Kosoto Gari

Kosoto Gari (Minor Outer Reap) is a fundamental judo-derived foot sweep that has become essential in modern BJJ’s standing game. Unlike explosive forward throws, Kosoto Gari capitalizes on subtle weight distribution, timing, and off-balancing to sweep the opponent’s weight-bearing leg from beneath them. The technique combines a pulling motion with upper body control while simultaneously reaping the opponent’s heel backward and upward. This creates a powerful rotation that deposits the opponent on their back, allowing immediate transition to dominant positions like side control or knee on belly. The beauty of Kosoto Gari lies in its mechanical efficiency - it requires minimal strength when executed with proper timing, making it accessible to practitioners of all sizes. The technique is particularly effective against opponents who resist forward throws by posting their weight backward, as this natural defensive reaction places them perfectly into Kosoto Gari’s zone of vulnerability. In competition, Kosoto Gari scores as a throw and frequently results in immediate positional dominance, making it a high-percentage technique for gi and no-gi contexts alike.

Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Side Control Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Key Principles

• Break opponent’s balance to rear corner (45-degree angle)
• Control opponent’s upper body with strong collar and sleeve grips
• Attack the weight-bearing leg at precisely the right moment
• Combine pulling action with foot sweep in coordinated motion
• Maintain forward pressure while sweeping backward
• Follow opponent to ground for immediate top position
• Use opponent’s resistance as fuel for the throw

Prerequisites

• Establish strong collar grip with pulling hand
• Control opponent’s sleeve or tricep with opposite hand
• Opponent’s weight must be committed to rear leg
• Create forward-then-backward kuzushi (off-balancing) pattern
• Position your reaping foot near opponent’s heel
• Maintain upright posture for maximum pulling power

Execution Steps

1. Establish grips: Secure deep collar grip with your right hand, fingers inside opponent’s collar at neck level. Left hand controls opponent’s right sleeve at elbow or tricep. Grips must be tight enough to control movement but relaxed enough to allow explosive pulling action. (Timing: During initial clinch engagement)
2. Create initial off-balance: Pull opponent forward and slightly to their right front corner using both grips. This creates initial reaction where opponent posts weight backward to resist. Watch for their weight to shift predominantly to their right leg - this is your attack signal. (Timing: 1-2 seconds after grip establishment)
3. Step to optimal angle: Step your left foot forward and outside opponent’s right foot, positioning yourself at approximately 45-degree angle to their body. Your left foot should be toe-to-toe with their right foot, creating the geometric foundation for the sweep. (Timing: As opponent’s weight commits backward)
4. Execute simultaneous pull and sweep: Explosively pull opponent’s upper body down and toward their right rear corner with both hands while simultaneously sweeping your right foot backward against the heel of their right foot. The sweep motion should be low to the ground, catching their heel and driving upward and backward. Your right leg acts like a hook pulling their support out from under them. (Timing: Single explosive motion - pull and sweep must be perfectly synchronized)
5. Maintain forward pressure: As opponent falls backward, maintain constant forward pressure with your upper body, driving through their center line. Your chest should be pushing forward even as your sweeping leg pulls backward. This opposing force creates the rotation that puts opponent flat on their back. (Timing: Throughout the falling motion)
6. Follow to top position: As opponent hits the mat, immediately step over or around their legs to establish side control or knee on belly. Do not let go of collar grip - use it to control their upper body and prevent escape attempts. Your left hand releases sleeve to post on mat for base. (Timing: Within 1 second of opponent hitting ground)
7. Consolidate position: Settle your weight into side control, cross-facing with your right arm while establishing underhook or hip control with your left. Ensure your hips are heavy and your chest is driving into opponent’s sternum. Immediately begin working toward submissions or advancing to mount. (Timing: 2-3 seconds after throw completion)

