Osoto Gari: The Most Effective Judo Sweep & Why
O-Soto-Gari. It’s different if you have perfect circumstances with momentum and positioning to effortlessly perform a hip throw or different sweep, but all else being equal, I’d say O-Soto-Gari.
O-Soto-Gari (“Large Outer Reaping”) gives you maximum leverage and allows an easy synergy between upper and lower body, coordinating all your strength without requiring perfect timing, a vulnerable position, or the gift of momentum. It’s a quick, simple move that’s easier to pull off on a heavy opponent than a hip throw that requires lifting them or one of the other sweeps more dependent on timing, extreme mainipulation or an already off-balanced opponent.
