Ko Soto Gake – Minor Outer Hook

Ko soto Gake, sometimes known as “minor outer hook”, the English translation, is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the third group, Sankyo, of the traditional throwing list, Gokyo, of Kodokan Judo. It is also part of the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo.

Ko Soto Gake – Minor Outer Hook in action

Ko Soto Gake KUZUSHI

From a right natural stance (migi shizentai) retreat with your right foot and draw Uke forward by the action of both your hands. Make sure Uke advances first on his left foot, then, more deeply on his right foot by pulling a little stronger with your left hand on Uke’s sleeve.

Now, with your right hand, which has been pulling Uke’s left lapel, push up towards your own left front corner (hidari mae sumi) and with your left hand on his sleeve, push Uke back a little and downwards strongly – thus breaking his balance to his right rear corner (migi ushiro sumi).

TSUKURI

When his balance is broken and his body is held pinned over his outer right heel, step with your left foot toward your left front corner (hidari mae sumi) with your right foot following immediately. Place the ball of your left foot on the outer ankle and heel of his right foot.

SPECIAL NOTE: This was originally a modification of Ko Soto Gari but is now classified as an independent technique.

KAKE

Hook with the ball of your left foot – as if to lift Uke up in the air by it. Your right toes should contact his heel while the rest of your sole wraps around to the front of Uke’s foot. (This is different from Ko Soto Gari, in which you attack from the rear of his foot. In this technique you attack from the outer side.)

At the same time, both of your hands should work to stretch Uke out and down to his rear with your right hand driving to the mat and your left moving to your left hip. The change in direction of your left hand from driving down to pulling toward your left hip should take place as you hook Uke’s foot. Uke should fall to his migi ushiro sumi.