Awesome Judo Throw: Ouchi Gari For BJJ & MMA

By Fanatics Authors, December 13, 2018

Sick Ouchi Gari with Judo Black Belt Matt D'Aquino

Matt D’Aquino a judoka form Australia. He competed in the extra light weight category. He is a 4th degree judo black belt and a BJJ brown belt. He was won the Australian judo championship twice. He is also a multiple time Oceanian champion and a member of the Marist Judo Club. His personal coach is Tom Hill. D’Aquino represented Australis in the 2008 Summer Olympics where he competed for the men’s extra light weight class. Since then D’Aquino has become the first Australian male to win the Pac Rim Championships. D’Aqiuno is also the author of two books “Hard Fought Lessons by an Olympic Judoka” and “Effective goal setting so you can win in life.”

Ouchi Gari is one of the best Judo takedowns for.... Judo, MMA, Wrestling AND BJJ. It is a universal takedown that is shown in a variety of differnt ways. But, when we learn takedowns, we want to learn from the best in the world... like Olympians Travis Stevens and Jimmy Pedro.

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It goes with out saying that if you are a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor who needs help learning Judo throws that Matt D’Aquino is the man to learn them from. The technique that we are going to be looking at today is called the Ouchi Gari, which stands for major inner reap. The ouchi gari can be broken down into three fundamental principles making it easy to learn. It is considered a very effective throw by both high level judoka’s and BJJ players. The ouchi gari is a great leg hook and trap take down that allows you to get top position on your opponent when you take him to the ground.

Let us watch the video below of Judo Black Belt Matt D’Aquino demonstrating the ouchi. Watch the video first and then we will break down his technique. Check it out!

The basic idea behind the ouchi gari is to take your opponent down by forcing his momentum backwards and reaping his leg. There are a few points you need to know about the ouchi gari. The first is how you enter. There are two ways to enter: one step entry where you step forward with one foot and sweep with your other foot. The other entry is a three step entry: right foot, left foot right foot, taking two steps to set up the sweep, and then one step to get the sweep. The idea behind the three step entry is that it disguises the throw really well, as your opponent will not know which throw he should defend because this type of foot work sets up many different throws. The foot work is very important in this throw. Make sure you pay attention to exactly where Matt D’Aquino is placing his feet when doing the three step set up variation. While he steps in he pulls his opponent’s opposite arm down. Then your leg comes through, taking out your opponent’s leg and taking them to the ground.

So there you have it. A sick ouchi gari from Master Judoka Matt D’Aquino. There are a couple primary things to take away from this one. Remember the importance of foot work and the importance of pull your opponent’s posture down with the sleeve grip. This is an important detail when it comes to breaking his posture and using his own weight to start moving his body off balance. The next time you are training take downs remember the ouchi gari can be a powerful way to get your opponent to the ground while ending in a dominant position.

Judo Champion Jimmy Pedro and Travis Stevens give you an insight into their world of taking people down regardless of rules or style of grappling / MMA. These two great Olympians will guide you through the process of gaining the skills to takedown the toughest opponents in the gym, on the streets or in the cage.

Here is a quick summary of what you will learn in the Takedown Blueprint with Travis Stevens and Jimmy Pedro.

Osoto Gari – Outer Reaping Throw – One of the first throws every grappler needs to know. It is a powerful judo throw to use against an opponent leaning or pulling backwards
Knee Osoto Gari – This one is slick!! We've never seen it before and it's guranteed to catch your BJJ training partners of competitors. This is great for people who like to throw to the opposite side of the traditional osoto gari.
Drop Seoi Nage – The drop seoi nage is a favorite of many BJJ athletes include João. It's surprisingly low risk, and very powerful. The challenge is in the grip.
Ippon Seoi Nage – Very similar to the drop seoi nage, but with the arm. Again, a low risk throw, unless you don't know how to stop your opponent from getting the back. Don't worry Travis will break it down for you.
Tomoe Nage – This is one of the favorites of many guard players. If the throw doesn't work, you'll end up in the guard. But, the insights Travis demonstrates will have your opponents THINK you're pulling guard, but instead you're taking them for the ride of their life.
Tai Otoshi – The tai otoshi is one of the most powerful throws in judo. It suits those with longer legs, but we find it to be one of the most rewarding judo throws due to the sound people make when they hit the mats.
One Handed Tai Otoshi – A Travis Stevens speciality that is a very cool way to do the Tai Otoshi throw, but will catch most jiu jitsu guys sleeping.
Ouchi Gari – Inner reap – The ouchi gari is great for BJJ, No gi grappling and MMA. It is relatively safe, and can produce high rewards. Just be careful not to get scissor swept when you finish.
Sumi Gaeshi – This is a similar "feel" to the Tomoe Nage since it is another sacrafice throw. This is a GREAT counter to leg attacks from wrestlers or aggressive newbs.
Fireman’s Carry – One of the coolest throws in judo / all grappling arts where your opponent is over your shoulders. Their set up for the fireman's carry is beautiful and will definitely put your opponent's ass on the mats.
AND MORE - including how to use Judo against aggressive wrestlers.