What is the most important factor in timing Kosoto Gake effectively?

The most critical timing factor is recognizing when your opponent's weight is committed to their rear leg. This typically occurs when they are moving backward, resisting forward pressure, or adopting a defensive stance with their weight distributed rearward. Attempting the throw when weight is on the front leg will fail because the rear leg can easily step away from the reap.

How does the upper body action differ from the lower body action in Kosoto Gake?

The upper body pulls backward and downward in a circular arc to break opponent's posture and drive them toward the mat, while the lower body reaps forward and upward through the back of opponent's leg. These opposing directions create a scissoring action that rotates opponent around their center of gravity. Both must be coordinated simultaneously for the throw to work effectively.

Why is Kosoto Gake considered a higher percentage throw for BJJ practitioners compared to explosive throws?

Kosoto Gake requires less explosive power, flexibility, and athletic ability than dynamic throws like Uchi Mata or Harai Goshi. It relies primarily on timing, positioning, and coordination rather than strength or speed. The close-distance requirement and direct transition to top control also make it more suited to the BJJ context where controlling position is prioritized. Additionally, the technique is safer to attempt because you maintain close contact and can defend counters more easily.

What adjustment should you make if your opponent consistently defends Kosoto Gake by stepping their rear leg backward?

Chain to Kosoto Gari (targeting their front leg instead) or Osoto Gari (larger outer reap) to attack the leg they've stepped onto. This creates a takedown system where defending one attack opens vulnerability to another. You can also use feints of Kosoto Gake to create backward movement, then switch to techniques that exploit their motion like ankle picks or rear trips.

What is the mechanical reason why pulling opponent's upper body backward is essential to completing the throw?

Pulling the upper body backward shifts opponent's center of gravity behind their base of support (their feet), creating rotational momentum around the horizontal axis. The leg reap removes their supporting structure at the same moment their weight is moving backward, eliminating their ability to recover balance. Without the upper body pull, the leg reap alone only creates annoyance rather than actual off-balancing. The combination creates a force couple that rotates opponent efficiently to the ground.

Your opponent posts their hand on your hip as you attempt the reap - how do you adjust?

When opponent posts on your hip, they are creating a frame to prevent you from closing distance. You must strip this posting hand by using your sleeve grip hand to peel it away while simultaneously driving forward with increased pressure. Alternatively, change the angle of your attack by stepping deeper to the side where they cannot effectively post, or use the posting arm as a target for a two-on-one grip to expose their upper body for the throw.

Kosoto Gake Attacker | BJJ Technique Guide

Kosoto Gake is a fundamental standing technique where you reap your opponent’s weighted rear leg from the outside while pulling their upper body backward, driving them directly to the mat and into your side control. The technique excels as a low-risk, high-reward entry to groundwork because it requires minimal explosive athleticism compared to hip throws or sacrifice throws. The key mechanical insight is that Kosoto Gake functions as a force couple: your upper body grips generate backward rotational momentum while your reaping leg eliminates the structural support beneath their center of gravity. When these two forces coordinate properly, even a physically weaker practitioner can complete the throw against a larger opponent. The technique is particularly effective against opponents who adopt defensive stances with rearward weight distribution, making it an excellent counter to backward movement and a reliable chain option when other takedown attempts are defended.

From Position: Standing Position (Top)

Key Attacking Principles

What are the key principles for executing Kosoto Gake?

Break opponent’s base by attacking their weighted rear leg where structural support is concentrated
Coordinate upper body pull with leg reap timing as a single unified action, not two separate movements
Maintain close chest-to-chest distance throughout the throw to maximize grip leverage and reaping power
Control opponent’s posture by pulling them backward and off-balance before initiating the reap
Land in advantageous top position with immediate crossface and hip control established
Use minimal strength by exploiting opponent’s existing weight distribution rather than forcing movement
Time the throw when opponent’s weight commits to their rear leg through backward pressure or defensive stance

Prerequisites

What do you need before attempting Kosoto Gake?

Establish strong collar and sleeve grips in gi, or collar tie and underhook in no-gi
Close the distance to eliminate space between you and opponent, achieving chest-to-chest contact
Identify opponent’s weight distribution confirming majority loading on their rear leg
Position your body close to opponent’s side at approximately 45-degree angle to their stance
Establish stable balance on your front supporting leg while preparing rear leg for the reap
Break opponent’s upright posture by pulling them slightly forward then redirecting backward to load rear leg

Execution Steps

How do you execute Kosoto Gake step by step?

Establish grips and close distance: Secure a dominant collar grip with your lead hand and sleeve or elbow control with your rear hand in gi (or collar tie and underhook in no-gi). Step in close to eliminate space between your chest and opponent’s upper body, positioning yourself at a 45-degree angle to their stance.
Break opponent’s posture and load rear leg: Pull your opponent’s upper body backward and slightly downward using your collar grip, forcing them to shift their weight onto their rear leg. Their natural reaction is to resist by pushing back or stepping backward, which loads their rear leg perfectly for the reap. Confirm the weight shift before committing.
Position your reaping leg behind target: Step your rear leg (same side as your collar grip) behind opponent’s weighted rear leg. Your calf should make contact with the back of their calf and Achilles area. Keep your knee slightly bent and your weight balanced entirely on your front supporting leg to maintain stability.
Execute the reap with coordinated upper body pull: Reap opponent’s rear leg forward by driving your calf through the back of their lower leg while simultaneously pulling their upper body backward and down with both grips. The reaping action should feel like sweeping their leg out from under them with constant contact rather than a disconnected kicking motion.
Drive through following opponent’s falling trajectory: As their leg is reaped, continue driving their upper body backward and downward in a circular motion. Your chest should follow their falling trajectory, maintaining pressure and connection throughout. Turn your hips to face toward the mat as they fall, lowering your own center of gravity.
Land in side control with immediate pressure: Follow opponent to the ground, landing with your chest across their torso in side control position. Your reaping leg naturally transitions to block their hip, while your grips convert to controlling their far shoulder and near hip. Immediately establish crossface pressure and distribute your weight to prevent their escape.

