In the world of judo, few techniques have generated as much controversy as the kani-basami, or scissors takedown. While this devastating maneuver was once a legal part of competitive judo, its journey from accepted technique to banned move is intrinsically linked to one particular incident involving a high-profile Japanese judoka.
The technique itself is undeniably dangerous. The scissors takedown involves attacking an opponent’s legs with a scissoring motion that can generate tremendous torque on the knee and ankle joints. Modern footage shows the brutal reality of this technique, including incidents where athletes experience torn ACLs and other serious injuries. The distinctive sound of joints being damaged has become synonymous with this controversial move.
The turning point came during a match in Showa 55 (1980) between Endo and Yamashita. During this competition, Endo executed a scissors takedown against Yamashita that resulted in a significant ankle injury. While the injury wasn’t to the knee as is often the case with this technique, the incident created enormous waves throughout the judo community. According to those who witnessed the era, the audible sound of the injury could be heard clearly, emphasizing the technique’s dangerous nature.
What made this particular incident so significant wasn’t just the injury itself, but the profile of the athlete involved. Yamashita was an exceptionally high-profile competitor and his injury brought unprecedented attention to the dangers of the scissors takedown. The incident generated such controversy and discussion within Japanese judo circles that it accelerated the movement toward banning the technique entirely.
The irony of the situation becomes apparent when examining later footage of Endo himself. In subsequent years, he can be seen teaching defensive techniques against the scissors takedown and even participating in referee discussions about dangerous techniques and their safety implications. The same athlete who had delivered such a devastating kani-basami was later involved in conversations about protecting competitors from similar injuries.
Yamashita’s defensive response to the technique also provided valuable insights. He demonstrated that the key to defending against the scissors takedown was to turn the knee toward the attacker rather than allowing it to collapse sideways, while maintaining a wide, stable stance. This defense prevented the knee from absorbing the full rotational force of the attack.
The consensus among Japanese judo practitioners is clear: had this incident involved a lesser-known athlete, the scissors takedown might have remained legal for considerably longer. Yamashita’s prominence ensured that the injury received maximum attention, ultimately contributing to the technique’s prohibition.
Today, while some grappling competitions still permit variations of this technique, the judo community’s decision to ban it reflects a commitment to athlete safety. The lesson remains relevant across all grappling arts: the pursuit of victory should never come at the expense of an opponent’s long-term health and career.
