Cross hip

Description

The Cross hip is also one of the most basic techniques to learn. It is a staple method of the Cornish style, and usually one of the first to be taught.

The important difference between the Fore hip and the Cross hip is the orientation. Fore hip is performed in the Frontside Facing Away orientation, and the Cross hip is in the Rearside Facing Away (so that both players stand back-to-back).

This throw was a favourite of many pugilists in the earliest days of boxing, and was historically known as the ‘Cross Buttock’.

Instructions

1. 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.­­
2. The hitch: Mr White and Mr Black approach each other to take hold using the rolled-collar hitch.
3. Turning in: Mr Black turns in to wrap his right arm up from underneath Mr White’s left armpit. Upon stepping forward with his right foot, opposite the middle of the opponent’s feet, he lets his right arm slip down the back. This arm pushes to accentuate the unbalance and pulls to force good contact on the hip. Mr Black must be careful not to grab the skin or anything other than the jacket so as not to create a foul.
4. Execute the move: Mr Black bends forward and uses his body weight to shift his opponent forward by pulling Mr White, using his right hip as a fulcrum. Mr Black pulls the opponent with the arms to unbalance him. The attacker rotates on his right foot and steps back on his left one in support (leg slightly bent). Immediately he throws his right leg forward (foot outstretched).
5. Execute the move (continued): Mr Black performs a strong mowing-like motion above the opponent’s knee with his right thigh. The trunk follows the movement. Mr Black holds Mr White firmly to stop him from breaking the throw and pulls him down in a rotational motion so that Mr White lands with all 4 pins on the ground.
6. The Back: Mr Black leans forwards or steps backwards with his right foot to control the fall and ensures Mr White lands with all 4 pins on the ground.

Key points

1. Do not relax the pulling arms (especially the left arm)
2. Turn the head in the direction of the fall.
3. Don’t pull too far over the hip.

Common mistakes

1. Not getting a firm hitch.
2. Not turning in enough to get hip contact.
3. Not bending the legs enough, to straighten and enact the throw.
4. Not maintaining a firm grip.
5. Not pulling strongly enough to generate momentum.
6. Any combination of these mistakes.

Counter actions

1. Blocking and counter-action: Mr White blocks the attack with the arm against the hip. There he can do a Knock Back.
2. Mr White can also block the attack by pushing with the belly. There he can perform a back heel.

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. pp.136-137.

Wilde, Z. (1711). The English Master of Defence, OR, The Gentleman’s Al-a-mode Accomplishment; Tork: Printed by John White for the author. pp. 40.