O-soto-otoshi
大外落おおそとおとし
- Ashi-waza
Key idea
The defining action directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it.
Kodokan official demonstration
Kodokan technique list (opens in a new tab)YouTube (opens in a new tab)
VISUAL GUIDE
How to read the movement
The central principle of O-soto-otoshi is the coordinated action that directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it.
- Tori
- the person applying the technique
- Uke
- the person receiving the technique
- Red line
- main direction or point of contact
AT A GLANCE
Classification representative
IN SEQUENCE
Three basic phases
- 1Create usable imbalance
- 2Enter and stay connected
- 3Complete the defining action
PLAY WHEN NEEDED
Watch the basic movement slowly
- 1Starting pointCreate usable imbalance
- 2Decisive actionEnter and stay connected
- 3CompletionComplete the defining action
1 / 3Starting point— Create usable imbalance
Follow the red line and phase indicator. The guide does not autoplay or loop.
How it works
The central principle of O-soto-otoshi is the coordinated action that directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it.
Kuzushi
Create usable imbalance
Create the imbalance described by the official definition and continue it into the entry. Uke should not be able to recover stable support before the decisive action.
Tsukuri
Enter and stay connected
Enter with stable posture and continuous control. Use the official demonstration to check the required position, contact line, and direction.
Kake
Complete the defining action
Complete the defining action described in the official definition and shown in the demonstration. Maintain control through uke’s fall.
Key points
- To identify O-soto-otoshi, watch for the moment the leg or foot action becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it.
- When reviewing O-soto-otoshi, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| O-soto-guruma | 大外車 | O-soto-guruma places the leg behind both of uke’s legs and rotates the body backward over the broad blocking line; O-soto-otoshi directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it. |
| O-soto-gaeshi | 大外返 | O-soto-gaeshi counters O-soto-gari by using the attacked leg to counter-reap the attacker’s supporting line; O-soto-otoshi directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it. |
| O-soto-gari | 大外刈 | O-soto-gari attacks the opponent’s ability to support weight on one side; O-soto-otoshi directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it. |
Technique connections
Set-up
O-soto-gari to O-soto-otoshi
Source: Judo Canada
Why this connection?
Judo Canada lists this direction as a combination example in its national kyu grading syllabus.
Direction: O-soto-gari → O-soto-otoshi
- Judo Canada National Kyu Grading SyllabusSuggested combinationsVerified: September 3, 2026
Similar
Compare O-soto-gari and O-soto-otoshi
Source: British Judo Association
Why this connection?
British Judo's classification guide notes that these techniques can be difficult to distinguish and explains the defining difference.
Direction: O-soto-gari → O-soto-otoshi
- British Judo Association IJF/Kodokan Classification of JudoO-soto-gari and O-soto-otoshi comparisonVerified: September 3, 2026
Reference
Open the detailed source material when you need definitions, technical distinctions, training context, or references.
Official definition
What this technique is
Within the Kodokan list, O-soto-otoshi belongs to foot and leg techniques. Its name is attached to the action that directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official O-soto-otoshi demonstration is therefore the best starting point for recognizing the technique before comparing variations in timing, grip or stance.
Core principle
The central principle of O-soto-otoshi is the coordinated action that directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official O-soto-otoshi demonstration before the decisive action and check what support remains, where contact is maintained and whether tori is lifting, reaping, blocking, rotating, wrapping or applying controlled pressure.
Detailed execution
Key recognition points
- To identify O-soto-otoshi, watch for the moment the leg or foot action becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it.
- When reviewing O-soto-otoshi, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of O-soto-otoshi is the leg or foot action: directs uke backward while tori’s leg descends along the rear of the attacked thigh instead of reaping through it. Compare that action with neighbouring names in the same Kodokan category. If the contact point, control route or sacrifice direction changes, the result may belong under a different official name even when the landing position looks similar.
Training and safety
Training and safety
Practise entries, controlled finishes, and ukemi under a qualified Judo instructor. Competition rules and permitted applications can vary, so confirm the current ruleset before competitive use.