OSOTO GARI (MAJOR OUTER REAP)

Osoto gari is the canonical judo reaping throw in which the attacker reaps the opponent's leg from outside using the attacker's own leg as the reaping tool, combined with upper-body pulling to break the opponent's balance backward. The technique is one of the highest-percentage judo throws and translates effectively to BJJ as both a takedown and a clinch-engagement entry.

The mechanics begin with the attacker establishing upper-body grips. The attacker steps the lead foot to the outside of the opponent's same-side foot, simultaneously pulling the opponent's upper body in the opposite direction of the step. The attacker then reaps the opponent's same-side leg with the lead leg (the 'osoto' or 'major outer' reap — the leg sweeps from outside to inside in a wide arc). The combined upper-body pull, foot step, and leg reap break the opponent's balance backward and produce the throw.

Osoto gari has been integrated into BJJ from judo. Notable practitioners include various judo-rooted BJJ competitors and the broader gi competitive roster. The technique is particularly effective when the opponent is leaning forward (giving up backward base), and pairs particularly well with collar-grip setups that pull the upper body forward and into the throwing geometry. Defensively osoto gari is countered by maintaining upright posture, by stepping back when the attacker initiates the outside-foot step, or by base-shifting backward to deny the reaping angle.