Opponent Counters

• Opponent steps back with attacked leg before sweep makes contact (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Chain immediately to Kouchi Gari (attacking opposite leg) or Deashi Harai (pursuing their retreating foot). Maintain collar grip and continue off-balancing pattern.
• Opponent drives forward aggressively to counter backward pull (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Switch to forward throw like Tai Otoshi or Uchi Mata, using their forward momentum against them. This is reactive rather than resistant - flow with their energy.
• Opponent widens stance and lowers center of gravity to create stable base (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Create multiple off-balancing attempts in different directions to force weight shifts. Attack when they inevitably transfer weight to make adjustment. Alternatively, drop for single leg or ankle pick.
• Opponent breaks your collar grip before you can execute throw (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately re-establish grip or transition to wrestling-based attacks (single leg, double leg). Never allow extended period without upper body control.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Attempting sweep before opponent’s weight is committed to rear leg
  • Consequence: Opponent easily steps out of technique and may counter with their own throw. You expend energy with zero result and telegraph future attempts.
  • Correction: Develop patience and sensitivity to weight distribution. Feel for the moment when opponent’s heel is weighted. Practice static drilling where partner indicates when their weight is back.
• Mistake: Sweeping too high on opponent’s leg (mid-calf or knee instead of heel)
  • Consequence: Technique loses mechanical advantage and becomes strength-based. Opponent can simply resist with leg strength, nullifying the sweep.
  • Correction: Focus sweep motion at heel specifically. Your foot should make contact with opponent’s heel and Achilles area. Think of fishing hook catching low on the leg.
• Mistake: Pulling with arms only, without full body commitment
  • Consequence: Insufficient power generation leads to incomplete throw. Opponent may land in turtle or scramble position instead of flat on back.
  • Correction: Pull with entire body - chest drives forward, hips rotate, arms extend fully. Imagine trying to pull opponent through yourself rather than just yanking with biceps.
• Mistake: Stopping forward pressure after initiating sweep
  • Consequence: Opponent has time to post hands and prevent full rotation to back. May result in neutral scramble rather than dominant position.
  • Correction: Maintain forward drive throughout entire technique. Your chest should be the last thing to stop moving. Follow opponent all the way to the mat.
• Mistake: Poor foot positioning - sweeping leg not at correct angle to opponent
  • Consequence: Sweep lacks power and direction. Opponent may spin out or even counter-throw due to your compromised base.
  • Correction: Step to 45-degree angle, positioning yourself perpendicular to opponent’s intended fall line. Your base foot must be stable before executing sweep.
• Mistake: Releasing grips too early during throw
  • Consequence: Loss of control allows opponent to turtle or recover guard. You forfeit the positional advantage that should follow successful takedown.
  • Correction: Maintain collar grip throughout technique and into top position. Only release sleeve grip to post for base on the mat. Collar grip is your steering wheel.

Training Progressions

Week 1-2: Static Drilling - Mechanical understanding and grip establishment Partner stands with weight deliberately on rear leg. Practice grip placement, foot positioning, and coordinated pull-sweep motion at slow speed. Focus on feeling the correct body mechanics. Partner should fall gently and reset. Perform 20-30 repetitions per training session, alternating sides. (Resistance: None)

Week 3-4: Dynamic Entry - Creating off-balance and timing Partner begins in neutral stance. Practice creating the initial forward push that causes backward weight shift. Execute throw only when partner’s weight naturally loads rear leg. Partner provides light resistance but ultimately allows completion. Work on recognizing the perfect timing window. 15-20 successful repetitions per session. (Resistance: Light)

Week 5-8: Chaining Attacks - Combination sequences and counters Partner actively defends by stepping back or widening stance. Practice chaining Kosoto Gari to other throws (Kouchi Gari, Deashi Harai, Tai Otoshi). Learn to flow between techniques as opponent presents different defensive reactions. Focus on maintaining collar grip throughout combinations. 10-15 minutes of continuous flow drilling. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 9-12: Live Takedown Sparring - Competition application and follow-through Integrate Kosoto Gari into stand-up sparring rounds. Partner resists fully but both practitioners agree to remain standing until successful takedown. Practice following throw immediately into positional consolidation. Begin identifying personal setups and grip-fighting preferences. 5-minute rounds with 2-minute rest. (Resistance: Full)

Month 4-6: Competition Refinement - Match-specific application and strategic deployment Use Kosoto Gari in full sparring rounds from standing. Focus on using technique when opponent is tired or defending other attacks. Work on setting up throw through grip-fighting strategies specific to your body type. Study video of successful competition applications. Track success rate in training. (Resistance: Full)

Ongoing: Maintenance and Evolution - Technical refinement and personalization Continually refine technique based on body type and competition experience. Develop personal variations and setups. Study high-level judo and BJJ competitors who use Kosoto Gari successfully. Maintain technical sharpness through regular drilling even as skill advances. Teach technique to newer students to deepen understanding. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

No-Gi Kosoto Gari: Without gi collar, control is established with overhook or underhook on one side and wrist control on opposite side. Pull motion comes from body lock or head control rather than lapel grip. Sweep motion remains identical. Requires closer range engagement than gi version. (When to use: No-gi competition, MMA, or when opponent has strong grip-breaking skills in gi)

