Kids Judo Books by Koka Kids

Osoto-gari – See how to do this judo throw

Osoto-gari

To throw with Osoto-gari sweep out your uke’s leg in a powerful reaping movement and throw your partner backwards. This is one of the best judo throws to score an ippon but be ready for the counter!

See other judo throws of the Gokyo.

Take a look at Osoto-Gari in the book, 40 Judo Throws.

Want to learn how to throw with Osoto-Gari?

Want top tips on becoming an expert at this judo technique?

Want training drills to improve your footwork?

Want to know how to link Osoto-Gari in a combination? Read on…

First, take a look at the animation below and visualise the movement in your mind.

Next, read through the text below on each stage of the attack.

Osoto-gari Step by Step

Step wide with your support leg, to pull uke’s weight onto the side you are going to attack.
Swing your attack leg past uke’s legs, then bring your leg back fast to reap out uke’s leg from under him.
Control the head and pull down on the sleeve, to power the throw backwards.

A Drill to Improve Osoto-gari

Now you have the basics, let’s look at the details. Let’s take a look at footwork.

Where you place your support foot is essential to making sure you…

1) Stay on balance

and

2) Have power to drive the throw

Here’s a simple training drill to help you learn where to put your support foot.

How to do this judo drill

To do this drill, lay a judo belt down on the mat. Get uke to stand on the belt. Now practice attacking with Osoto-Gari. Aim to place your support foot on the belt to the side of uke. Give yourself enough space to swing your attack leg.

Welldone! By the way, you can find more drills in the book, 20 Judo Drills and 10 Judo Throws.

Osoto-gari Combinations

Next, focus on developing a combination to work with Osoto-Gari. Here’s a good one to try:

Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi into Osoto-Gari is a classic combination, and want to know the best thing about it? You can use it both ways. So, you can attack first with Sasae, or first with Osoto.

Here is how to do it:

Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi into Osoto-Gari

First, attack strongly with a Sasae-Tsuri-Komi-Ashi. As you become better you can also feint this movement.

Your goal is to create a reaction from your partner.

As they block your first attack, they will switch their weight to their other leg.

This is just the reaction you are looking for. Now attack with Osoto-Gari!

Osoto-Gari into Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi

Now, try the combination in the other order.

First attack with Osoto-Gari.

As your opponent steps back (tai sabaki), follow the movement in a circle and throw with Sasae!

Want to see a champion and expert technician at work? Here Japan’s Shohei Ono attacks from a defensive position to score a spectacular ippon with Osoto.

Note how Ono has complete control over his opponent’s head, using an advanced double-eri (lapel) grip to throw.

Now that is an Ippon!