[T3.01] Kouchi-gari: Variation-1 (Minor Inner Reaping with Palm Heel)

Translation: (Ko) Minor, (ouchi) Inner, (gari) Reaping

To prevent being thrown the opponent may drop into a horse stance and lower his/her center of gravity. This variation addresses this situation if you’re using this throw. Generally, you would change into another throwing technique, but this series shows that may not be necessary. The series also shows the importance of combining atemi-waza (striking) with the throwing technique.

Warning: Do not attempt these techniques without a qualified AOKK instructor’s supervision.

Category: 

• Ashi-waza (Foot & Leg Techniques)                                 

AOKK Category:

• Reaps

Opening Technique:

Trap uke’s arm and strike him/her with a forearm or palm-heel strike. Step between the opponent’s legs. Pull ukes weight onto one leg and reap the other. Pull with the left-hand and push with the right twisting ukes’ shoulders. Once uke is on one foot he/she can be thrown.

Execution:

• Push uke backwards until he/she pushes forward.
• Pull uke forwards until they have stepped into a wide horse stance.
• Grasp ukes’ sleeve or wrist with your (LH) and pull him/her to your left.

Note: Get the opponent’s weight on one leg. It is difficult to sweep the leg if it is supporting the adversary’s weight.

Note: When we say pull the opponent to the left, we mean yank them out of their socks.

Note: If you want to pull the opponent to the left, first pull him/her to the right until you feel their resistance and then yank them to the left.

• When you feel uke’s balance shifting, palm strike uke in the face under the chin (RH) and grasp the shoulder or collar.

Note: The Palm strike breaks the opponent’s balance backwards while you sweep inside to uke’s lead ankle/foot. Sweep their right leg forwards with the bottom of your foot.

• Drive their shoulders backwards while twisting them around throwing them to the ground using uke’s heel as a fulcrum.

Grips:

1. Grasp uke’s wrist or sleeve with your left hand. Forearm strike or palm-heel strike with your right hand.

Note: Start out as though you’re going to grapple. The traditional judo grip is left hand on uke’s right sleeve and your right hand on uke’s left lapel will work.  

Warning: Never go to the ground if there are multiple opponents.

Note: If you choose to follow uke to the mat strike with punches and elbows followed by an arm-bar, or simply remain standing walk away. In sport you may choose to apply a choke or lock the opponent to gain a submission.