KOSOTO GARI - SMALL OUTER REAP

Kosoto-gari (Small outer reap) is classified as Ashi waza (Foot/leg techniques). Kosoto Gari consists of moving forward against the opponent, then scooping up the opponent's leg from behind him, sending him to the floor. It can be used effectively in competition as a single technique, in combination (renraku waza), or as a feint.

Kosoto-gari can be used to reap an opponent's leg by either by bringing the back of the opponent's knee onto your inner thigh to destabilize his balance, or by scooping up his heel.

The "back of the knee" method is performed from a Kenka yotsu (Asymmetrical grips by the two opponents) stance by Tori (the player executing the technique) stepping toward the opponent with what will be his Support leg. 

At the same time, Tori (Player executing technique) bends his knees and pulls his lifting hand downward to lower his center of gravity. Tori (Player executing technique) then pulls the back of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) knee onto his inner thigh so that Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack), unable to back up, falls to the floor.

The "heel scooping" method (shown) is performed from a Kenka yotsu (Asymmetrical grips by the two opponents) stance by Tori (Player executing technique) moving immediately to hook Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) ankle.