As I progress with my Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu trials and tribulations, I am becoming proficient enough to understand what I'm doing wrong. I'll take this as a sign of wisdom and experience, rather than incompetence. Hopefully, sharing my mistakes will help others avoid those mistakes, and speed them along the proper path.
Osotogari translates as "major outside reap". It is one of the original throws defined in Judo, and considered one of the classic techniques of the sport. Osotogari has adapted to be used from all sorts of approaches, grips, and footwork. In the standard definition, you step across your opponent's body from a standard collar-and-sleeve grip, lift your near leg, and use it to sweep your opponent's near leg. Since you're across them, your right shoulder will be near their right shoulder, and your right leg will sweep their right leg.
When I fail to successfully execute osotogari, it is probably because of one of these three mistakes:
1) I'm not close enough
Whether you're trying to do the throw as your opponent is leaning backward or coming forward, they have to be close to you. There is no way to generate enough power for your leg to sweep through their leg if they are not right next to you. Getting in close, so that your shoulder is touching their opposite shoulder, is critical.
2) I don't slide my grip to their neck
In order for me to take my opponent down by sweeping their leg, most of their weight has to be placed on that leg. If I don't, they'll just pick it up and step over or around my sweep. I can get my opponent off-balance on my target leg by pushing from my collar grip, most likely. But I can get them to move much easier if I apply the pressure higher up on their body, rather than to their core. So as I make my approach, I am also sliding my grip up their collar to the back of their neck.
From the neck grip, my kazushi technique looks more like a clothesline than a push, and that's OK. I'm not trying to hurt them, but I have more strength in my bicep than I do my hand. This technique allows makes the throw work in a no-gi environment, from collar-and-elbow wrestling grips, which is critical to keep the move viable in today's MMA world.
3) I sweep too low on my opponent's leg
Let's say my approach and grips are both good. I can, and probably will, fail at osotogari if I sweep too low on my opponent's leg. The key to any good throw is to generate enough power at the proper leverage point. In this technique, it is easier if I use a short, powerful lever - my thigh. If my leg sweeps through below my opponent's knee, it will be far more difficult for me to take them down.
Sweeping at a high point also keeps me closer to my opponent as they are going down. In a sport Judo tournament, where my goal is just to complete the throw, I may not care where I end up in relation to them when my osotogari is done. If I'm in a grappling or MMA match, however, I care a great deal. If I'm close to my opponent as they are going down, I can follow through directly into an arm bar (assuming I keep elbow control), or failing that, strong side mount control.
Osotogari has long been regarded as one of the most effective throws in Judo, and is still seen performed regularly at all levels of the sport. It is a perfect example of everything that Judo aspires to be: an application of grip control, momentum, and leverage. If you avoid my mistakes and have good technique, your osotogari will always serve you well.
Paul Herzog and his son Christopher have been taking judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction at Petushin Martial Arts since the new Rosemount, Minnesota facility opened in 2010. In addition to receiving some of the best grappling instruction in the Midwest, Paul has lost 30 pounds, and Chris has gained strength and self-confidence. If either of those sounds appealing, please contact the academy at 612-991-9116 or go to http://www.petushinmartialarts.com/ to arrange your first visit!
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