Video 23: Hooking Osoto - RondaRousey.com

Aug 23 2018 Rowdy Staff

Ronda Rousey knows situations aren’t always going to be perfect. Sometimes, judo doesn’t give you neat lines and angles in order to perform sweeps and throws. This hopping and hooking osoto is for when the judo student finds themselves at a less-than-desirable position.

(Hey, It’s been a long journey since learning the original osoto, you might want to review that Ronda clip.)

Here are the main things:

1. This technique is for opposite-sided opponents.

So, the opponent is standing the opposite way and the leg you want to sweep is too far. Have no fear, Rousey is here! You’re going to need more than just a ballerina step to get in on this judo technique.

2. Pull sleeve while driving lapel back.

Pull the elbow gripped-sleeve into you like the makikomi we just learned. Remember the technique where “Rowdy” Ronda pulled the lapel over the arm to trap it? This time instead of pulling it over, drive that lapel back with your other arm. This is how you’re going to get the advantage in a disadvantageous position.

3. Keep some distance to break opponent’s balance and posture.

This is probably the most strategic judo technique that Rousey has taught you so far. Due to the positioning, you can’t be all up in your opponent’s face. Keep your distance, stay low, and use the previous step to win the balance and leverage battle by breaking your opponent’s posture. Now, we’re ready to attack!

4. Reach across with lead leg to hook far knee.

While you’re stepping in and executing steps two and three at the same time, reach across with your leg and hook it behind the crook of your opponent’s knee. Don’t throw yet. You’re not stable yet and aren’t in prime throwing position. Patience, grasshopper.

5. Hop in to close distance and make contact.

This is where you make up that distance. Hop into the opponent to continue to wrap that leg around your opponent’s and start pulling in. Don’t push until you pull.

6. On throw: Left shoulder down, left leg up.

Move at the same time. When your left shoulder drives down, torque that left leg up to make that pretty throw. Remember, two body parts are stronger than just one.

7. As you hop and close the distance, slide your heel from knee to calf.

It’s sneaky so you may not realize it, but during the hop is when the heel slides down from the back of the opponent’s knee down to the calf. That helps sweep your opponent clear off their feet.

Grip, hook, hop and pull in at the same time and throw. Boom.

Congratulations! That was probably the most difficult judo throw so far in Ronda Rousey’s judo time. Let’s graduate to some foot sweep combinations.