Under heave

Description

As with all “heave” techniques, which are for strong wrestlers or those wrestling with smaller opponent’s, the Under-heave is a technique that lifts the opponent from underneath. Because it relies upon the opponent having their head low across the belly, it’s often used as a defence against a

Also known as the ‘home-tang’, it can be a position of defence against the opponent’s attempt to throw you using a ‘Pull-under’. The home-tang was described by Walker (1840, 34):

“The home-tang is taken by getting both hands round under the adversary’s chest to his left side.”

This position is shown in illustration 3 (‘Execute the move’).

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 puts his left arm across the belly; the right hand grabs the collar, and he pulls the opponent downward at the collar.

Execute the move

Mr Black’s left arm stretches across the opponent’s belly, intending to lift upwards. Mr White is bent forward, and his head pulled down low.

Execute the move (continued)

Mr Black lifts his opponent’s feet by suddenly straightening up his legs and pulling backwards.

The back

Mr Black bends forward to control the fall, so Mr White lands with all 4 pins on the ground.

Key points

1. The best opportunity to do this move is when the opponent already has their head low from bending. Forcing the opponent to get them into this position is only useful when the opponent is much weaker, or shorter.
2. The lifting arm should be your strongest arm if you have a dominant hand. Training is needed to equalise the strength so there is no dominant side.
3. The lifting arm which crosses under the belly should take up a grip on the jacket as far as possible.

Counter actions

1. Block and counter-action
   1. Mr White can block by bolting the toe in an inside lock.
   2. If Mr Black loosens control at any point, Mr White can perform a Back-Crook or a variation of the Fore Crook
2. Block and counter-action
   1. Mr White can block by doing an outside lock on Mr Black’s right leg, and bend forward.
   2. If Mr Black loosens control at any point, Mr White can continue to perform an Outside lock.

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.146-147.

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. 11.

Walker, D. (1840). Defensive Exercises; comprising Wrestling, as in Cumberland, Westmoreland, Cornwall and Devonshire. London. pp. 34.