Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts. Andrew Zerling
One-Arm Shoulder Throw (Ipponzeoi)
Hooking Inner-Thigh Throw (Kakenage)
Hip Throw (Koshinage)
Armlock Throw (Kotenage)
Headlock Throw (Kubinage)
Body-Drop Throw (Nichonage)
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage)
Inner-Thigh-Lift Throw (Yaguranage)
Leg-Tripping Techniques (Kakete)
Leg Pick (Ashitori)
Pulling Heel Hook (Chongake)
Inside Foot Sweep (Kekaeshi)
Twisting Backward Knee Trip (Kirikaeshi)
Inside Thigh Scoop (Komatasukui)
Triple-Attack Force Out (Mitokorozeme)
Ankle-Sweep Twist Down (Nimaigeri)
Outside Leg Trip (Sotogake)
Outside Thigh Scoop (Sotokomata)
Rear Foot Sweep (Susoharai)
Ankle Pick (Susotori)
Inside Leg Trip (Uchigake)
Thigh-Grabbing Push Down (Watashikomi)
Twist-Down Techniques (Hinerite)
Fisherman’s Throw (Amiuchi)
Clasped-Hand Twist Down (Gasshohineri)
Two-Handed Arm Twist Down (Kainahineri)
Under-Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)
Armlock Twist Down (Kotehineri)
Head-Twisting Throw (Kubihineri)
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)
Outer-Thigh-Sweep Twist Down (Sotomuso)
Two-Handed Head Twist Down (Tokkurinage)
Armbar Throw (Tottari)
Armbar-Throw Counter (Sakatottari)
Thrust Down Forward (Tsukiotoshi)
Inner-Thigh-Sweep Twist Down (Uchimuso)
Head-Pivot Throw (Zubuneri)
Special Techniques (Tokushuwaza)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)
Arm-Pull Force Out (Hikkake)
Armbar Force Down (Kimetaoshi)
Rear Leg Trip (Okurigake)
Rear Pull Down (Okurihikiotoshi)
Rear Throw Down (Okurinage)
Rear-Lift Body Slam (Okuritsuriotoshi)
Head Slap Down (Sokubiotoshi)
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
When I first heard of Andrew Zerling’s book on sumo for mixed martial arts, I thought it was a novel idea. Other martial arts and combat sports are used in MMA. So, why not sumo? Maybe others have incorporated sumo techniques and tactics into MMA, but to my knowledge, this is the first book published on the subject, and it is a welcome addition.
This book provides historical background for sumo and how it, at its very roots, is an effective combat sport. Andrew then expands this historical background and shows how sumo, from a technical aspect, can be applied to other combat sports and specifically to MMA. This interesting mix of sumo’s historical development along with functional technical application of sumo to mixed martial arts makes for a fascinating book.
Like many people, I am a fan of Japanese professional sumo and enjoyed the profiles Andrew provided of some outstanding sumo wrestlers as well as the “case studies” of the techniques and tactics that are used in sumo.
As an advocate of using correct Japanese terminology for all Japanese-based martial arts, I was pleased to see that Andrew provided correct and accurate translations and interpretations of Japanese terms and phrases. This shows that the author did his research and, as a result, provided technically accurate information for his readers. I appreciate that.
While this book is useful for MMA coaches and athletes, it is also useful for anyone interested in how sumo can be applied to any martial art or combat sport.
I enjoyed Andrew’s writing style as he drew me into his enthusiasm for sumo and its adaptability as a combat sport. This book provides solid technical information and is entertaining. When a book is both informative and entertaining, it’s worth reading, and this book is worth reading.
—Steve Scott
Seventh dan, Kodokan judo and Shingitai jujitsu
Judo, sambo, and Shingitai jujitsu master coach with over fifty years of experience on the mat
Coach of four world sambo champions and Sambo Hall of Fame member
US team coach for many international judo and sambo tournaments, including World Sambo Championships, World (Under 21) Judo Championships, Pan American Games (for sambo), International High School Judo Championships, and Pan American Judo Championships
Author of seventeen published books on martial arts
Founder / head coach of Welcome Mat Judo Club
The first time I ever watched a sumo tournament, I was blown away by the level of aggression, athleticism, and technique displayed by the competitors. This was no slow, lumbering pushing contest; it was an intense combat sport.
When the stakes are high, elite athletes will develop techniques, tricks, and strategies to give them an edge over their opponents. The book you’re about to read is all about the techniques, tricks, and strategies of sumo, refined in Japan over hundreds of years!
Clinching and takedown skills are obviously central to the grappling arts, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, sambo, and wrestling. But it doesn’t stop there. In combat the clinch is universal. Hell, even boxers end up in the clinch when they get tired of hitting each other in the head.
Knowing what to do from the clinch has proven to be an absolutely essential skill in mixed martial arts (MMA). Being able to control whether the fight stays on the feet or goes to the ground, and ending up in the top position on the ground, are absolutely huge advantages in MMA. The fact that sumo is performed without a gi, and that sumo techniques allow smaller competitors to win against bigger opponents, means that Andrew Zerling’s Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts: Winning Clinches, Takedowns, and Tactics has special relevance