大内刈 O-uchi-gari major inner reap

O-uchi-gari in detail

Reference video

Classification

O-uchi-gari (大内刈, "major inner reap") is the seventh throw of the first group (Dai Ikkyo) of the Kodokan Gokyo and a foot technique (ashi-waza). Tori reaps Uke's leg from the inside, between Uke's feet, and throws Uke backwards, diagonally into his left back corner. It is a key attacking throw on its own and one of the most important links in combinations.

Principle

The throw works with action and reaction. Tori first pulls Uke down; Uke straightens up against the pull. Tori follows that movement and pushes up and back – diagonally, towards Uke's left back corner – so Uke's weight settles on the left heel – the left leg now carries Uke and cannot step away. Tori steps in between Uke's feet, hooks the left leg from the inside and reaps it back and out while driving forward with the chest. With the supporting leg gone, Uke falls back at about 45° to Tori's right, into his own left back corner.

Grips (kumikata)

The animation shows two right-handed judoka in ai-yotsu: both stand in migi shizentai (right foot forward) and grip the same way – right hand on the partner's left lapel, left hand on the partner's right sleeve.

• Left hand (hikite): the outside of Uke's right sleeve at the elbow. It pulls down first, then pushes up and back, and holds the sleeve up at the end.
• Right hand (tsurite): Uke's left lapel. It pulls down first, then drives Uke up and back towards the left heel.

Step-by-step

1. Pull down: bend forward and pull Uke down with both hands. Uke straightens up against it and brings the left foot up level.
2. Push back: go with that reaction – push up and back with both hands, diagonally towards Uke's left back corner. Uke's weight goes onto the left heel.
3. Step in: step the right foot in between Uke's feet, then bring the left foot up close behind the right heel. Chest close to Uke.
4. Hook: hook Uke's left leg from the inside with your right leg, calf against calf.
5. Reap: reap the leg in an arc back and out to the side while your chest and hands drive forward, at 45° to your right. Uke falls back diagonally.
6. Finish: follow the direction of the throw into a forward lunge between Uke's legs – right knee bent, left leg back, upper body upright – and keep the sleeve. Uke slaps with the left arm.

Key points to get right

These points are also shown as callouts in the animation at the moment they matter.

• Pull down first. The pull makes Uke straighten up – that reaction is your kuzushi.
• Use the reaction – push up and back, diagonally. Push in the direction Uke is already moving, onto the left heel and into his left back corner.
• Right foot between Uke's feet, left foot follows. Close distance is what lets the reaping leg reach.
• Hook from the inside, reap back and out. Reap in an arc while chest and hands drive forward.
• Follow through, keep the sleeve. Stay upright in the lunge and control Uke's fall.

Variations and related techniques

• Ko-uchi-gari: the minor inner reap against the right foot, lower and smaller.
• O-uchi-gake: the leg is hooked and held rather than reaped.
• Kenka-yotsu O-uchi-gari: with opposite grips, Tori often enters with a sharper turn and drives along Uke's body.
• O-uchi-gari to the side: against a wide stance, Tori steps further across and reaps more to the side.

Combinations and counters

Set-ups: O-uchi-gari pairs naturally with forward throws – when Uke pushes back against the reap, Seoi-nage or Uchi-mata follow; when Uke steps back to escape, Ko-uchi-gari or O-soto-gari can follow. Counters (kaeshi-waza): O-uchi-gaeshi (Uke lifts the reaping leg and turns Tori over) or Ura-nage, especially when Tori reaps without kuzushi or leans back.

Safety for teaching

Uke falls backwards and fast, so a reliable rear breakfall (ushiro ukemi) with the chin tucked is needed first. Tori keeps hold of the sleeve and stays upright in the lunge instead of falling onto Uke. Practise the pull–push reaction and the entry as uchi-komi before throwing, then throw slowly.