Kawazu-Gake Meaning in Judo

Kawazu-Gake is a leg entanglement throw where the attacker hooks a leg. The player wraps one leg around the leg of the opponent. Both athletes usually fall backward to the mat during the execution. The attacker uses the body weight to pull the defender down. This technique carries a high risk of injury to the knee joints. One game example occurs when a player trips an opponent from behind. Modern competition rules often ban this move to protect the participants. Precise control of the fall is necessary to avoid landing awkwardly. The attacker must commit to the backward drop to ensure success. This move remains a traditional part of the technical syllabus of judo. It demonstrates how to use the legs for leverage in grappling.