Kaeshi-waza (返し技) means "reversal techniques" or "counter techniques"—the art of turning your opponent's attacks against them. At the blue belt level, you begin to understand that defense isn't just about blocking attacks but about creating opportunities from your opponent's aggression.
The Philosophy of Countering
Countering embodies the Judo principle of Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum efficiency). When your opponent attacks, they commit energy and create vulnerabilities. A well-timed counter uses their momentum, their off-balance, and their commitment against them—requiring less effort than initiating your own attack.
Types of Counters
Direct Counters (Gaeshi)
The same technique applied back to your opponent during their attack. For example, O-soto-gaeshi counters O-soto-gari—as they attempt to reap your leg, you reap theirs instead.
Indirect Counters
Using a different technique to counter an attack. For example, countering Seoi-nage by stepping around and applying Ura-nage (rear throw). The attacking momentum is redirected into a different technique.
Classic Counter Techniques
O-soto-gaeshi
Counter to O-soto-gari. As your opponent attacks your leg, step it back, shift your weight, and reap their standing leg. Their commitment to the attack leaves them vulnerable when it fails.
Harai-goshi-gaeshi
Counter to Harai-goshi. Block their sweeping leg with your hip, maintain your balance, and throw them using their own forward momentum combined with a hip throw action.
Uchi-mata-sukashi
A slipping counter to Uchi-mata. As they drive their leg between yours, you sidestep and let them continue past, using their momentum to throw them forward.
Tani-otoshi
A valley drop that counters many hip throws. As your opponent turns in for a hip throw, you sit down behind them, throwing them over your leg.
— Traditional Judo Teaching"The counter is hidden within the attack. Wait for it to reveal itself."
Keys to Successful Countering
Maintain Your Balance
You cannot counter if you're off-balance yourself. Good defensive posture is the foundation of countering—stay centered, keep your weight distributed, and don't overcommit to any position.
Read the Attack
Recognition is everything. The earlier you identify the incoming attack, the more time you have to set up your counter. Study common attacks until you can sense them from the first movement.
Timing is Critical
Too early, and your opponent can adjust. Too late, and they've completed their throw. The perfect moment for countering is when your opponent is fully committed but before they've completed the technique—when they've made themselves most vulnerable.
Use Their Momentum
Don't fight against their energy—redirect it. If they're moving forward, add to that movement to throw them forward. If they're rotating, continue that rotation past their intended technique.
Developing Counter Skills
- Practice with a partner: Have them attack at varying speeds while you practice countering
- Study attacks deeply: Understanding a technique's mechanics reveals its vulnerabilities
- Include counters in randori: Deliberately look for counter opportunities during sparring
- Video analysis: Watch high-level competition and observe how counters are executed
Conclusion
Kaeshi-waza represents a higher level of Judo understanding—the ability to remain calm under attack, read your opponent's intentions, and turn their aggression into your advantage. As you develop these skills, your defensive game becomes offensive. Opponents learn they cannot attack you carelessly, which opens up opportunities for your own attacks. The counter-fighter is never passive—they are always hunting for the moment when attack becomes vulnerability.