Kosoto-Gari – how to do this judo throw

Kosoto-Gari

Kosoto-Gari is an ashi-waza (foot technique) and belongs to the second group of the Gokyo. The trick is to use the sole of your foot and curl you foot around uke’s ankle.

To see more judo throws visit the Ultimate Guide to Every Judo Technique.

How to throw with Kosoto-Gari

1. Pull uke towards you so they take a step forward and place their full weight onto their foot.
2. Use the sole of your foot. Hook the outside of uke’s ankle and smoothly pull uke’s foot forwards.
3. Control uke’s fall towards the mat. Steer uke backwards, using your grip on the lapel and sleeve.

Kosoto-Gari Tutorial

You will find a step by step guide on how to do this throw in the book: Fifty Throws and Holds, which you can buy in the Shop.

Video Masterclass

Watch this video and see world champion, Keiji Suzuki of Japan throwing in competition with this technique.

Note the excellent timing of the technique. See how Suzuki catches his opponent’s foot just before it touches the mat. Don’t miss the slow motion replay near the end of the video.

Footwork – it’s the key!

Here is another great Japanese master, showing how important it is to get your footwork right as you attack. Watch the video here.

Combinations

3 combinations:

1. Kosoto-Gari into Osoto-Gari: Use the first attack to make uke take a step back. Now, using Osoto-Gari, switch to attacking uke’s other leg.
2. Harai-Goshi into Kosoto-Gari: Fake the Harai-Goshi, but make your false attack convincing enough so that uke reacts. Use this movement to do the ashi-waza.
3. Kosoto-Gari into Uchi-Mata: Follow up your first attack, continuing the movement into an uchi-mata.

Counters

3 counters:

1. Kosoto-Gari countered by Uchi-Mata: Allow your partner to attack you, and as they do, turn in for an uchi-mata.
2. Kosoto-Gari countered by Ouchi-Gari: Wait for uke to commit, turn your hips square on and throw them backwards with Ouchi.
3. Kosoto-Gari countered by Kouchi-Gari: Get the timing right. As uke attacks your leg, you attack their support leg.