**OSOTO-GARI** is a classical grappling technique often classified as a throw and is widely used in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for its effectiveness. While mainly applied from a standing position, certain adaptations see its application from other transitional overlaps. Below is a detailed description and execution guide for the technique: ### **Position:** - **Standing** ### **Japanese Name:** - Osoto-gari ### **Execution Steps:** 1. **Establish Initial Grip:** - **Sleeve Grip:** Use your right hand to grip your opponent's right sleeve. - **Collar Grip:** Hold the left side of your opponent's gi collar with your left hand. 2. **Break Balance (Kuzushi):** - Step forward with your left foot while simultaneously pulling your opponent's collar and sleeve upward and forward. This action will help break the opponent’s balance. - Your opponent should now have more weight transitioning onto their right leg which will be your target. 3. **Entrance (Tsukuri):** - Pivot on your left foot so it’s slightly in front but parallel to your opponent's right foot. - Your right leg should swing behind you, out to the side, and behind your opponent. Aim to get your right leg close to the back of their right knee. 4. **Sweep the Leg (Kake):** - With your right leg extended straight, briefly lift it and sweep down against the back of the opponent's right leg, just above the knee. - At the same time, use your body to drive forward, using your shoulder to press into your opponent. - Pull down on your opponent's sleeve and collar to aid in their descent. 5. **Maintain Control & Transition:** - As your opponent falls, maintain a grip on their sleeve and collar while controlling their descent to the mat. - Immediately follow up by transitioning to a dominant ground position such as side control or mount to assert control further. ### **Key Details:** - Maintain close body contact throughout to ensure you stay in control. - Correctly unbalancing your opponent is crucial for the success of the throw. - Your sweeping leg should maintain contact with their leg for balance disruption. - Do not overly rely on your arms to execute the throw; proper leg and hip movement is essential. ### **Common Mistakes:** - **Insufficient Kuzushi:** Without properly breaking the opponent’s balance, the throw will not be successful. - **Poor Timing:** Timing of the leg sweep in conjunction with pulling your opponent is crucial. - **Incorrect Gripping:** Poor grip management can lead to ineffective control over the opponent during the descent.