you. I use it to transition directly to dominant positions like mount, capitalizing on their forward pressure. The move demonstrates how judo-based throws can be adapted for BJJ scoring.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Sumi Gaeshi integrates well with a dynamic stand-up game and can be chained with guard pulls if it fails. It often surprises opponents who aren’t expecting a sacrifice throw, creating scramble opportunities even if you don’t land on top. This technique shows how traditional judo can be applied creatively in no-gi contexts.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Mistiming the hip drop and pull

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to maintain balance and resist throw

  • Correction: Wait for opponent’s forward push before initiating sacrifice

  • Recognition: Opponent stays upright or steps over during attempt

  • Error: Insufficient grip control or pull

  • Why It Fails: Fails to off-balance opponent for the throw

  • Correction: Secure strong over-under grips and pull down with intent

  • Recognition: Opponent easily maintains posture or breaks grips

  • Error: Poor follow-through after throw

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to scramble or regain position

  • Correction: Roll with momentum to establish top control immediately

  • Recognition: End up on bottom or in neutral position after throw

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent pushes forward or overcommits
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong defensive posture or wide base
  • Setup Sequences: After establishing clinch with over-under control
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete throw within 2-3 seconds to avoid counters

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of clinch grips and sacrifice mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Hip mobility and explosive power for throw
  • Positional Understanding: Control points in standing and clinch positions
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced - requires precise timing

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the leverage for Sumi Gaeshi?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the sacrifice?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in executing Sumi Gaeshi?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grips are essential for controlling the opponent?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent resists the initial pull?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Using gi grips for additional control during throw
  • No-Gi Specific: Modified over-under grips without gi
  • Self-Defense: Quick application for takedowns in real-world scenarios
  • Competition: Combination with guard pull if throw fails
  • Size Differential: Effective against larger opponents with proper timing

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Hip drop and rolling motion without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows throw for technique development
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive resistance to setup
  • Sparring Integration: Attempt during live stand-up or clinch scenarios
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and correct issues with timing or grip control

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Step, drop, pull, sit, roll, flip, follow
  • Spatial References: Side angle, hip contact, over shoulder
  • Pressure Dynamics: Forward pull, hip leverage, body weight
  • Momentum Descriptions: Quick sacrifice, explosive throw, rolling finish

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Secure over-under grips and stay close with your hips”
  • Execution Guidance: “Step to the side and drop your hips as they push”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Pull harder if they resist, then roll back for the throw”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Follow through to land on top and secure control”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Standing clinch with over-under grips
  • Transition Points: Step to side, hip drop, pull and roll, leg lift
  • Finishing Position: Top position after throw (mount or side control)
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt leading to guard or scramble

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Pulling force on upper body, lifting with legs
  • Leverage Ratios: Hip as fulcrum for opponent’s body weight
  • Range of Motion: Hip and torso rotation for throw
  • Power Generation: Explosive hip drop and leg lift for momentum

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Hip Bump Sweep for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent transition data for state machine implementation
  • Probability calculations with modifier systems
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured decision analysis patterns
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all transition files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Tomoe Nage - Similar judo sacrifice throw with different mechanics
  • Tani Otoshi - Alternative sacrifice throw from clinch
  • Clinch Position - Common starting point for this transition
  • Guard Pull - Fallback option if throw fails

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as takedown (2 points)
  • No-Gi Competition: Effective with modified grip setups
  • Self-Defense: Useful for controlling opponents in standing scenarios
  • MMA Applications: Applicable with adjustments for striking defense

Historical Context

Sumi Gaeshi is a traditional judo technique adapted for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showcasing the integration of sacrifice throws in modern grappling. It highlights BJJ’s evolution in incorporating effective takedowns for competition and self-defense.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Fall: Execute throw with control to avoid injuring opponent
  • Personal Safety: Be prepared to fall safely during sacrifice
  • Partner Communication: Ensure opponent is ready for dynamic movement
  • Training Environment: Use in controlled settings with proper mats

Position Integration

Common Sumi Gaeshi combinations:

Training Applications

  • Stand-Up Development: Essential for takedown arsenal in competition
  • Competition Preparation: High-impact move for scoring points
  • Control Training: Builds skills in manipulating opponent’s momentum
  • Dynamic Attack: Encourages explosive and fluid transitions

Graph View

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