Back heave

Description

This is a strong person’s throw because it involves picking up your opponent.

The Art of Cornish Wrestling (1990) described it thus:

As your opponent attacks you with his right hip, pass your left arm around his waist; your hold on his left collar should be maintained. Lift him up onto your hip and pivot him so that his legs are swung forward.

This technique is the Westcountry equivalent to the ‘Ura nage’ or ‘Ushiro-goshi’ throws in Judo.

Instructions

Starting position

Mr White and Mr Black step back to face each other, having just shaken hands. They stand in the front position. This is the starting position before getting the hitch.

The hitch

The two wrestlers face each other and have an identical hold. The left hand is at the lower part of the jacket under the right arm of the opponent. Right hand is at the collar. Mr Black positions on to Mr White’s right, turning to face the same direction as Mr White.

Execute the move

Mr Black places his left hip firmly against Mr White’s right hip. Both wrestlers face the same direction. Mr Black Intends to lift Mr White completely from the feet, so needs to hoist using the hip and side. Once Mr Black has his arm wrapped around Mr White’s back, he can make a sudden jolt upwards to lift.

The back

With Mr White lifted, Mr Black raises the right leg to sweep the feet out from underneath Mr White. Mr Black continues to hold firmly so that he can control the placement of Mr White’s back onto the ground.

Key points

1. The fall is essentially the same as the Back Crook, but without the crook. The left arm is around the back rather than across the front.
2. The hip must be held firmly, and the hoist may be assisted by raising the leg closest to the hip.
3. In entering the throw, hug tightly to stop the opponent from turning away.
4. Use the closest knee/leg to hoist and create the pivot of the opponent’s feet to create lift. Use the hip to pivot the back toward the ground.
5. In controlling the fall to get a Back, continue holding the opponent firmly.
6. Arch backwards as soon as the opponent is lifted.
7. Try to turn the head in the direction of the fall to help the twisting motion.
8. Pull hard with the right arm and block with the left one to create a rotating motion to present the opponent’s back to the ground.

Counter actions

1. Blocking
   1. Mr White forces the elbow into Mr Black’s armpit.
   2. Being heaved, Mr White can also take a sprag position on Mr Black’s right leg. Mr White must be cautious to keep the left leg out of reach to avoid a follow up from Mr Black.
2. Back heave: When Mr White recognises he will be thrown using the Back heave, he immediately pivots around Mr Black’s body, pulling with his left arm. This will destabilise Mr Black backwards and ensure that Mr Black falls on his back first.

References

Jaouen, G.; Nichols, M. B.  (2007). Celtic Wrestling The Jacket Styles: History of an old sport & Techniques of Cornu-Breton Wrestling Winners 1928-2006. p.152-153.

Kendall, B; Chapman, B; Gregory, H; Cundy, T J; Anderson, A; Hooper, J B. (1990), Art of Cornish Wrestling, Reprinted by the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, pp. 10.