Colin Oates’s bear-hug Kosoto gari is used against left handed opponents that come out in a right stance. In this situation an opponent would normally be looking to win the grip-fight, taking a high left handed grip, before switching to their preferred left stance.
So the response from Oates is to pull them through using their sleeve and force them into an extreme right stance. He does this using a right handed cross grip, with his left arm coming around the back.
This puts the partner in an uncomfortable position as they are unable to do any of their left handed throws. As a result they resist and pull back.
The entry for the Kosoto gari must be at the same time the partner steps back… It should be a big step… and it should be deep.
The momentum, of course, is being generated by the partner pulling back.
As Oates steps in to attack he switches his right hand from the sleeve to an underhook grip.
When going in tight on the upper body, there is a risk of being countered with Kosoto gari, which is why it’s important to step in as deep as possible.
He says that his partner’s reaction influences what he does with his attacking left leg; but generally he will stamp the foot down on the mat, aiming to catch the partner’s knee as he throws.
And so here it is then when it all comes together.
An explosive way to capitalise on your opponent trying to enact their gripping sequence.
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