Combat Sports
O-Soto-Gari Entry Drill
The O-Soto-Gari Entry Drill practices the approach and positioning for a major outer reap without completing the throw. It trains balance, hip control, and coordinated pulling with a partner.
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Moderate injury risk
- Rest 45 sec
How to do it
- Stand facing your partner at arm's length for a right-sided entry.
- Grasp their right sleeve with your left hand and their left lapel with your right hand.
- Step your left foot beside the outside of your partner's right foot.
- Guide their weight gently toward their right rear heel through your grips.
- Bring your chest close to the right side of their upper chest.
- Position your raised right leg just behind their right leg.
- Return your right foot to the mat.
- Step back to your starting stance.
Form cues
- Keep your eyes forward
- Keep your supporting knee soft
- Move your hands with your body
Common mistakes
- Reaching with the legClose the distance with your supporting step rather than stretching your right leg from far away.
- Pulling straight downwardDirect your partner's weight diagonally backward instead of folding their torso forward.
- Twisting over a planted footAdjust your supporting foot's direction before committing your weight so your knee follows your toes.
Safety
A forceful leg placement can strain your partner's knee, especially if their foot is planted. Excessive pulling or rushed entries can make either person lose balance.
- Practice on a clear training mat with enough space for both partners to step freely.
- Use a cooperative partner who provides no resistance; agree on the endpoint and a stop signal.
- Keep both of your partner's feet on the mat, with no forceful leg contact, reaping, or throw completion.
- Learn the positioning under qualified judo instruction before practicing repeated entries.
If either partner has knee, hip, or balance limitations, use a footwork-only version or seek advice from a physiotherapist before partner practice.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Combat Training Mat
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 6–10 reps per side
- Rest
- 45 sec
Mirror the grips and footwork for left-sided entries; count one entry and return as one rep.