Kosoto Gari

bjj transition takedown judo ashiwaza reap

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

Transition ID: T234
Transition Name: Kosoto Gari
Alternative Names: Minor Outer Reap, Small Outer Reaping, Outside Heel Hook Throw

State Machine Properties

Starting State: Standing Position, Clinch Position
Ending State: Side Control, Top Position, Guard Pass
Transition Type: Attack - categorizes transition purpose

Transition Properties

Success Probability: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75% - core probability data
Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty requiring proper kuzushi
Energy Cost: Medium - physical demand of execution
Time Required: Quick - duration of transition
Risk Level: Low - chance of backfire or position loss

Physical Requirements

Strength Requirements: Medium for upper body control and driving motion
Flexibility Requirements: Medium for leg reach and hip mobility
Coordination Requirements: High for technical precision and timing
Speed Requirements: High for timing-dependent execution

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From standing position with collar and sleeve control, you use your grips to drive your opponent sideways and slightly backward, forcing them to post their weight heavily on one leg. As they shift their weight onto their back leg to maintain balance, you step in close to them while positioning yourself slightly to their side. Your reaping leg moves behind their supporting leg, making contact with the outside edge or heel of your foot against the back of their calf or ankle. The key is to create a pulling motion with your upper body grips that drives them backward and down while simultaneously reaping their supporting leg out from under them. The combination of the backward-diagonal pull and leg reap causes them to fall onto their back with you maintaining control throughout. You follow through by driving forward and landing in a dominant top position such as side control or transitioning to knee on belly.

Template: “From standing with collar-sleeve grips, drive opponent sideways-backward onto one leg. Step close positioning yourself to side, reap supporting leg from behind with outside of foot. Pull backward-down with grips while reaping leg removes their base. Follow through driving forward to dominant top position.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

Setup Requirements: Establish strong collar and sleeve grips from standing position
Initial Movement: Pull opponent onto one leg by driving them sideways and back
Opponent Response: Opponent posts weight on back leg to maintain balance
Adaptation: Adjust reaping angle based on opponent’s weight distribution
Completion: Reap supporting leg from behind with outside of your foot
Consolidation: Drive through with grips to complete takedown to top position

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

Grip Requirements: Strong collar and sleeve control for directional pulling
Base/Foundation: Proper positioning close to opponent with stable stance
Timing Windows: Execute reap when opponent’s weight is committed to one leg
Leverage Points: Backward pull combined with leg reap creates off-balance
Common Adjustments: Vary reaping angle and grip direction based on opponent height

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

Setup Quality: Effective weight shifting onto one leg (+/-15%)
Timing Precision: Executing reap when weight is fully committed (+/-20%)
Opponent Fatigue: Reduced balance and defensive reactions (+/-5%)
Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding kuzushi mechanics (+/-10%)
Position Control: Quality of grip control and driving motion (+/-15%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

Weight Shift: Quickly shifting weight to other leg → Standing Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: early recognition)
Step Back: Stepping back with reaped leg → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: good footwork)
Counter Throw: Using driving momentum for own takedown → Top Position (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: superior timing)
Sprawl Defense: Dropping hips and sprawling → Front Headlock (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: wrestling background)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [weight shift] is incomplete:
- Execute [[Weight Shift]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [footwork] allows step back:
- Execute [[Step Back]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [momentum can be redirected]:
- Execute [[Counter Throw]] (Probability: 25%)

Else if [wrestling defense] is available:
- Execute [[Sprawl Defense]] (Probability: 20%)

Else [optimal throw execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

John Danaher: “Kosoto gari is a fundamental reaping technique that teaches the principle of isolating your opponent’s weight onto one leg before attacking. The setup phase is more important than the reap itself - if you’ve properly shifted their weight, the reap becomes almost inevitable. The technique demonstrates how kuzushi (balance breaking) is the foundation of all effective takedowns. Your grips must create a diagonal pulling direction that makes standing on one leg their only option.”
Gordon Ryan: “In competition, kosoto gari is highly effective because it works against defensive stances. When opponents are low and defensive, many throws don’t work well, but kosoto gari thrives in this situation. I use it constantly to score takedown points because the setup looks like normal grip fighting. The key is disguising the attack until the last moment when you commit to the reap. It’s deceptive and effective.”
Eddie Bravo: “Kosoto gari integrates perfectly with modern no-gi grappling because the mechanics work with any grip configuration. In the 10th Planet system, we use it to create entries for our guard game when partially defended. The low-risk nature and high success rate make it perfect for maintaining pressure in standing positions without burning energy. It’s efficiency personified.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

