How To Do The Ko Uchi Makikomi – The Inner Wraparound

To Ko Uchi Makikomi is a judo throwing technique that has a sub classification as a side sacrifice technique. Whilst the throw doesn’t appear to be a sacrifice technique at first glance, it does require a finish by throwing yourself onto the floor. In addition to this, if you don’t score ippon, you can potentially leave yourself in a very vulnerable position.

Due to the unnatural setup of the throw, a ko uchi makikomi is very difficult to set up as a stand-alone throw against an experienced opponent. However, like all other judo throws, when combined with other techniques, the entry becomes a lot easier.

The throw originally used a hand to block and grab the pants of the opponent, however this has been illegal since 2013. Due to the rule change, it is slightly harder to finish a ko uchi makikomi with the aggressor usually opting to pull the opponent’s elbow inwards instead.

The throw has gained popularity in the dojo in more recent years since it appeared in the movie John Wick.

Ko Uchi Makikomi Setups

Cross Grip Seoi Nage Entry

When entering a seoi nage from a cross collar grip, it is always good to have a variation. The ko uchi makikomi fits in very well with this throw as they both can have the same grip, one is a throw going forwards, whilst the other is a hip throw. This combination is great since the opponent doesn’t know which way to defend.

Another good point about this entry is that it only requires one grip. Whilst you will want to pull in the elbow of the opponent whilst you’re entering the throw, this just makes everything more compact and easier to finish the throw. It is ideal, but not 100% required.

Ouchi Gari Entry

The ko uchi gari entry to ko uchi makikomi is a very simplistic setup and somewhat low percentage. This is because if the opponent is aware of this technique, they will likely take a larger step backward and get out of range.

With that being said, the ko uchi makikomi is set up well from the ko uchi gari entry if the opponent adjusts poorly. If for example you get a good push kick on the opponent’s leg from ko uchi gari, but are unable to finish. This is a good opportunity for a ko uchi makikomi entry. The reason for this is that the opponent will simply dodge your incoming sweep and narrowly get out of the way. They will then plant their foot thinking they are safe.

If the opponent then believes that you are following up with yet another ko uchi gari, they will not be able to withstand the full reap of ko uchi makikomi. They will be expecting to defend a small foot sweep, but instead have a very large and powerful attack launched on their planted leg.

Throw Mechanics

As the cross collar grips are secured, you should punch your fist upwards (as if celebrating). This will force your opponent’s posture upright and create more room for your leg entry. You should always attack the same side leg as your collar grip and use your opposite leg to reap.

When reaping with your leg, you ideally want to be as deep as possible so that more of your weight is going directly through the opponent. Whilst you should try and drive forwards, dropping your weight from a good entry is equally as good and will always be good enough to finish the takedown.

A good point to remember is that you want to take the opponent down to the mat at a slight angle. You do not want to take the opponent directly backward over their heels. Since you are reaping one specific leg, you should drive your opponent backward, but also towards this isolated leg.

Although the technique is classified as a throw, it is mostly a leg reaping technique with only your upper body pushing like a typical judo throw. It should also be noted that the ko uchi makikomi is not a sweep. You are not moving the foot of your opponent and blocking them from standing. This is a large reaping technique that takes full control of the opponent’s leg.

Ko Uchi Makikomi For No Gi

Whilst it is completely possible to perform ko uchi makikomi in a no gi setting without a kimono. There are often much better options, which is why it’s very rarely used.

The setup is somewhat similar, but instead of using the opponent’s gi, you must use their arm to break posture. From an arm drag or wrist control, you must wrap your arm over the top of the opponent’s shoulder whilst maintaining control of their wrist. This is very similar to a kimura grip without connecting your hands.

Once the arm of the opponent is isolated, you are able to enter with the same lower body technique as in the kimono. A large inside reap will take the adversary to the mat.

Limitations Of The Throw Outside Of Judo

The setup for the throw requires full control of a single arm. An opponent who is experienced in grappling will not allow you to do this since they will keep their elbows tucked in tightly to their body. When you start exposing your limbs in judo or any other grappling discipline, you immediately become vulnerable to throws and submissions.

If the arm of the opponent was outside in a submission grappling match, it would almost always be preferable to take a kimura grip. The ko uchi makikomi is a takedown but lands you in a bad position outside of judo rules. A kimura grip is an extremely powerful way to start attacking positions and submissions without the risk of a ko uchi makikomi.

When completing a ko uchi makikomi, if you are stuck with a leg entanglement (which you likely will be). There will be no opportunity to roll away from your opponent. This isn’t a problem with most judo throws as they land you in a dominant position. However, with the ko uchi makikomi you will often pretty much give up a completed back take. In rulesets such as ADCC, this presents your opponent with a great opportunity to choke you and is certainly not worth taking them to the floor for this risk.

Arm On Hip Variation For BJJ & Self Defense (Fernando Terere)

The Terere “safada” throw is a safe version of ko uchi makikomi for both BJJ and self-defense. This is because Terere trained originally trained judo and then adapted his takedown to suit BJJ competitions. By controlling the sleeve and blocking the hips with one arm, Terere makes sure that his back cannot be taken as soon as he hits the floor.

The variation of the throw allows you to land with your hand on the floor, the same side as your own body, instead of being wrapped around the arm of the opponent. Whilst this is still not 100% ideal for BJJ or self-defense, it does give you the option of taking an underhook and advancing position.

If this arm is trapped under the body of the opponent, you will score a takedown and have a good chance of being strangled without this variation.