[Counter-8.0] Ouchi-gari (Big Inner Reap Counter)

This is a potential counter to a major inner reaping throw. If you sweep your opponent with Kouchi-gari, you’ll still be on your feet and at an advantage. If you counter with a drop Uki-waza, the fight will continue on the ground. You may want to take the fight to the ground to gain a submission, or to hold the adversary until help arrives. With Osoto-gari and Kouchi-gari you must get the opponent’s balance broken backwards. To prevent this throw, you must drive your momentum forwards. Be wary because the opponent can also use this change in direction to throw you with another technique.

Note: These counters are not the only way to counter a certain range-two throw. They’re intended to give the student a tool to utilize, so they understand there is options. These scenario’s may or may not be their favorite option. The purpose of these exercises is to get the student thinking about how to resist and exploit the opponents attack in range-two.

Execution: Ouchi-gari

• (Uke) Grasp the back of uke’s collar and wrist and pull forwards.
• (Uke) Push tori backwards when they pull in that direction.
• (Uke) Step inside Tori’s leg and reap it backwards.

Counter to Ouchi-gari

• (Tori) When uke places his/her leg between yours to reap one of your legs you must lean forwards.
• (Tori) While uke’s foot is off the tatami, push him/her backwards and reap their foot backwards.

Alternative Counter:

• (Tori) Drop to your bottom placing all your weight on uke while shooting your lead leg in front of uke’s support leg and pull him/her down and sideways over your extended leg to the tatami. (Uki-waza)