Kouchi Gari

Takedown
Also known as:
Ko Uchi Gari Small Inner Reap

Kouchi gari is judo's small inner reap: a foot sweep that clips the opponent's near heel from the inside at the moment their weight loads onto it, dropping them straight backward. In BJJ it thrives off collar ties and grip exchanges as a low-risk attack that either scores outright or forces the defensive hop that feeds your follow-up takedowns.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Timing beats power: the reap lands as their weight transfers onto the target foot — sweeping an unweighted foot just repositions it, sweeping a planted one is a trip.
  • · The sweep travels along the mat in the direction their toes point, using the sole of your foot against their heel — it is a clip, not a kick.
  • · Your hands finish it: driving their posture back over the reaped heel with the collar tie or grips is what makes the small contact score.
  • · It pairs with forward-pressure attacks — opponents defending snap downs and ouchi gari step right into it.
  • · Miss safely: a failed kouchi leaves you square and based, which is why it can be thrown at low cost throughout the grip fight.

Execution

  1. 1 From the grip fight, establish a collar tie or collar-and-arm grips and circle to draw their steps.
  2. 2 As their near foot plants and loads — often when they step in to answer your pressure — slide your sole along the mat into their heel from the inside.
  3. 3 Reap the heel in the direction of their toes while your grips drive their posture back over the trapped foot.
  4. 4 Follow their fall with your grips, landing chest-on to pass or settle into side control.
  5. 5 If they hop free, chain immediately — the defensive hop feeds ouchi gari, snap downs, and double leg entries.

Common mistakes

  • × Reaping a foot that carries no weight, which they simply lift and replace while your base is compromised mid-sweep.
  • × Kicking sideways into the ankle instead of sliding the sole along the mat through the heel line.
  • × Sweeping without simultaneous backward hand pressure, letting them hop and recover their base.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Kouchi Gari shows up.

Standing Position

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Side Control Top