Ouchi gari (大内刈) is the judo major inner reap: you break your partner's balance backward and reap their far leg from the inside. It is the inside twin of osoto gari and a workhorse in combinations.
- Japanese name: ouchi gari, 大内刈. The judoinfo.com ashi-waza page translates it as Major Inner Reaping.
- Kodokan classification: ashi-waza, a foot and leg technique. The Gokyo no Waza listed on judoinfo.com places it in Dai Ikkyo, the first group.
- In BJJ: the inside trip is one of the safest throws from the clinch because you stay square and upright. Read Judo for BJJ Players for how judo throws carry over.
What is ouchi gari in judo?
The Kodokan defines ouchi gari as a technique to reap the opponent's left leg from the inside with the right leg and throw him down by breaking his balance backward. Your reaping leg goes between their legs and hooks their far leg behind the knee, pulling it toward you while your upper body pushes them back.
Attack it and your partner steps back to save the leg; that step puts them on their toes for seoi nage or uchi mata, which is why ouchi gari opens so many combinations.
How do you do ouchi gari?
Right-handed, as the Kodokan describes it; mirror for the left.
- Break the balance backward and to their left rear corner. Push with the lapel hand and lift slightly with the sleeve so their weight settles on their left heel.
- Step in. Bring your left foot to a point between and slightly behind their feet, so your body is square to theirs and close.
- Reap from the inside. Swing your right leg between their legs and hook the back of their left knee with the back of your calf, then reap it toward you in a circle.
- Drive with the upper body. As the leg reaps, step through with your weight and drive your chest forward so they fall straight back.
- Follow them down. Keep the sleeve grip to soften the fall and land in a position to pin.
The most common mistake is reaping sideways instead of in a circle: the leg hooks and pulls, the partner hops once and nothing falls. Reap in a curve, toward you and around, with your hips driving behind it. Our judo training gear covers the kit for drilling the entry.
Video: KODOKAN official channel
What are the common counters to ouchi gari?
Ouchi gaeshi: the Kodokan describes it as throwing the opponent down by counter-reaping their ouchi gari attempt with the leg that is being attacked. Your partner lifts the attacked leg over your reap and reaps you back with it. The counter sits on the Kodokan list of techniques among the Shinmeisho no Waza.
Is ouchi gari legal in judo competition?
Yes. The IJF Sport and Organisation Rules score a throw when it is a Kodokan classified technique or a recognised variation, and ouchi gari is one, so a clean throw can score yuko, waza-ari or ippon.
In BJJ a throw counts as a takedown: 2 points under the IBJJF rules once your partner lands on the back, side or seat and you hold the top for three seconds.
Sources
- Kodokan defines ouchi gari, Kodokan Judo Institute
- Judoinfo.com ashi-waza page, JudoInfo
- Gokyo no Waza listed on judoinfo.com, JudoInfo
- IJF Sport and Organisation Rules, International Judo Federation
- IBJJF rules, IBJJF
Related terms
Osoto gari (major outer reap), Kouchi gari (minor inner reap), Off-balancing, Foot and leg techniques, Seoi nage (shoulder throw), Guard pull.