Introduction to O Soto Throws
The O Soto family comprises three highly functional throwing techniques: O Soto Gari, O Soto Otoshi, and O Soto Guruma. These throws are considered foundational in judo, sambo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The instructor emphasizes their effectiveness across multiple martial arts contexts.
Grip Configuration
The demonstrations use a same-side sleeve and lapel grip to emphasize shoulder control, though practitioners may employ various grip options including standard kumikata, double sleeve, or double lapel grips. The choice of grip depends on the practitioner's preference and the specific throwing variation being performed.
O Soto Gari
O Soto Gari is a standard reaping throw executed by stepping in and sweeping the opponent's rear leg while pointing the toes downward. The instructor describes it as potentially the most effective self-defense throw ever developed, widely applicable across street confrontations and formal combat sports.
O Soto Otoshi
O Soto Otoshi differs from Gari through its dropping action rather than a reaping motion, with the practitioner catching and dropping the opponent. The leg placement is more horizontal across the body, and the thrower may pull downward or upward depending on preference, with the power generated through concentric flexion action.
O Soto Guruma
O Soto Guruma employs a wheeling action similar to Harai Goshi or O Guruma techniques, executed to the rear. The technique features a sweeping leg motion rather than a reaping action and is particularly effective for practitioners with longer leg length. Like the other variations, the throw requires proper toe pointing and hip positioning.
Relationship Between Variations
The three O Soto variations share similar mechanics and footwork despite being distinct throws, analogous to family members with connected characteristics. Their similarities make them efficiently practiced together on mats, and performers often execute variations so similarly that observers may confuse one technique for another.
THE O SOTO THROWS O Soto Gari O Soto Otoshi O Soto Guruma
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to O Soto Throws
- •Grip Configuration
- •O Soto Gari
- •O Soto Otoshi
This video focuses on the similarities between O Soto Gari, O Soto Otoshi and O Soto Guruma. Go to www.amazon.com or www.ymaa.com to get Steve Scott's books THE JUDO ADVANTAGE, SAMBO ENCYCLOPEDIA and JUJI GATAME ENCYCLOPEDIA. Join the Steve Scott Training Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1094841137237608/ Donations are appreciated. To donate, use this link https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=85EKWV8KBFASS Our channel was started in 2010 as an extension of our program at Welcome Mat. Welcome Mat was founded in 1969 by Steve Scott in Kansas City, Missouri, USA and has produced thousands of successful students, athletes and coaches in a variety of grappling sports. View over a thousand videos on the subjects of judo, freestyle judo, Shingitai Jujitsu, sambo, submission grappling and sport jujitsu are on our YouTube channel. Browse through our playlists to see what we have on our channel. If a video is listed as "private" is it because that video is still in development or scheduled for later viewing. Comments are moderated. Please keep your comments on topic and think before posting them. Comments containing profanity, racial, religious or sexual slurs and comments that are insulting will not be permitted and those posting such comments will be blocked from the channel. Criticism is okay but trolling isn't. You can subscribe for free to our channel at http://youtube.com/user/welcomematstevescott. We strive to provide fundamentally sound and technically innovative skills and information on a variety of grappling sports. We appreciate your support! Please tell others about our channel. You can help support our channel by going to our online store and purchasing items. Go to http://www.WelcomeMatStore.com. We have a variety of books, shirts and other items for sale. Music for the Freestyle Judo show provided by YouTube Copyright Free Audio featuring "Fiend" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks and "All This Down Time" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks. Visit our club web site at http://www.WelcomeMatJudoClub.com. You can support our work by joining the Judo Black Belt Association. For information on the Judo Black Belt Association, go to http://www.judoblackbelt.com. Thank you for watching our video. Please tell others about our channel. Our videos are all original material and are copyrighted. Reproduction or showing these videos without the specific permission of Steve Scott is prohibited. #OSotoGari #OSotoOtoshi #OSotoGuruma
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about o soto guruma?
This video covers introduction to o soto throws, grip configuration, o soto gari. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.
How long does it take to learn o soto guruma?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing o soto guruma?
O Soto Guruma employs a wheeling action similar to Harai Goshi or O Guruma techniques, executed to the rear. The technique features a sweeping leg motion rather than a reaping action and is particularly effective for practitioners with longer leg length. Like the other variations, the throw requires proper toe pointing and hip positioning.




