BJJ Graph

Osoto Gari

Jun 15, 20258 min read

Osoto Gari

bjjtransitiontakedownjudothrowstanding

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T044
  • Transition Name: Osoto Gari
  • Alternative Names: Major Outer Reap, Big Outer Reap, Large Outer Reaping

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Medium - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Quick - duration of transition
  • Risk Level: Medium - chance of backfire or position loss

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for leg drive and upper body control
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for basic execution
  • 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 step close to your opponent placing your right foot next to their right foot. Your opponent typically maintains their stance or attempts to counter-grip. You then lift them slightly with your grips while simultaneously reaping their right leg with your right leg in a large circular motion, sweeping their leg out from under them. The combination of lift and leg reap causes them to fall backward as you follow through, landing in a dominant top position with control established.

Template: “From standing with collar-sleeve grips, you step close and reap their leg with a large circular motion while lifting with your grips. Your opponent falls backward as you follow through to top position.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish strong collar and sleeve grips from standing position
  2. Initial Movement: Step your right foot close to opponent’s right foot (outside position)
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent typically maintains stance or attempts defensive grips
  4. Adaptation: Adjust grip tension and body position based on their resistance
  5. Completion: Lift with grips while reaping their leg in large circular motion
  6. Consolidation: Follow through to land in dominant top position

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Strong collar grip with one hand, sleeve control with other
  • Base/Foundation: Proper foot placement close to opponent’s foot
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s weight is on the targeted leg
  • Leverage Points: Lifting action combined with leg reap creates mechanical advantage
  • Common Adjustments: Vary reaping angle and lifting direction based on resistance

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Strong grips and proper foot positioning (+/-15%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing when opponent’s weight is committed (+/-20%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive reactions and balance (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding throw mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Position Control: Quality of initial grip establishment (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Sprawl Defense: Dropping hips back to avoid the reap → Standing Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Counter Throw: Using opponent’s momentum for counter-attack → Top Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: superior timing)
  • Underhook Defense: Creating frames to prevent close contact → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: grip fighting)
  • Circle Away: Moving in direction opposite to reap → Standing Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: mobility)

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

Decision Logic

If [grip setup quality] < 50%:
- Execute [[Underhook Defense]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [throw timing] is telegraphed:
- Execute [[Sprawl Defense]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [opponent has superior position]:
- Execute [[Counter Throw]] (Probability: 35%)

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

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “Osoto gari succeeds through the combination of lifting and reaping actions working in perfect coordination. The key is understanding that the leg reap alone is insufficient - you must lift your opponent’s center of gravity while simultaneously removing their base. The throw teaches fundamental principles of off-balancing that apply throughout grappling.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In no-gi competition, osoto gari is particularly effective because it doesn’t rely on traditional gi grips. I use it when opponents are defensive in the standing position, as it creates immediate ground engagement where I can implement my ground game advantages. The follow-through to top position is crucial for maintaining dominance.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Osoto gari integrates well with rubber guard entries and other unconventional attacks. When the throw is partially defended, it often creates scramble situations that favor creative grapplers. The technique can be modified for different grip configurations and combined with other takedown attempts.”

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

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Attempting to reap without proper lifting action

  • Why It Fails: Leg reap alone is insufficient to overcome opponent’s balance

  • Correction: Coordinate lifting with grips and leg reap simultaneously

  • Recognition: Opponent easily maintains balance despite leg contact

  • Error: Poor foot placement too far from opponent

  • Why It Fails: Reduces power and leverage of the reaping action

  • Correction: Step close with foot placement next to opponent’s foot

  • Recognition: Feeling weak or ineffective during reap attempt

  • Error: Telegraphing the throw with obvious preparation

  • Why It Fails: Gives opponent time to prepare defensive counter-measures

  • Correction: Maintain normal grip fighting appearance until execution

  • Recognition: Opponent easily anticipates and defends the attack

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s weight is committed to targeted leg
  • Avoid When: Opponent is mobile and constantly changing stance
  • Setup Sequences: After failed grip attempts that bring opponent forward
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete follow-through within 1-2 seconds

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Basic standing grip fighting and balance understanding
  • Physical Preparation: Leg strength and coordination for reaping motion
  • Positional Understanding: Standing position mechanics and off-balancing principles
  • Experience Level: Intermediate technique requiring timing and coordination

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the throwing force in osoto gari?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute the reap?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common footwork mistake?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grips are essential for effective execution?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent sprawls during execution?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Traditional collar and sleeve grips maximize control
  • No-Gi Specific: Adapt to overhook and underhook positions
  • Self-Defense: Modified version for clothing grips in street situations
  • Competition: Combination with other throws for scoring opportunities
  • Size Differential: Smaller practitioners require more explosive execution

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 progressive defensive resistance
  • Sparring Integration: Implementing throw during live standing exchanges
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and correcting execution problems

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Reap, sweep, lift, drive, follow-through
  • Spatial References: Circular motion, outside position, off-balance direction
  • Pressure Dynamics: Lifting force, sweeping power, momentum transfer
  • Momentum Descriptions: Explosive entry, smooth follow-through

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Get your grips strong before you move”
  • Execution Guidance: “Lift and reap together, not separately”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Feel their weight and time your entry”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Follow through to secure top position”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Standing with collar and sleeve grips established
  • Transition Points: Foot placement, lifting initiation, leg reap execution
  • Ending Position: Top position with opponent on ground
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed throw leading to continued standing exchange

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Upward lifting force combined with lateral reaping force
  • Leverage Ratios: Grip leverage multiplied by leg reaping power
  • Range of Motion: Full leg extension in circular reaping motion
  • Power Generation: Leg drive, core rotation, and grip strength coordination

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Bridge and Roll 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.

  • Ouchi Gari - Inside reaping variation with similar principles
  • Kouchi Gari - Minor inner reap as setup or combination
  • Tai Otoshi - Hand technique throw with different mechanics
  • Double Leg Takedown - Wrestling alternative for similar situations
  • Foot Sweeps - Timing-based techniques using similar concepts

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as takedown (2 points)
  • No-Gi Competition: Highly effective due to grip adaptability
  • Self-Defense: Excellent for creating distance and gaining dominance
  • MMA Applications: Modified version useful in mixed martial arts

Historical Context

Osoto gari is one of the original 40 throws of Kodokan Judo, developed by Jigoro Kano. It demonstrates fundamental principles of using technique and timing over pure strength, making it accessible to practitioners of all sizes when properly executed.

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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