Fore crook

Description

The Fore Crook is also one of the most basic techniques to learn. In the Devon, this movement was also known as the Inside-lock[1]. In Cornish Wrestling, this move is known as the ‘Crook’ because of the way the foot is wound round and crooked around the opponent’s leg – reminiscent of the Shepherd who uses a Crook to control the flock. The crooks are the equivalent to the ‘gari’ throws in Judo[2].

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

Mr White and Mr Black approach each other to take hold using the rolled-collar hitch.

Execute the move

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.

Execute the move (continued)

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).

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.

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.
4. Twist the opponent as they fall to ensure that all 4 pins touch the ground.

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

The fore crook naturally brings the head underneath the opponent. Because of this reason, it can be countered using the Pull-under, and the Under heave.

References

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. 7.

Parkyns, Thomas (1727). Progymnasmata —The Inn-Play; or, Cornish Hugg Wrestler. London.  pp.29-30.

Walker, D. (1840). Defensive Exercises; comprising Wrestling, as in Cumberland, Westmoreland, Cornwall and Devonshire. London. pp. 29-31.

[1] Walker described the technique in 1840, thus:

The inside-lock may be taken to throw either backward or forward. To take the inside-lock forward, twist your right leg round the adversary’s left by passing it between his legs, and bringing the toe round to the front of his shin, and then proceed as in the outside-lock.

[2] Osoto-gari, O-uchi-gari, Ko-uchi-gari.