Error: Attempting reap without proper weight shift setup
Why It Fails: Opponent’s weight is distributed, making them stable
Correction: Use grips to force weight onto back leg before reaping
Recognition: Opponent easily maintains balance or steps away
Error: Reaping leg not positioned correctly behind supporting leg
Why It Fails: Cannot effectively remove base point
Correction: Step close and place reaping foot behind their calf/ankle
Recognition: Reap has no effect or opponent steps over
Error: Not coordinating upper body pull with leg reap
Why It Fails: Lacks synchronized force to complete takedown
Correction: Pull backward-diagonal with grips as you reap
Recognition: Opponent recovers balance despite leg contact

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

Optimal Conditions: When opponent is defensive with weight on back leg
Avoid When: Opponent is mobile with constantly shifting weight
Setup Sequences: After creating lateral-backward pressure with grips
Follow-up Windows: Must complete driving motion within 2-3 seconds

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

Technical Skills: Basic standing grip fighting and kuzushi understanding
Physical Preparation: Hip mobility and leg reach for reaping motion
Positional Understanding: Standing position mechanics and weight distribution
Experience Level: Intermediate technique requiring proper setup

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the effectiveness in kosoto gari?”
Timing Recognition: “When should you execute the reap?”
Error Prevention: “What is the most common setup mistake?”
Setup Requirements: “Which grip action shifts weight onto back leg?”
Adaptation: “How do you adjust when opponent shifts weight forward?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

Gi Specific: Traditional collar and sleeve grips for maximum control
No-Gi Specific: Adapt to collar tie and wrist control positions
Self-Defense: Modified version for defensive situations
Competition: Effective against defensive low stances
Size Differential: Particularly effective for shorter practitioners

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

Solo Practice: Footwork patterns and reaping motion without partner
Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows throw completion for timing development
Resistant Practice: Partner provides defensive stance for setup practice
Sparring Integration: Implementing throw during live standing exchanges
Troubleshooting: Identifying and correcting setup and reaping issues

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

Movement Verbs: Drive, shift, position, reap, pull, remove, follow
Spatial References: Sideways-backward motion, supporting leg, reaping angle
Pressure Dynamics: Diagonal pulling force, leg removal, driving finish
Momentum Descriptions: Weight commitment, coordinated execution, controlled landing

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

Setup Cues: “Drive them onto that back leg with your grips”
Execution Guidance: “Step close, reap from behind, pull backward”
Adaptation Prompts: “Feel their weight committed to one leg”
Completion Confirmation: “Drive through to secure top position”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

Starting Position: Standing with collar and sleeve grips established
Transition Points: Weight shift, reaping leg placement, coordinated pull
Ending Position: Top position with opponent on ground
Alternative Outcomes: Failed throw leading to continued grip fighting

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

Force Vectors: Backward-diagonal pull combined with leg reap
Leverage Ratios: Removing single supporting base during weight commitment
Range of Motion: Leg reach behind opponent with maintained balance
Power Generation: Grip strength, hip positioning, and leg coordination

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

Example Implementation

See Osoto Gari for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

Consistent transition data for state machine implementation
Probability calculations with modifier systems
Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
Educational value through expert analysis
Technical depth for authentic understanding
Structured decision analysis patterns
Knowledge assessment integration
Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all transition files to maintain consistency and educational value.

Osoto Gari - Related technique
Kosoto Gake - Related technique
Deashi Harai - Related technique
Foot Sweep Series - Related technique
Side Control Top - Common ending position from kosoto gari

Competition Applications

IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as takedown (2 points)
No-Gi Competition: Highly effective with adapted grips
Self-Defense: Excellent for creating controlled takedowns
MMA Applications: Modified version useful in mixed martial arts

Historical Context

Kosoto gari is one of the original 40 throws of Kodokan Judo, classified as a foot/leg technique (ashi waza). It emphasizes kuzushi and proper weight distribution over strength, making it effective for practitioners of all sizes. The technique has been seamlessly integrated into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s standing game as a reliable takedown option.

Safety Considerations

Landing Control: Maintain grip connection to control opponent’s fall
Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space for safe completion
Training Partners: Practice with appropriate resistance levels
Breakfall Skills: Both partners should understand proper falling techniques

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