other-martial-arts
Sotokomata
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Sotokomata is an official sumo kimarite in which following a throw or arm pull, the attacker scoops the opponent’s advanced leg from outside and takes the opponent down. The clearest cue is that the hand reaches around the outside of the forward thigh as the upper body continues to turn. Sotokomata attacks the advanced thigh from outside; Komatasukui scoops from inside. The practical English gloss “Outer-thigh scoop” is a viewing aid rather than an official translation. Focus on the contact that causes the final movement and on whether the opponent is forced out, falls, or is thrown. Earlier exchanges may create the opening, but the kimarite names the action that actually decides the bout.
Overview
| Japanese | 外小股 |
|---|---|
| Reading | そとこまた |
| Group | Leg techniques (掛け手) |
| English guide | Outer-thigh scoop |
| Official no. | 32 |
What happens
The result is recorded when following a throw or arm pull, the attacker scoops the opponent’s advanced leg from outside and takes the opponent down.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the hand reaches around the outside of the forward thigh as the upper body continues to turn.
- Result following a throw or arm pull, the attacker scoops the opponent’s advanced leg from outside and takes the opponent down.
- Compare Sotokomata attacks the advanced thigh from outside; Komatasukui scoops from inside.
Similar techniques
Sotokomata attacks the advanced thigh from outside; Komatasukui scoops from inside. The related pages Ōmata and Tsumatori offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Sotokomata is written 外小股 and read そとこまた. It belongs to Leg techniques (掛け手); “Outer-thigh scoop” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Sotokomata can emerge directly from the tachiai, after a prolonged exchange, or as a counter when posture and footing change. Left-right orientation, wrestler size, and camera angle can alter its appearance without changing the classification.
Statistics
The Japan Sumo Association table consulted on 12 September 2026 counted 6 Sotokomata results, 0.01% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 72nd in that bounded dataset. This is a dated sample, not a timeless probability; check the association’s live page for later totals.
Sources
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