Isao Okano's Osoto-Gari

**Just Guess** · Posted On: 5/06/2009 3:30pm

YouTube - Judo: Isao Okano O Soto Gari

A very interesting video of this throw performed by one of the best competitors there ever was. The most obvious difference between Okano's version and the regular version is how he steps in. The footwork is very similar to what is used for harai-goshi. In addition the initial hand movement is to pull the uke in, instead of to push the uke to his back corner. It actually looks like a heavily modified hari-goshi at first.

I see two advantages to this version. The first is that you go directly in, instead of having to maneuver to the uke's side. The second is that by pulling uke in first, then pushing back on the follow through you can achieve very good kuzushi.

**Mtripp** · Posted On: 5/06/2009 3:46pm

Keep in mind he could throw the harai as well. The entry was exactly the same. Uke's reaction to the entry would result in either throw being applied.