Kosoto Gake (Hooking Variation): Instead of straight reap, your sweeping leg hooks behind opponent’s heel and pulls forward while upper body pushes backward. Creates slightly different rotation angle. Often more effective against wider stances where traditional reap cannot reach heel effectively. (When to use: Against opponents with very wide base or when they defend traditional Kosoto Gari by stepping back)

Inside Grip Kosoto Gari: Establish same-side collar grip (right hand to right collar) with deep underhook on opposite side. Creates superior upper body control and prevents opponent from framing. Reaping motion targets opposite leg from traditional version. Highly effective in gi. (When to use: When you secure dominant inside position in grip fighting, particularly effective in gi competition)

Counter Kosoto Gari: When opponent attempts forward throw, use their forward commitment to execute Kosoto Gari to their rear leg. Requires less setup since their weight is already forward - you simply redirect to rear corner. Very high percentage when timed correctly. (When to use: Reactive technique against aggressive opponents attempting forward throws like Seoi Nage or Uchi Mata)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary mechanical principle that makes Kosoto Gari effective? A: The primary mechanical principle is removing the weight-bearing support (heel) while simultaneously pulling opponent’s upper body toward their rear corner, creating a rotation with no base to prevent falling. The opposing forces of forward upper body pressure and backward lower body sweep create the throw’s power.

Q2: Why must the sweep target the heel specifically rather than higher on the leg? A: Targeting the heel provides maximum mechanical advantage because it is the lowest point of support and creates the longest lever arm for the sweep. Sweeping higher on the leg allows opponent to resist with leg strength and maintain balance by adjusting foot position. The heel must be lifted and pulled backward to eliminate the base of support completely.

Q3: How should you adjust Kosoto Gari when opponent widens their stance defensively? A: When opponent widens stance, create multiple directional off-balancing attempts to force weight shifts between legs. Attack the moment they transfer weight to make an adjustment. Alternatively, switch to Kosoto Gake (hooking variation) which can reach a wider base, or abandon the foot sweep for wrestling-based attacks like single leg or ankle pick that work well against wide stances.

Q4: What is the correct positional follow-through after successfully executing Kosoto Gari? A: Immediately follow opponent to the ground while maintaining collar grip, stepping over or around their legs to establish side control or knee on belly. The collar grip prevents escape attempts and controls their upper body. Land with pressure on their chest, establish cross-face or underhook, and immediately begin working toward positional advancement or submissions. Never stop at the throw - the takedown points are worthless if you give up position.

Q5: How does Kosoto Gari fit into a broader standing attack system? A: Kosoto Gari is most effective when chained with other techniques in the ashi-waza (foot sweep) family and forward throws. If opponent defends by stepping back, follow with Kouchi Gari or Deashi Harai. If they drive forward, switch to Tai Otoshi or Uchi Mata. The threat of Kosoto Gari forces defensive reactions that open other attacks. Use grip-fighting to create the specific weight distribution that makes Kosoto Gari available. It should be one arrow in a quiver of 4-5 standing attacks.

Q6: What timing indicator signals the optimal moment to execute Kosoto Gari? A: The optimal timing is when opponent’s weight commits to their rear leg, typically in response to your initial forward pushing action or their defensive reaction to prevent a forward throw. You should feel their heel become weighted through their base change. Visual cue is slight backward lean of their upper body. Attack the moment between their weight commitment and their ability to adjust - this window is typically 0.5-1 second.

Q7: What are the key differences between gi and no-gi execution of Kosoto Gari? A: In gi, strong collar grip provides primary pulling control and allows execution from longer range. No-gi requires closer engagement with control from overhooks, underhooks, or head control. The sweep motion is identical, but no-gi version demands tighter body positioning and more reliance on body weight than arm pulling. Grip-fighting is replaced by handfighting and inside position battles. No-gi Kosoto Gari often requires setting up through other attacks first, while gi version can be executed more directly from neutral.

Safety Considerations

When practicing Kosoto Gari, both partners must maintain control throughout the falling motion to prevent injury. The person being thrown should practice proper ukemi (breakfall) by slapping the mat with their arm to dissipate impact force and protect their head. Never release grips completely during static drilling as this can cause uncontrolled falls. When drilling at speed, use crash mats or soft surfaces until breakfall mechanics are reflexive. Avoid practicing on hard surfaces until both partners have developed proper falling technique. If you feel yourself being thrown and cannot escape, do not attempt to post with extended arm as this can cause elbow, wrist, or shoulder injuries. Instead, tuck chin to chest and execute proper breakfall. Beginners should practice falling mechanics separately before integrating live throws.

