Inside Trips in Judo: Mastering Kochi and Ouchi Gari
The Shintaro Higashi Show Podcast Recap
Inside trips are a cornerstone of grappling arts, and in this episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and David Kim dive deep into the nuances of kochi (small inside trip) and ouchi gari (big inside trip). Whether you’re a judoka, BJJ practitioner, or wrestler, understanding these techniques can transform your standup game.
Watch the full video here ↓
What Are Inside Trips?
Inside trips involve using your leg to hook or reap your opponent’s leg from the inside, breaking their balance and setting up a throw or takedown. Every grappling art has its version, but judo’s kochi and ouchi gari are the classics.
Kochi Gari (Small Inside Trip): Quick, timing-based, and often used as a setup or feint.
Ouchi Gari (Big Inside Trip): More powerful, “stickier,” and allows for extended control and finishing options.
Key Concepts from the Episode
1. The Real Setup: Beyond Just Grips
Setting up an inside trip is much more than just grabbing and stepping in. It requires:
Grip fighting and hand positioning
Fakes and feints to create openings
Closing the distance without telegraphing your intent
2. Ouchi Gari: The “Sticky” Inside Trip
Ouchi gari allows you to hook and shelf the opponent’s leg high, creating a one-legged battle. If you master this position, you can almost always come out on top. Unlike kochi, ouchi uses bigger muscle groups (glutes and hamstrings), making it harder for your opponent to step out or counter.
3. Kochi Gari: Timing Over Power
Kochi relies on precise timing and is easier for opponents to step over or avoid. It’s a beautiful, technical move but can be difficult to land consistently, especially against experienced opponents.
4. Common Dangers and Counters
Knee Safety: Drop ouchi can be risky for your MCL if done incorrectly or if your foot gets stuck on the mat.
Counter Risk: Beginners often get countered because attacking the inside leg puts you on one leg. Athletic opponents can whip you around or kick your leg out if you’re not careful.
Finishing Mechanics: Learn to adjust your grips and body position to avoid getting countered, and know when to switch directions or transition to another attack.
5. Drilling and Reaction
Effective drilling means giving realistic reactions—think “active NPC” (non-playing character) rather than a passive partner. This helps you develop timing, balance, and the ability to adapt mid-attack.
Practical Tips for Inside Trips
Pair techniques: Always learn inside trips alongside complementary moves (e.g., ouchi with uchimata, kochi with outside trips).
Drill with varied reactions to build adaptability and timing.
Focus on grip fighting and off-balancing before committing to the trip.
Don’t get discouraged by early counters—stick with the position and refine your control.
Why Inside Trips Matter
Mastering inside trips opens up a world of offensive options and makes your judo or BJJ game far more dynamic. Ouchi and kochi work beautifully together, and both can be used to set up other throws or as contingency plans when your first attack fails.
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