Osoto-Gari 4Skills Certificates are now available to download from the Koka Kids 4 Skills website.
Judo coaches can sign up for more Coaching Resources like these here: Coach Resources
Teaching Osoto-Gari
Unlocking the art of teaching Osoto-Gari requires patience and plenty of practice. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the four distinct levels that lead to mastery of this powerful judo technique.
See more animated judo throws.
Level 1 Basic: Posture, Grip, Footwork and Balance
At the first level of Osoto-Gari 4 Skills, judoka focus on mastering the fundamentals of the technique. This level lays the foundation for all future progress and ensures that practitioners develop a solid understanding of the movement and footwork required for Osoto-Gari.
To begin, it is essential to understand the basic stance and grip required for Osoto-Gari. Keep a balanced and stable posture, ensuring that their weight is evenly distributed between both feet. The grip should be firm but not overly tense, allowing for fluid movement and control.
Once the stance and grip are established, attention can be turned to the footwork and entry and importantly breaking our partner’s balance. Getting the position of the supporting leg right is fundamental to a)breaking our uke’s balance and b)maintaining tori’s balance throughout the throw.
Here’s a useful judo drill you can use to practice correct positioning of the support foot.
Level 2 Intermediate: Movement, Timing and Coordination.
As judoka progress to the second level of teaching Osoto-Gari 4 Skills, the focus shifts towards adding movement to the technique. At this stage, timing becomes a crucial element in developing Osoto-Gari skills, along with coordination.
Judoka can develop these skills with simple movement drills. These drills can include Uchi-komi, or free movement and attacking around the mat. It’s important that uke helps tori allowing movement to flow freely, without blocking.
Level 3 Advanced: Set ups and combinations
Level three takes judoka deeper into the mastery of Osoto-Gari. At this level, judoka can explore various set ups and combinations around the main waza.
Advanced judoka can begin to learn to feint an attack with another technique, like Sasae-Tsuri-Komi-Ashi to create an opening for Osoto-Gari. At this level the judoka begins to understand reactions and how to use them to their advantage.
Combinations such as Harai Goshi into Osoto-Gari can be brought into action.
Level 4 Expert: Confidence and Intuition
Level four signifies true mastery of Osoto-Gari. At this stage of Osoto-Gari 4 Skills, judoka have honed their technique to the point where it becomes second nature. They no longer rely solely on memorized sequences or set ups but instead trust their intuition and creativity to adapt Osoto-Gari seamlessly into their own unique style.
The ability to read an opponents’ movements and react accordingly, making split-second decisions is what makes for a champion judoka.
At this level, judoka have expert understanding of the mechanics of Osoto-Gari with confidence to throw in randori and competition.
Earning certificates for Osoto-Gari
Coaches have the opportunity to give certificates at each level, validating their student’s progress and dedication with the Koka Kids 4 Skills Judo resource.
By earning certificates, judoka gain a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue their journey of learning each new judo throw.
Benefits of earning certificates in judo
Earning certificates in judo provides a clear roadmap for skill development, offering tangible goals to strive for at each level. This structure helps practitioners stay focused and motivated, knowing that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded.
Certificates demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
They remind judoka of their achievements and provide a sense of pride in their progress. This confidence translates into improved performance on the mat, as practitioners approach each training session and competition with a positive mindset and belief in their abilities.
Start Teaching Koka Kids 4 Skills at your Dojo
What you get
- Every month, a new throw with printable resources
- Each throw has four certificates, one for each level. Use to recognise achievement and motivate.
- Task sheet with Recommendations for each level. Judoka can tick these off as they master skills.
- Blank Template Task Sheet. Each throw also has a template task sheet, left blank for you to tailor to your method of teaching, and add your own requirements for each level.
- Plus, you get immediate and full access to all content in the archives. That’s 100+ downloads. With resources to teach ne-waza and tachi-waza (hold downs, turnovers, throws and combinations), plus games, warm up drills and training exercises.
