[T3.03] Kosoto-gake: (Minor Outer Reap with Heel Hook)

Translation: (Ko) minor, (Soto) side, (Gake) hook

This is a minor sweeping technique. It’s all about timing, so you must get uke to move and lift a foot or get the opponent up on his/her toes. Tripping your opponent has been part of fighting since the beginning of time.

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

Opening Technique:  

If the attacker punches, use simultaneous techniques to get inside. Block and punch followed by a grab the attacker’s sleeve. Slide this hand under uke’s armpit once you’ve gone into the clinch. To keep the opponent from counterattacking, drive a palm-heel strike into their face. Drop the hand that delivered the palm-heel strike and grasp the opponent’s shoulder or wrap your arm around the opponent’s neck twisting his/her upper body. This breaks the attacker’s balance backwards and on an angle making this sweep easier before the attacker has time to regroup.

Note: Don’t give the attacker time to think, or you’ll miss the opportunity. If you wrap your arm around the attacker’s neck, he/she will have fewer options to counter throw you.

Execution:

• Push uke’s elbow upwards and slide your arm under his/her armpit and around the shoulder. (LH)
• Wrap your other arm around uke’s neck and tie-off to your wrist. (RH)
• Twist uke’s shoulders so he places his weight on one leg.
• Quickly step forwards with your lead leg until your hips are even with or past uke’s.

Note: Always lead with your hips.

• Once the lead foot is behind uke hook the back uke’s heel with your heel.
• Twist and reap uke’s plant foot.
• Uke will fall backwards and to one side. This technique is made with your lead leg.

Note:  You will normally follow uke to the tatami after this technique is executed.

Grips:

1. The traditional judo grip is left hand on uke’s right sleeve and your right hand on uke’s left lapel. Remember to bend your elbow to lift uke and pull him/her in tight.

Note: If your hips are not in front of uke he/she can counterattack while you’re on one leg and throw you to the tatami. This is why the throw must be executed when the opportunity presents itself.

2. One arm under uke’s armpit and the other around uke’s neck. Tie-off to your wrist.

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

Note: Follow this technique with an arm-bar, mount above the hips, or simply walk away. If you choose the mount, follow immediately with open hand strikes, closed hand strikes, head butts, knees, and elbow strikes. In sport you may choose to apply a choke or lock the opponent to gain a submission.