During his career Dragin found that he could have success with Sumi gaeshi when using it as a response to an opponents failed attack.

It worked particularly well off a Drop Seoi Nage attempt, or any failed attack where they ended up on their knees, like Ouchi gari.

Thanks to Dragin’s quick reactions and movement, he was often able to avoid attacks. As a result of this, his opponents would be at a risk of getting a penalty for a false attack, and therefore would look to stand back up - and it was at this point that Dragin would attack with the Sumi Gaeshi.

Dragin avoids the attack by circling to the side, in the same direction as the throw.

He wants to continue circling around until he ends up in front of Uke.

He needs to maintain the sleeve and lapel grip throughout the movement.

Once in this position Dragin simply waits for Uke to stand back up.

As they do, Dragin shifts his weight backwards, bringing his left leg in towards the right. Then he sits down onto his back.

The right leg goes in and then comes the flicking movement.

Dragin keeps Uke’s sleeve where it is, in a cross grip position. Then it’s a pull on the lapel, making sure to whip the elbow into his body.

He keeps rolling over, ending up in a position to go into Ne Waza.

At full speed, everything happens fast.

Dragin has to be quick to react to the initial attack from his opponent, making sure to uncoil the attack and move out the way.

He shifts his bodyweight backwards and attacks with Sumi Gaeshi as soon as his partner begins to get back up.

This is a technique developed specifically for a competitive scenario, next we’ll see how all of his variations worked in competition.