Fore hip

Description

The Fore hip is 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. This technique is the Westcountry equivalent to the ‘goshi’ throws in Judo[1].

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. Stepping forward with the right foot close to Mr White’s right one, he passes his right arm over the opponent’s back and pulls. 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 continues pulling with the help of his left arm, bending both legs, steps backwards with his left foot close to Mr White’s left foot and brings out his right hip. The right arm firmly holds Mr White in close contact. Mr Black continues to bend forward and uses his body weight to shift his opponent forward by pulling Mr White, using his right hip as a fulcrum. Still pulling with his arm, Mr Black begins to straighten his legs and to bend forward.

The back

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. Mr Black leans forward to control the fall better. He can also step backwards on his right leg.

Key points

1. Get a good turn in, by getting in tight in front of the opponent.
2. Keep good and firm contact with the hip.
3. Bend the legs without arching the back.

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. Fore heave by pinning the hip to your own, reach around the opponent’s back, and lift them up onto the hip, swinging the legs around behind you.
2. The counter is to exploit Mr Black’s lower position, and to use the turn in as an opportunity to use a back crook. Mr White may slip his right leg into the inside of Mr Black’s legs, and then wrap his right arm over Mr Black’s back to throw him backward.
3. Mr White puts his left leg on the outside of Mr Black’s leg and pulls him backwards by the left shoulder.
4. Blocking and counter-action: Anticipating the attack, Mr White dodges by stepping slightly forward with his right foot and blocks with his belly, as he pulls Mr Black backwards with his left arm. 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.132-133.

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

Parkyns, T. (1727). Progymnasmata —The Inn-Play; or, Cornish Hugg Wrestler. London.

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. 6.

[1] O-goshi, Uki-goshi, Tsuri-komi-goshi, Harai-goshi, Tsuri-goshi.