* Summary:
This is a basic Ashi waza (Foot / leg techniques) which requires clean and decisive movement in order to topple the opponent.

* Features of this Waza:
The Kouchi-gari (Small inner reap) consists of reaping the opponent's heel in a scooping motion, in order to topple him.

* Waza details:
This Waza can also be applied while either advancing toward, or retreating from, the opponent. When applied from an advancing posture, Tori (Player executing technique) destabilizes Tori (Player executing technique) upper body by using his Tsurite (Lifting hand) to push Tori (Player executing technique) jaw upward while at the same time wringing Tori (Player executing technique) sleeve with his Hiki-te (Pulling hand), keeping his elbow close to his side.

Tori (Player executing technique) then quickly reaps Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) leg. When performed from a retreating posture, this Waza must be executed at the precise moment that Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) advances.

While wringing his Tsurite (Lifting hand) and Hiki-te (Pulling hand) grips, Tori (Player executing technique) pulls Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) forward to destabilize him, then, as Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) steps forward, Tori (Player executing technique) reaps Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) advanced leg in a scooping motion at the precise moment that the foot touches the floor.

A variation of this Waza is the Sutemi-kouchi (Sacrifice small inner reap) which is often used effectively by women and other small-statured combatants.

In this variation, Tori (Player executing technique) turns his back to Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack), and when contact with Tori (Player executing technique) body is made, Tori (Player executing technique) wraps his reaping leg around Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) foot and then pushes him down.

Because this variation entails the sacrifice of one's own posture, it does not offer an easy transition to another Waza, but it often wins more points than the basic Kouchi-gari (Small inner reap).

* Waza usage tip:
The leg reap is more easily performed by engaging the opponent's heel with the arch of the foot, and reaping the foot in the direction of its toes.