O-soto-gaeshi 大外返

Major Outer Reap Counter

Classification: Ashi-waza (leg technique)
Translation:

• Ō = major / large

• Soto = outer

• Gaeshi = reversal / counter

Technical Description

O-soto-gaeshi is a counter technique typically used against O-soto-gari (major outer reap). When uke attacks with a right-sided O-soto-gari, tori anticipates the movement and counters with their own right-sided O-soto-gari before uke has time to establish balance or control.

Timing is crucial. As uke commits to the throw, tori shifts weight and reclaims dominance with a strong kuzushi (off-balancing) and immediate counter-reap.

Biomechanics of O-soto-gaeshi

This throw is based on a couple of forces (Re + F3):

• Re (upper body force): Tori applies a backward pull or push on uke’s upper body, continuing the motion initiated by uke.

• F3 (leg force): Simultaneously, tori sweeps the attacking leg of uke in the opposite direction, removing uke’s support leg.

By blending with uke’s momentum, tori redirects the force and turns the attack into an opportunity for their own throw.

Did You Know?

Ō-soto-gaeshi (大外返) is the 9th technique in the list of Shinmeisho no Waza (Newly Accepted Techniques) officially recognized by the Kodokan Judo Institute in 1982.

It’s a textbook example of ju no ri — the principle of flexibility and yielding — as it demonstrates how to use an opponent’s force to your advantage.