Ko uchi gari the Giant slayer
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Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination·FLUID JUDO JAPAN
It is common knowledge in japan that ashi waza can demonstrate how softness can control hardness. A perfectly timed ashi…
Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination
SubFamilyKouchi-gari・To・Ouchi-gari・コンビネーション(Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination)
Translation: kouchi-gari to ouchi-gari combination
Overview
The Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination chains a small inner reap attack to the opponent's lead foot with an immediate large inner reap to the other foot when the opponent steps back. [1]
Small Inner Reap to Large Inner ReapKo Uchi to O UchiJP
History & Origin
Documented across multiple grappling traditions. [1]
Effectiveness
Proven in competition and cross-style challenge matches. [1]
Lineage
Multi-style grappling tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination-specific grappling mechanics
Position & Entry
From grappling position — Execute kouchi-gari to ouchi-gari combination
Variants
Standard Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination
Videos
Basic Kouchi Gari TRICK
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Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination·Shintaro Higashi
Basic Kouchi Gari Trick, The Japanese way Follow me on Instagram!!! https://www.instagram.com/judoshintaronyc/
Ko Uchi Gari Fundamentals
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Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination·WINNING
Fundamentals of the Ko Uchi Gari (Minor Inner Reaping) Throw as demonstrated by Sensei's Doug & Travis.
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari combination is a transitional foot-sweep sequence that exploits weight distribution shifts to execute two consecutive leg reaps. Shintaro Higashi emphasizes the preparatory hand work—pushing and pulling across horizontal and frontal planes to unload weight from the target leg's toes—before executing the initial kouchi-gari reap at an upward angle to minimize friction. FLUID JUDO JAPAN reinforces this weight-shifting principle, detailing the gripping mechanics: the hikite (sleeve hand) and tsurite (collar hand) employ wrist snap through finger-based gripping (middle, ring, and little fingers) to avoid rigidity, with the elbow pressed against the opponent's sternum to compress the upper body. Both instructors agree that timing the sweep as the opponent's foot lands or becomes weightless is critical. WINNING offers tactical variations, distinguishing between stepping into the opponent versus meeting backward momentum, and stresses maintaining chest-upright posture during weight transfer. All three instructors converge on the principle that precise hand positioning (chin pinned to shoulder, proper elbow placement) and foot trajectory (sweeping in the direction of toes rather than sideways) are prerequisites for transitioning to secondary techniques like ouchi-gari or shioe-nage.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Shintaro Higashi — Basic Kouchi Gari TRICK: Detailed micro-judo weight-shifting mechanics using hand push-pull to unload the target leg; emphasized upward-angle reaping trajectory and proper hand positioning with chin-to-shoulder control.
- FLUID JUDO JAPAN — Ko uchi gari the Giant slayer: Comprehensive gripping fundamentals (finger-based hikite and tsurite control, wrist snap technique); balance-breaking via elbow-sternum compression; timing principles and transition to ouchi-gari or shioe-nage.
- WINNING — Ko Uchi Gari Fundamentals: Tactical timing variations (stepping into vs. meeting backward momentum); emphasis on center-line pressure, body posture, and preventing opponent leg-lift defense through arm control.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Positional technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
— no leg attacks below waist
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFLegal
— IJF — Legal throwing technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— Unified MMA — Legal throwing technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Practise with controlled resistance (Sattler, 2007)
Common Mistakes
!Poor control
!Rushing
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Position → Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Ultimate Guide to Grappling (Sattler, 2007)
1Book[1] Sattler, J. (ed.) (2007). The Ultimate Guide to Grappling. Black Belt Books. ISBN 978-0-89750-291-7.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Sattler, J
2Citation[1] Sattler, J. (ed.) (2007). The Ultimate Guide to Grappling. Black Belt Books. ISBN 978-0-89750-291-7.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Sattler, J
Community
Athletics
Good body control and flexibility
Notes
Ko-uchi-gari to o-uchi-gari is the most fundamental judo throw combination — the small inner reap sets up the large inner reap. When the opponent resists the ko-uchi by pulling their foot back, they shift weight to the other leg — which is now vulnerable to o-uchi-gari. (Kano, Kodokan Judo; judo coaching manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I grip the sleeve when setting up kouchi-gari?
According to Fluid Judo Japan, grip the sleeve predominantly with your middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, while keeping your thumb relaxed and not gripping 100%. Gripping with all your fingers prevents you from snapping your wrist and exploding effectively.
What's the most important thing to focus on when executing kouchi-gari?
Using your feet correctly is the most important aspect of kouchi-gari. Fluid Judo Japan emphasizes sweeping your foot in the direction of the opponent's toes rather than stepping sideways, and being conscious of trying to scoop with your little toes.
How should my body position be during kouchi-gari?
Keep your chest upright and do not curl your body during the technique, while looking closely at your opponent. Getting close and closing the gap is also important before executing the sweep.
What angle should I use when sweeping the foot in kouchi-gari?
Shintaro Higashi recommends going upwards at an angle rather than pulling the foot in a direction that creates friction, as friction makes the technique harder to execute.
How does the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination work?
The Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination chains a small inner reap attack to the opponent's lead foot with an immediate large inner reap to the other foot when the opponent steps back.
Where does the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination come from?
Documented across multiple grappling traditions.
Is the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal throwing technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle, banned in Greco-Roman (no leg attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal throwing technique; ADCC: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination?
Danger rating 3/10. Positional technique
How do I set up the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination?
The standard setup chain: Position → Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination.
How do I defend against the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination?
Standard counters include: Technique-specific counters.
What are the variants of the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination?
Common variants: Standard Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination.
How effective is the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination?
Top errors to watch for: Poor control / Rushing.
What are other names for the Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination?
The Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination is also known as Kouchi-Gari to Ouchi-Gari Combination, Small Inner Reap to Large Inner Reap, Ko Uchi to O Uchi.