Possible Outcomes

Result	Position	Probability
Success	Side Control	65%
Failure	Standing Position	25%
Counter	Clinch	10%

Opponent Counters

How might your opponent counter Kosoto Gake?

Opponent steps back with their rear leg to avoid having weight on it (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Follow their backward movement and switch to Kosoto Gari (attacking their front leg instead) or chain to Osoto Gari if they overcommit to backward motion → Leads to Standing Position
Opponent sprawls and drops their hips backward when they feel the reap (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain upper body control and transition to Front Headlock position, using their sprawl momentum to secure the dominant position on the ground → Leads to Standing Position
Opponent turns in and attacks with their own throw or guillotine attempt (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Immediately release the attempted throw, establish strong posture, and defend the submission or counter-throw by creating distance with your hips and circling away → Leads to Clinch
Opponent hops on their supporting leg to maintain balance and avoid the reap (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Increase upper body pulling pressure dramatically while they hop to catch them mid-balance, or switch to attacking the hopping leg with an ankle pick or single leg entry → Leads to Standing Position

Common Attacking Mistakes

What mistakes should you avoid when executing Kosoto Gake?

1. Attempting the reap from too far away without closing distance first

Consequence: Opponent easily steps away or counters, and you lose balance reaching for the reap with an overextended leg
Correction: Always establish close chest-to-chest contact before attempting the reap, making distance management the priority in your setup

2. Using a kicking motion instead of a sweeping/reaping motion with the leg

Consequence: Telegraphs the technique, allows opponent to defend easily, and reduces control during the throw due to lack of sustained contact
Correction: Focus on a smooth sweeping motion with constant pressure through the back of opponent’s leg, maintaining calf-to-calf contact throughout the entire reaping arc

3. Failing to pull opponent’s upper body backward simultaneously with the reap

Consequence: Opponent maintains upright posture and balance because the reap alone is insufficient to complete the throw without the force couple
Correction: Coordinate upper body pulling with leg reaping in one unified motion, treating it as a whole-body technique rather than an isolated leg attack

4. Standing upright during the throw instead of following opponent to the ground

Consequence: Opponent falls but you remain standing, losing the opportunity to establish immediate top control and side control pressure
Correction: Lower your center of gravity and follow opponent’s falling trajectory with your chest, landing in side control as they hit the mat

5. Targeting the opponent’s front leg instead of their weighted rear leg

Consequence: Attacking the unweighted leg makes the throw ineffective because there is no structural load to remove from that leg
Correction: Identify weight distribution first through push-pull probing and always attack the leg bearing the majority of opponent’s weight

6. Failing to maintain grips throughout the throw execution

Consequence: Lose control during the throw, allowing opponent to scramble, post a hand, or counter-attack during the transition
Correction: Maintain strong grips from initial setup through landing in top position, using them to control opponent’s posture and guide your own landing trajectory

Training Progressions

How do you train Kosoto Gake (Attacker)?

Week 1-2: Static drilling - Basic movement pattern and coordination Practice the reaping motion and upper body pull separately, then combine them with a completely compliant partner. Focus on grip positioning, distance management, and the feeling of sweeping through opponent’s leg. Repeat 10-15 repetitions per side with emphasis on smooth coordination.

Week 3-4: Movement drilling - Timing and setup from live grips Practice the throw with partner moving naturally but still allowing completion. Focus on recognizing when opponent’s weight shifts to their rear leg and timing your entry. Partner provides light resistance by maintaining balance but not actively defending.

Week 5-6: Situational sparring - Application against moderate resistance with chains Start from standing with grips established. Opponent provides 50% resistance, actively trying to maintain balance but not countering aggressively. Work on chaining Kosoto Gake with Osoto Gari and Kouchi Gari when the first attempt is defended. 3-minute rounds.

Week 7+: Live integration - Full resistance application in sparring Attempt Kosoto Gake during regular standup sparring with full resistance. Focus on setup entries, recognizing opportunities, and chaining to other techniques when defended. Track success rate and identify common defensive patterns to address in subsequent training.

Safety Considerations

What are the safety concerns for Kosoto Gake?

Kosoto Gake is generally one of the safest takedowns to practice and execute. The primary safety concerns involve controlled landing for both participants. The person being thrown should practice breakfall technique (slapping the mat with their arm to disperse impact) to prevent head or shoulder injury. The thrower must be careful not to land with excessive weight directly on opponent’s ribs or head, instead distributing pressure across the torso. When drilling at beginner levels, both partners should practice on soft mats and communicate about execution speed. In competition, be aware that aggressive execution can result in the thrown person’s head impacting the mat if their posture is severely broken. Control the upper body pull to ensure safe landing.

Kosoto Gake Attacker

Outcomes