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Ashi-Waza Advanced Nage-Waza

Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi

小内返

"Ko-Uchi Counter"

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Quick Facts

Category
Nage-Waza
Subcategory
Ashi-Waza
Difficulty
Advanced
Belt Level
2nd kyu, 1st kyu
Overview

Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi is the counter-throw to Ko-Uchi-Gari. When uke hooks inward with Ko-Uchi-Gari against tori's rear heel or ankle, tori steps over or around uke's hooking leg and immediately sweeps uke's supporting (base) leg with O-Soto-Gari or De-Ashi-Barai. The escape step simultaneously defeats uke's hook and positions tori for a counter sweep. Part of the Kodokan Shinmeisho no Waza, it demonstrates how a small commitment (Ko-Uchi-Gari) can still create a full-throw counter opportunity.

Video Demonstrations
小内返 / Ko-uchi-gaeshi — judo technique demonstration
小内返 / Ko-uchi-gaeshi KODOKAN
Kouchi-gaeshi - Demo — judo technique demonstration
Kouchi-gaeshi - Demo Efficient Judo
Judo Básico: Ko Uchi Gaeshi em 4 Direções | Basic Ko Uchi Gaeshi Demonstration (4 Directions) — judo technique demonstration
Judo Básico: Ko Uchi Gaeshi em 4 Direções | Basic Ko Uchi Gaeshi Demonstration (4 Directions) Sensei Jose Eudes Monteiro
How to Execute

Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi — Step by Step

KuzushiOff-balance

Ko-Uchi-Gari is a subtle attack, but when committed, uke's hooking leg is committed inward and their weight shifts over the supporting leg. The counter exploits this moment of single-leg dependence. By stepping over or around the hook, tori removes uke's reaping contact while simultaneously threatening the loaded support leg.

TsukuriEntry

As uke's foot hooks inward against your heel or ankle, lift or step your threatened foot over uke's hooking leg. This escapes the hook and simultaneously moves you to the outside of uke's base. Your weight shifts to your free leg, which now positions to attack uke's support.

KakeExecution

Apply De-Ashi-Barai (sweeping uke's supporting foot laterally as their weight is on it) or O-Soto-Gari (reaping the support leg from behind). The choice depends on position: if uke's support foot is lateral and weight-bearing, De-Ashi-Barai; if you are positioned behind uke's support leg, O-Soto-Gari. Coordinate the sweep with an arm pull.

  1. 1

    Detect uke's Ko-Uchi-Gari hook

    Feel uke's foot driving inward toward your heel or inner ankle. Ko-Uchi-Gari is a smaller, quicker attack than O-Uchi-Gari — the hook is tighter and lower.

  2. 2

    Lift or step the threatened foot over uke's hook

    Raise the targeted foot and step it over uke's hooking leg, escaping the hook before it can load. The step should carry you to the outside of uke's attacking position.

  3. 3

    Identify uke's supporting leg

    As you step over the hook, uke's weight is on their supporting leg. Identify which leg is bearing weight — this is your target.

  4. 4

    Apply De-Ashi-Barai or O-Soto-Gari to the support

    Sweep uke's supporting foot laterally (De-Ashi-Barai) or reap it from behind (O-Soto-Gari). The sweep timing coincides with uke's maximum weight commitment to that leg.

  5. 5

    Coordinate arm control with the sweep

    Pull uke's arms in the direction of the sweep — sleeve grip pulls toward the counter throw. The combined arm pull and leg sweep complete the throw.

Key Principles

What Makes It Work

  • The escape step over uke's hook is the foundation — it simultaneously defeats the Ko-Uchi-Gari and transitions into counter position.
  • Counter sweep mechanics are the same as the primary techniques (De-Ashi-Barai or O-Soto-Gari) — the difference is in the timing and context.
  • Ko-Uchi-Gari is a quick, subtle attack; the counter must match its pace. A slow response misses the committed phase.
  • Uke's supporting leg is always the target in ashi-waza counters — attack the leg bearing weight, not the attacking leg in the air.
  • The step over the hook does not need to be a large movement — a small, sharp lift and step-through is sufficient.
Common Mistakes

What to Avoid

#1 Common Mistake

Stepping away from the hook rather than over it

Step over uke's hooking foot, not away from it. Stepping away simply retreats and removes the counter opportunity.

#2 Common Mistake

Counter too late — uke has already recovered from the hook

The transition from step-over to counter sweep must be immediate. If uke's hook is already withdrawn, the counter timing has passed.

#3 Common Mistake

Targeting uke's hooking leg instead of the support

After stepping over the hook, focus on the supporting leg. The hooking leg is returning to the mat — it is not in the ideal counter sweep position.

#4 Common Mistake

No arm pull — counter sweep alone is insufficient

Pull uke's arms in the direction of the throw. The leg sweep and arm pull must combine to create the topple.

When to Use

Best Moments to Apply Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi

Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi is most effective against opponents who use Ko-Uchi-Gari frequently and with commitment — particularly those who drive the hook deep and load their weight into the attack. It is also applicable when uke uses Ko-Uchi-Gari as a setup to create movement, as the counter can be applied during the commitment phase before they transition. In competition, establishing this counter discourages repeated inner-heel attacks.

Combinations

Combination Sequences

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What technique is most commonly applied as the counter in Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi?
De-Ashi-Barai and O-Soto-Gari are the most common counter techniques. De-Ashi-Barai suits situations where uke's supporting foot is lateral and weight-loaded after the hook. O-Soto-Gari applies when you have stepped around to uke's back and their support leg is accessible from behind.
Is Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi always a counter throw, or can it be used proactively?
Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi is inherently a counter throw — it is defined by the response to Ko-Uchi-Gari. The mechanics of stepping over a hook to attack the support require an incoming hook to react to.
What belt level is Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi?
Ko-Uchi-Gaeshi is part of the Kodokan Shinmeisho no Waza and is typically introduced at 2nd kyu (blue belt) or 1st kyu (brown belt).