Kids Judo Books by Koka Kids
Judo Books by Koka Kids

Osoto-gari – See how to do this judo throw

Osoto-Gari

O-Soto-Gari is a powerful technique. Master it and you will score many ippons. Set uke up, making sure they are off balance with their weight over the side you are going to attack.

See other judo throws of the Gokyo.

How to Throw with Osoto-Gari

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

Great Books for Learning Judo Throws

Osoto-Gari Drill

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.

Judo Dojo Drills
Learn 20 Drills to improve 10 Judo Throws

Sasae into Osoto-Gari

Next, here’s a combination to try: Sasae-Tsurikomi-Ashi into Osoto-Gari.

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!

20 Judo Combinations