o soto gari

O-soto-gari is the judo name for the outside trip — the foot sweep that catches the outside of the opponent’s far leg from behind, used to drive the opponent backward and downward in a unified motion.

Etymology. O (大) means “large” or “major”; soto (外) means “outside”; gari (刈) means “reap” or “sweep.” The combined term — large outer reap — distinguishes the technique from ko-soto-gari (“small outer reap,” a lighter foot sweep with a less committed leg-attack angle). The technique appears in the foundational go-kyo of judo throws and is one of the most widely-taught judo techniques across all levels. The “outside trip” English vocabulary entered wrestling and no-gi via judo cross-training; in those contexts the trip variant is more common as a clinch finish than as an opening attack.

Mechanics. The throw catches the outside of the opponent’s far leg from behind with a sweeping or hooking leg motion, while the upper-body grip drives the opponent backward across the attacker’s standing leg. Kuzushi — the sustained off-balance loading toward the rear — is the prerequisite for the sweep to redirect meaningful structure; without it, the foot motion does not connect to the opponent’s centre of gravity.

Cross-reference. English-speaking no-gi and wrestling use “outside trip” or “outside leg sweep.” Full mechanical coverage on Outside Trip.