Position Integration

Kosoto Gari serves as a critical bridge between standing engagement and ground-based BJJ, functioning as both an offensive weapon and a defensive counter in the standing phase. In modern BJJ competition, where many matches begin standing, having reliable takedown skills prevents being forced into disadvantageous guard pulls. Kosoto Gari integrates seamlessly with guard-pulling strategies - if opponent defends the throw effectively, you can transition to seated guard, De La Riva Guard, or X-Guard entries. From the defensive perspective, Kosoto Gari is an excellent counter when opponent attempts forward throws, allowing you to redirect their aggression while maintaining top position priority. The technique creates immediate path to Side Control, which is a cornerstone position in positional hierarchy, leading to mount, back control, or submission attacks. For competitors focused on points-based strategy, Kosoto Gari offers takedown points plus immediate positional dominance. The throw also has significant psychological impact, as landing hard on the back from a throw can demoralize opponents and affect their willingness to engage standing in subsequent exchanges.

Related Techniques

• Osoto Gari - Complementary major outer reap - targets same leg with different angle
• Kouchi Gari - Primary chain combination - attacks opposite leg when Kosoto Gari is defended
• Deashi Harai - Follow-up technique when opponent steps back to defend
• Tai Otoshi - Forward throw alternative when opponent drives into you
• Uchi Mata - Counter to opponent’s forward pressure response
• Side Control - Primary finishing position after successful throw
• Knee on Belly - Alternative finishing position for lighter practitioners
• Single Leg Entry - Wrestling-based alternative when foot sweeps are defended
• De La Riva Guard - Guard pull option if standing attacks are ineffective
• Sprawl - Defensive technique to prevent opponent’s takedown attempts
• Collar Ties - Grip-fighting position for establishing initial control
• Underhook Control - Alternative control system for no-gi variation

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The elegance of Kosoto Gari lies in its perfect marriage of kuzushi and kake - off-balancing and execution. Most students fail to understand that the throw is won or lost in the initial off-balancing phase, not in the sweep itself. You must first create a mechanical situation where the opponent’s weight is committed to the rear leg with no immediate escape. This requires understanding weight distribution as a dynamic system - you create forward pressure, opponent resists by posting weight backward, and you attack precisely at the moment of their committed resistance. The sweep is merely the mechanical exploitation of the off-balanced state you created. From a biomechanical perspective, Kosoto Gari utilizes a Type 1 lever system where your pulling hands create the fulcrum, their body is the resistance, and the sweep provides the effort force. Understanding this lever principle allows you to minimize strength requirements and maximize efficiency. The technique’s true sophistication emerges when you chain it systematically with other attacks, creating a decision tree where every defensive response opens a new attacking pathway.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, Kosoto Gari is my go-to throw because it’s low-risk and high-reward. Unlike explosive forward throws that can get you countered if you miss, Kosoto Gari keeps your base relatively safe while attacking theirs. I set it up through grip-fighting - I’m constantly fighting for that deep collar grip that gives me the pulling power I need. Against most opponents, I’ll fake a few forward pressure attempts to get them posting weight backward, then hit the Kosoto Gari when they’re defending the wrong attack. The key in high-level competition is disguising your intention - if they see the Kosoto Gari coming, they’ll just step back and you’ll look stupid chasing them around the mat. I chain it with Kouchi Gari to the opposite leg, so if they defend by stepping back with one leg, I’m already attacking the other. Once I land the throw, I’m immediately hunting for side control and looking for the transition to mount or taking the back. The points from the takedown mean nothing if you stall in a neutral scramble afterward. Follow through aggressively and your opponent is fighting from behind for the rest of the match.
• Eddie Bravo: Kosoto Gari is sick because it works in both gi and no-gi, which most throws don’t. In 10th Planet system, we use it constantly when guys try to snap us down or get aggressive with the clinch. The no-gi version requires you to get tight with underhooks or overhooks, but the sweeping motion is identical to the gi. What I love about this throw is you can hit it from the Twister position if you’re standing - get that overhook control, pull them onto their heel, and sweep them to the mat where you can immediately start working your leg attacks or back takes. We also use it as a counter when guys shoot shitty singles - instead of sprawling, you can catch the overhook and Kosoto Gari them to their back while they’re committed forward. It’s all about being creative with traditional techniques. Don’t just drill the basic judo version - experiment with different grips, different angles, and see how it fits into your personal game. Maybe you hit it from a weird Russian tie position, or off a collar drag attempt. The fundamental mechanics work, but how you get there should be unique to your style.