6

Kosoto-gari and kosoto-gake are superficially similar techniques. I have seen many high level judoka call what I would have called -gari -gake and vice versa - what distinguishes these techniques?

1 Answer 1

7

Excerpt of Canonical Answer

This quotation is attributed to Kyuzo Mifune on page 162 of Kodokan Judo: Throwing Techniques by Toshiro Daigo.

Sweeping is similar to brushing an extremely light object away.

When hooking, you execute the technique as if pulling a rooted plant out from the ground.

Reaping is similar to the movement of reaping and cutting off a plant at its root with a sickle.

A kosoto gari is reap, where the side of tori's foot maintains contact with the mat. A kosoto gake is a hooking, where tori's leg bends and tori's foot comes off the mat.

As a strict classification issue, the key point is the action of tori's attacking leg. Does it leave the mat? Then it's a gake. Otherwise it's a gari.

Personal thoughts

I find kosoto gake to be most effective as a counter technique. The opponent enters for a throw where they are turning their back and standing on one leg (for example: harai goshi, hane goshi, uchi mata, ashi guruma), and you disrupt their balance and attack the far leg. As a strict Kodokan classification, this throwing action may unfortunately be classified as a harai goshi gaeshi, hane goshi gaeshi, or uchi mata gaeshi. Note that this does not apply to all throws, only these three. A counter to ashi guruma is not an ashi guruma gaeshi because this is not recognized as a distinct throw.

At the close distance for the counter and uke's weight firmly on the supporting foot, I find timing of kuzushi with the body and a strong hooking action necessary to successfully counter. For kosoto gari, the action of the hands becomes more important to break uke's balance over the heels to setup the reap.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.