Waza Book

    Search every technique, Japanese word, grade, guide and combination.

    Browse instead: all techniques A to Z

    counter

    O-soto-gari countered by Sumi-otoshi

    1. O-soto-gari大外刈
    2. Sumi-otoshi隅落

    The reaping entry arrives on one leg; stepping the target leg clear and tipping to the rear corner with the hands alone drops the attacker into the space behind them.

    Demonstrations

    Ordered by provider, player included. Choose your own order.

    Seen a better demonstration? Suggest a video

    Step by step

    The whole sequence in words. Described in the standard right-handed form.

    1. Feel the back of their right leg swing past yours as they attack with O-soto-gari.
    2. Step your attacked right leg backwards out of the reap rather than bracing against it, keeping both grips.
    3. Stay tall and let them arrive on one leg with their reaping leg still travelling behind you.
    4. Turn your chest towards their right rear corner and drive your right hand low and across into their chest.
    5. Pull their right sleeve down towards that same corner with your left hand, so both hands work one line into the space behind their heel.
    6. They drop backwards into that corner with nothing underneath them; keep the sleeve and stay upright. This one is timing and direction rather than strength.

    Receiving it

    You are the attacker, and nothing blocks you: the leg you came for simply is not there. Your reaping leg carries on, your weight follows it, and their hands tip you into the empty corner behind your own heel. Because there is no contact below the waist it can be a surprising fall. Keep your chin tucked, do not reach back with a straight arm, and slap with your free arm as your back lands.

    VI judo notes

    This counter is made entirely with the hands, so the direction has to come from feel: their rear corner is behind the heel of the leg they are standing on, and your hands find it by following the line their own attack has already taken. Step clear rather than blocking, and keep both grips heavy so you know where their body is when the support goes. Sumi-otoshi rewards patience over force, which makes it a good counter to drill slowly.

    Each technique's own page carries its own full narration and key points; follow the links above.