O Soto Gaeshi

O Soto Gaeshi
File:O-soto-gaeshi.jpg
General information
Domain	Tachi-Waza
Classification	Nage-Waza
Sub-Classification	Ashi-Waza
Kodokan	Yes
IJF Legal	Yes
Grouping	Shinmeisho No Waza
Complexity	Beginner
Technique name
Rōmaji	Osoto Gaeshi
Japanese	大外返
English	Major Outer Reap Reversal

O Soto Gaeshi (大外返), or "Major Outer Reap Counter," is a counter-throw technique used in Judo to counteract an opponent's O Soto Gari (Major Outer Reap). This technique is categorized under Ashi-waza, which involves foot and leg techniques.

Execution:

1. Initial Position: Both judoka start in a right natural posture (migi-shizentai), with Tori (the person executing the technique) and Uke (the person receiving the technique) gripping each other in a standard sleeve-lapel grip.
2. Uke's Attack: Uke attempts to execute O Soto Gari by stepping his right foot outside Tori's left foot and reaping Tori's right leg with his left leg.
3. Tori's Response:
   1. As Uke begins the reaping motion, Tori senses the attack and prepares to counter.
   2. Tori shifts his weight onto his left leg and slightly lifts his right leg to avoid the reap.
   3. Simultaneously, Tori uses his right leg to sweep Uke's reaping leg (left leg) from the outside, disrupting Uke's balance.
4. Counter-Throw:
   1. Tori pulls with his left hand and lifts with his right hand, breaking Uke's balance further.
   2. Tori continues the sweeping motion with his right leg, lifting Uke's left leg and causing Uke to fall backward onto the mat.

Key Points:

• Timing is crucial in O Soto Gaeshi. Tori must initiate the counter just as Uke commits to the O Soto Gari.
• Proper Kuzushi (balance breaking) is essential to ensure Uke is off-balance and unable to complete the original throw.
• Tori's sweeping motion should be strong and coordinated with the pulling and lifting actions of the arms.

Applications:

• O Soto Gaeshi is effective in both competitive and self-defense scenarios where an opponent attempts a major outer reap.
• It demonstrates the principle of using an opponent's force and momentum against them, a core concept in Judo.