Hanmi Handachi Waza Gyaku Hanmi Katate Dōri – Tenchi Nage – Direct Variation

Tori is seated in seiza while Uke stands beside him. Uke seizes Tori’s wrist in Gyaku Hanmi Katate Dōri. This lateral form of attack reflects a classical context in which Tori carries a katana or wakizashi at his belt. Rather than approaching from the front—where Tori could draw his weapon—Uke enters from the side, attempting to control the arm by surprise. The specific grip also depends on which hand is taken. In this case, by controlling Tori’s right hand, Uke aims to prevent it from reaching across to the left side, where the sword would be worn.
As Uke is grabbing, Tori turns to face him and extends the captured arm diagonally downward behind Uke, breaking his balance. At the same time, he delivers a palm atemi to Uke’s face with his free hand. With one hand driving downward and the other driving upward, Uke is simultaneously extended in opposite directions, unbalancing him and causing him to be thrown.