Reflections on the Kote-gaeshi

The "outward wrist twist" lock & takedown (Kote-gaeshi in Aikido) is taught in police academies worldwide. I will describe the technique as if you are applying it to uke's R wrist...reverse directions for the other side).

Essential point ONE: Press both your thumbs into the back of uke's R hand, your fingers of both hands grasp the meaty portions of uke's palm. Apply an outward twisting motion to uke's R wrist; his palm should be up (supinated) and facing towards him.

Essential point TWO: Besides twisting, you must also cause uke's wrist to flex by applying force DOWNWARD and TOWARD your own COG...WATCH FOR HIS RIGHT SHOULDER TO DIP/ DROP! Without this downward/ inward force to flex his wrist, uke can just move laterally to keep pace with your outward twisting motion and strike your face with his free (and dangerous) left hand. Just because you have locked up one arm, his other arm is free to counter-attack!

Essential point THREE: Continue the outward/ downward twist on uke's wrist as you step your left foot back to pivot 90-180 degrees to your left. Uke should fall into the void created when you stepped your left foot back as you pivoted to your left! This circular motion will displace his COG outside of his base of support and uke will lose balance & find it harder to counter your lock & takedown. Aikido does this circular rotation VERY well...pulling uke toward you into a tightening spiral of centripetal force to break his balance & facilitate a takedown.

I do take pains to present sound martial principles in my posts. This is how I "see" & "feel" this technique. I may have missed an important point. If you "see" it, please comment so I may be enlightened as well!
If you are a law enforcement officer, you may have to apply "impact" force to the subject to facilitate the lock, takedown & control to handcuffing. Remember the subject may be using his "free" hand to grasp your sidearm & rip it from it's holster! This is not acceptable to you or your family....DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO SURVIVE!!! Let them name the new HQ annex at the PD to memorialize someone else!