14. Ko-uchi-makikomi 小内巻込

Ko-uchi-makikomi 小内巻込

Small Inner Wraparound Throw

Classification: Sacrifice Technique (Sutemi-waza) – Side (Yoko-sutemi)
Group: Habukareta Waza (Preserved Techniques)

Description

Ko-uchi-makikomi is a dynamic sacrifice throw and a variation on the Ko-uchi-gari (small inner reap). Instead of executing a clean sweeping action with the leg, tori wraps around uke’s leg and pulls uke into a spiralling fall.

Tori enters deeply between uke’s legs with the right foot, trapping uke’s right leg. At the same time, tori’s right arm wraps around uke’s leg from the outside, securing the entanglement. With a tight spiral motion and a forward sacrifice fall, uke is thrown backwards over tori.

The difference with Ko-uchi-gari lies in the commitment and mechanics: while Ko-uchi-gari is a clean sweep, Ko-uchi-makikomi is a full-body commitment using rotation and wrapping to throw uke.

Biomechanics of Ko-uchi-makikomi

Type: Couple (F1 + F2)
Force components:
- F1: Uke’s upper body is pulled off balance.
- F2: Uke’s leg is trapped and swept in the opposite direction of the upper body.
Mechanism:
- Tori may enter from an initial forward motion (e.g. Ippon seoi nage attempt).
- As uke resists, tori transitions by wrapping uke’s leg, turning uke’s defense into a liability.
- The wrap creates rotational torque, causing uke to fall backward in a spiral path.

This is a highly effective overtake or continuation technique (renzoku-waza) when uke resists initial forward motion.

Did you know?

Ko-uchi-makikomi is often misunderstood as a failed Ko-uchi-gari, but in reality, it’s a deliberate wraparound throw that requires timing, control, and full-body commitment.
Because it uses an inward leg wrap and strong rotation, it is particularly effective against upright opponents with stiff posture or who overreact defensively to forward throws.
The Makikomi family of throws are known for their dramatic sacrifice nature and require uke to be a good uke—able to roll with high control and awareness.

Makikomi literally means “to roll in” or “to coil around”—and that’s exactly what tori does here: spiral into uke’s space and take them down with full control.