Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Yoko-Sutemi-Waza
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Belt Level
- 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu
Soto-Makikomi is an outer wraparound sacrifice throw where tori wraps uke's arm from the outside and falls to the side, using the outer arm wrap (as opposed to the inner wraps of other makikomi throws) to control uke during the sacrifice. The "soto" (outer) refers to the outer position of the wrapping arm relative to uke's body.
Soto-Makikomi — Step by Step
Pull uke to the outside and forward — to the right front corner. The sleeve grip pulls uke's arm forward and creates the opening for the outer arm wrap. Uke's balance shifts to their right front corner.
Step in to uke's side. The outer arm — the arm wrapping from outside uke's sleeve arm — wraps around uke's right arm from the outside, pulling it against tori's body. This outer wrap position distinguishes Soto-Makikomi from other makikomi throws where the wrap is typically inner (between uke's arms).
Execute the side fall with the outer arm maintaining the wrap. The fall pulls uke over and downward via the outer arm wrap. Uke's arm is trapped on the outside and they are thrown to the mat as tori falls.
- 1
Pull uke forward and to the outside
Pull uke's right arm forward and outward with the sleeve grip. Uke's balance shifts to their right front corner.
- 2
Wrap the outside of uke's arm
Your outer arm wraps around the outside of uke's right arm — from the outside rather than reaching under.
- 3
Pull the arm tightly to your body
Draw the wrapped arm tightly against your torso. The outer wrap controls uke's arm from the lateral side.
- 4
Fall to the side
Commit to the side sacrifice fall, maintaining the outer arm wrap throughout.
- 5
Throw uke via the outer wrap
The falling body weight and the outer arm wrap pull uke over. Uke is thrown to the mat.
What Makes It Work
- The outer wrap position requires different entry mechanics from inner makikomi throws. The arm wraps around the outside of uke's arm, not beneath it.
- Body proximity is key — you must be close enough for the outer wrap to create a secure hold.
- The direction of the fall and the outer wrap must align. The fall pulls uke in the direction the outer wrap is applying force.
- As a sacrifice, complete commitment is required. Half-hearted falls do not generate the throw force.
What to Avoid
Confusing with inner makikomi wrap mechanics
In Soto-Makikomi the arm wraps from the outside — the wrapping arm is on the lateral (outer) side of uke's arm. Practice the entry specifically to ingrain the outer wrap.
Loose outer wrap allowing arm escape
Pull the wrapped arm tight against your body. A loose outer wrap slides off easily.
Falling away from uke
The fall must take uke with you. Fall toward uke's falling direction, not away.
No forward kuzushi before the outer wrap
Pull uke forward and off-balance before entering for the wrap. The wrap alone without kuzushi cannot throw an upright uke.
Best Moments to Apply Soto-Makikomi
Soto-Makikomi is used when uke's arm position allows an outer wrap, or as an alternative makikomi variant when inner wraps are defended. It can also be set up from a specific grip exchange where tori's arm is positioned to the outside of uke's sleeve arm.
Variations of Soto-Makikomi
Combination Sequences
Attack these first
Follow up with