Fore heave
Description
This is a strong person’s throw because it involves picking up your opponent. Unlike the hip, the heave is a sudden lift that takes the opponent’s feet clean off the ground, using the hip or knee to facilitate. It is used as a counter to a fore hip. 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 ‘Utsuri goshi’ throw 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
Mr Black positions on to the right, turning to face the same direction as Mr White.
Execute the move
Mr Black places his right hip firmly against Mr White’s left hip. Both wrestlers face the same direction[1]. 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.
Execute the move (continued)
With Mr White lifted, Mr Black swings both his legs up behind his back, so that he can control the placement of Mr White’s back onto the ground.
The back
Mr Black continues the hold with control until Mr White lands with all 4 pins on the ground.
Key points
- The hip must be held firmly, and the hoist may be assisted by raising the leg closest to the hip.
- In entering the throw, hug tightly to stop the opponent from turning away.
- Use the swing of the opponent’s feet to create lift and use the hip to pivot the back toward the ground.
- In controlling the fall to get a Back, continue holding the opponent firmly.
Counter actions
- Once Mr White has been lifted, he can his right arm at the right side of the Mr Black’s head and immediately takes an Inside Lock. There he can perform a Back-Crook or Sprag.
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.148-149.
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. 9.
[1] In Judo, this position is known as ‘Kenka-yotsu’, or mirrored position, meaning that both wrestlers stand forward on the same side.