Uki otoshi (Floating drop)

Summary

This Te waza (Hand techniques) is applied at the moment in which the opponent shifts his weight.

Features of this Waza

The Uki-otoshi (Floating drop) Waza is used to pull an opponent and throw him down the moment in moves forward.

Waza details

First, Tori (Player executing technique) induces Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) to take a step back, then, in the moment when Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) brings the retracted foot forward again, Tori (Player executing technique) pulls him strongly forward to destabilize him.
At this point, Tori (Player executing technique) may either bend one knee, or lower himself into a posture with one knee on the floor while destabilizing Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) in the forward direction.
If the kneeling posture is used when destabilizing Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack), it is critical that Tori (Player executing technique) maintain a proper posture. The Waza will not be effective if his hips are lowered to the height of his heel.
Although this is a Te waza (Hand techniques), it is important to understand that destabilizing the opponent depends both on the hand technique and the body motion.

  • It is important to first force the opponent back in order to induce him to bring his foot forward.
  • From a Grappling stance, Tori (Player executing technique) can grasp the side Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) collar in order to effectively apply a force which pulls Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) forward and down to the floor.
  • Even weaker combatants can use this Waza effectively by pulling Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) with both hands while maintaining a well-balanced posture, and then throwing Uke (Player receiving opponent’s attack) in the direction in which he is destabilized.