O-soto-gari

Official definition

The Kodokan describes breaking the opponent backward and reaping the opponent’s right leg from the outside with the thrower’s right leg in the representative right-sided form. The corresponding left-sided form reverses the sides.

The word “reap” is technically important. The attacking leg travels through the supporting line as the upper body is directed backward, rather than merely being placed as a barrier or lowered down the thigh.

Technical principle

O-soto-gari attacks the opponent’s ability to support weight on one side. The hands and trunk direct the opponent toward a rear corner while the attacking leg removes the corresponding support from outside.

The chest and shoulder line may come close, but the throw is not classified by collision or upper-body force. Timing the reap to the weakened support is more characteristic than driving a stable opponent straight backward.

Overview

Name and classification

Ō or o (大) means major or large, soto (外) means outside, and gari derives from kari (刈), reaping. TokyoWaltz follows the Kodokan spelling o-soto-gari while recognising ō-soto-gari and “osoto gari” as common alternatives.

The Kodokan classifies the technique as ashi-waza. It appears in Dai-ikkyō of the Gokyō no Waza but is not one of the 15 named techniques in Nage-no-kata.

Kuzushi

Kuzushi is directed backward or toward a rear corner. The thrower aims to make the attacked leg carry weight without remaining capable of a recovery step.

In movement, the opportunity may arise as the opponent steps back, braces forward, or reacts to an inside attack. A strong-looking entry without rearward instability can turn into a pushing contest.

Tsukuri

Tsukuri places the supporting foot and body close enough for the attacking leg to travel along the outside line. The grip and trunk align the opponent’s upper body with the leg being attacked.

Stance, body size, and direction produce legitimate differences in distance and contact. The entry should preserve the thrower’s balance rather than leaning unsupported beyond the planted foot.

Kake

Kake combines continued rearward control with a reaping action through the opponent’s leg. The attacking leg does not stop at contact; it removes the support while the hands keep the upper body travelling toward the fall.

Control remains important after the opponent leaves balance. Studies of o-soto-gari have examined landing and head motion because an uncontrolled rearward fall can produce serious impact.

Common variations

O-soto-gari can be applied from standard grips, same-side grips, over-the-back grips, and same- or opposite-stance situations. Entries can be direct, follow an inside attack, or develop from a change of direction.

Differences in grip and approach do not automatically change the name. The defining feature is still the outside reap of one principal supporting leg combined with backward kuzushi.

O-soto-gari, O-soto-otoshi and O-soto-guruma

The three names share a large outside direction, but the Kodokan treats them as separate ashi-waza. They should not be used interchangeably for any backward throw from outside.

Combinations and counters

O-soto-gari is commonly connected with O-uchi-gari and other inside attacks because the opponent’s defensive step against one direction can expose the other. It can also follow a forward turning attack when the opponent withdraws the hips.

The Kodokan catalogue includes o-soto-gaeshi as a named counter. As with all combinations and counters, the official name depends on what actually produces the fall, not on the practitioner’s initial intention.

Training

Training should connect hand direction, supporting posture, and the path of the reaping leg. Uchikomi can develop entry position, while controlled throwing practice adds timing and safe completion against a prepared partner.

Because the fall is often backward, reliable ukemi and control of the partner’s upper body are essential. Beginners should not substitute forceful head or chest impact for properly created imbalance.

Competition

O-soto-gari is legal in IJF competition. Under the Sport and Organisation Rules dated 14 August 2026, a score depends on the quality of the throw and landing rather than on whether the action is announced as o-soto-gari.

Dangerous actions, illegal grips, and uncontrolled landings remain subject to penalty. National and youth organisers may impose additional safety provisions beyond the IJF senior rules.

Sources

• Kodokan Judo Institute, Judo Technique Names.
• Kodokan Judo Institute, Definitions of Judo Techniques, 2022.
• Kodokan Judo Institute, Promotion Examination Text: Kodokan Judo, 2026.
• Yano et al., Biomechanical Study of O-soto-gari by Stance and Grip.
• Study of Head Injury Risk in O-soto-gari, 2024.
• International Judo Federation, Sport and Organisation Rules, 14 August 2026.