O-uchi-gaeshi 大内返

Major Inner Reap Counter

Classification: Ashi-waza (leg technique)
Translation:

• Ō = major / large

• Uchi = inner

• Gaeshi = reversal / counter

Technical Description

O-uchi-gaeshi is a counter throw against O-uchi-gari (major inner reap). Unlike Ko-uchi-gaeshi, where tori avoids the attack by stepping away, in O-uchi-gaeshi, tori does not step out but instead absorbs uke’s movement and redirects it with a counter sweep.

As uke initiates O-uchi-gari by pulling with the lapel-side grip and reaping the leg from the inside, tori remains grounded and blocks the attempt. The failed throw leaves uke vulnerable. Tori then pulls uke close and reaps the attacking leg outward in a counter O-uchi-gari, using uke’s momentum against them.

Biomechanics of O-uchi-gaeshi

This technique operates as a couple (F1 + F2):

• F1 (upper-body force): Tori pulls uke forward and slightly downward, maintaining grip control to manipulate uke’s balance.

• F2 (lower-body force): At the same time, tori sweeps uke’s leg outward (in the opposite direction of the original O-uchi-gari), causing uke to lose their base and fall.

The key to the technique is timing — intercepting uke’s reap before they achieve kuzushi and turning their effort into your own advantage.

Did You Know?

Ōuchi-gaeshi (大内返) is officially recognized by the Kodokan Judo Institute as part of the Shinmeisho no Waza — the list of “newly accepted techniques” added in 1982.

This technique perfectly demonstrates the principle of adaptation and redirection, which is central to judo philosophy: turning defence into offence.