Morote Gari

Morote Gari
General information
Domain	Tachi-Waza
Classification	Nage-Waza
Sub-Classification	Te-Waza
Kodokan	Yes
IJF Legal	No
Grouping	Shinmeisho No Waza
Complexity	Intermediate
Technique name
Alias	Double Leg
Rōmaji	Morote-gari
Japanese	双手刈
English	Two-hand reap

Morote Gari (双手刈), which translates to "Two-Handed Reap," is a hand technique (te-waza) in Judo. It involves a double-leg takedown, where the judoka uses both hands to grab and reap the opponent's legs.

Technique Description

To execute Morote Gari:

• Step 1: The judoka steps in between the opponent's legs, getting close enough to wrap their arms around the opponent's legs just above the knees.
• Step 2: Simultaneously, the judoka drives their shoulder into the opponent's chest, pushing forward to off-balance them.
• Step 3: The judoka then pulls the opponent's legs towards themselves while continuing to drive forward with the shoulder, causing the opponent to fall backward.

Historical Context

Morote Gari was officially recognized by the Kodokan as a Judo throw in 1982. It was later included in the Shinmeisho-no-waza (newly accepted techniques) list. Although it has been a popular technique in Judo, it is no longer permitted in IJF competitions due to the "no touching below the belt" rule.

Application and Variations

While Morote Gari is straightforward in its execution, it requires precise timing and coordination. Variations of this technique can be seen in other grappling arts, such as wrestling, where it is commonly referred to as a double-leg takedown.

Training Tips

• Practice with Control: Ensure that both you and your training partner practice Morote Gari with control to avoid injuries.
• Focus on Timing: The success of Morote Gari heavily relies on the timing of the entry and the push-pull motion.
• Combine with Other Techniques: Use Morote Gari in combination with other techniques to create effective combinations and transitions.