Tai Otoshi

Tai Otoshi or Body Drop. A forward facing dropping throw.
Key points:
  • Turn your foot as you step in to avoid twisting your knee
  • Keep lapel (Eri) grip side elbow tucked in
  • Keep grips and body contact tight
  • Jump so both of your feet are on the outside
  • Keep your back straight, bending your knees
  • Push up on lapel grip and pull trough on the sleeve grip
'Body drop' refers to your body dropping.  In conjunction with your legs blocking your Uke's legs and the pistoning action of your grips, this is enough to tip your Uke over your leg. This throw should be used when your Uke's weight is coming towards you.  Many student's inadvertently make this into a hip throw but as your weight is travelling downwards instead of upwards, this is not the case and your Uke should drop over your leg.  Traditionally this throw is done with the blocking leg held out straight however we bend both knees for safety, which is just as effective.  We also jump out with both feet instead of stepping out with one as this makes the dropping action more sudden.