Technique details

Ko-soto-gari
小外刈
Minor outer reap
Ashi-waza · foot and leg throws
PRONUNCIATION
/koh soh-toh gah-ree/
TECHNIQUE VIDEO
RECOGNITION CUE
Look for a small outside reap at the opponent’s heel or lower leg while their weight is held over that foot.
Starting position
Both judoka stand in close moving balance, often with the attacker following a retreating or recovering step.
Typical grip
A sleeve-and-lapel grip helps keep the opponent’s weight from escaping the heel being attacked.
Kuzushi · balance breaking
Guide the opponent toward the rear-outside corner of the target foot so the heel is weighted and difficult to withdraw.
Tsukuri · entry and position
Step close without leaning and place the reaping foot behind or beside the opponent’s heel with the hips facing the action.
Kake · completion
Continue upper-body control while the foot removes the heel in a compact outside reaping action.
Expected result
The opponent’s weighted foot is displaced and they fall toward the rear-outside corner under controlled grips.
Visual study notes
Prototype limitation: each phase repeats one rights-tracked reference illustration. This is not a true sequential demonstration and must not be used as a substitute for instructor-led practice.
STUDY NOTE 1
Weighted heel
Identify the opponent’s balance settling toward the rear-outside corner.
Same single reference image
STUDY NOTE 2
Close step
Observe the attacker approach without reaching or leaning.
Same single reference image
STUDY NOTE 3
Small reap
Follow the compact heel removal coordinated with the hands.
Same single reference image
Common beginner mistakes
Reaching from too far away and losing posture.
Attacking a foot that carries no weight.
Using only the foot while the hands allow the opponent to recover balance.
Coaching tips to discuss in class
Study where the weight is: the target heel should look committed.
Keep the reap compact and the body close.
Maintain steady hand direction through the entire action.
See a factual or safety problem?
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