Kouchi-Gari – see how to do this judo throw

Kouchi-Gari

Kouchi-Gari is a judo throw that every judoka should learn. We think it is one of the best judo throws and rank it in our top ten throws selection. As well as being a direct attack, it is a great way to set your opponent up and get them moving.

How to throw with Kouchi Gari

1. Pull uke towards you. Make them take a step forward and place their weight onto their foot.
2. Use the sole of your foot. Scoop uke’s foot, attacking the inside leg, just above ankle height. Pull uke’s foot towards you.
3. Drive backwards. Push upwards, under uke’s chin using the grip you have on the lapel.

Kouchi Gari Tutorial

Go to pages 26 of the book Fifty Throws and Holds, to see how to do this judo throw. Do you have a copy of this book? You can buy it in the Shop.

Video Masterclass

World Champion and double Olympic Silver medallist, Neil Adams specialises in ashi-waza of all types. To study this throw listen to this short master-class, with Neil explaining how to grip and how to move into the attack.

Ippon Throw!

Would you like to see an ippon? You would! Well you won’t get much bigger and better than this throw by Olympic Champion Islam Matiev.

Combinations

3 combinations

1. Kouchi-Gari into Ouchi-Gari: Open uke up with the first attack. Make sure it is strong enough to get uke stumbling backwards. Now follow up in the Ouchi.
2. Kouchi-Gari into Morote-Seoi-Nage. Create space with your set up attack and use this space to turn in for the Seoi-Nage.
3. Kouchi-Gari into Kosoto-Gari. Attack hard and get uke to move off your first technique. Now go for the second attack, attacking the leg where all the weight is.

Counters

3 counters

1. Kouchi-Gari countered by De-Ashi-Barai: As uke attacks you, step off the throw and counter attack with a footsweep.
2. Kouchi-Gari countered by Osoto-Gari: If uke over extends, then make sure you take advantage attacking their over extended leg.
3. Kouchi-Gari countered by Kosoto-Gake: Turn your hips square on, and attack with kosoto gake.