Martial intent
Throw Uke forward by exploiting their off-balance and using body rotation. The extended leg serves as a low obstacle in front of the ankles to block their progression and create a pivot point.
In short
Tai-otoshi is a fundamental throwing technique (Nage-waza) that means “body drop”.
The idea is to place your right leg extended as an obstacle in front of Uke’s ankles, while turning your body sideways to pull them forward and to the ground.
This technique belongs to Te-waza (hand techniques): it is the rotation of the trunk and the circular pulling action of the arms that generate the throw, not brute force or hip contact.
Tai-otoshi relies on precise timing and rigorous body placement.
Video
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Source: official YouTube channel of the Kodokan Judo Institute
⚠️ This technique should be learned and practised in a club under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The explanations below do not replace supervised judo training.
Steps
- Kuzushi (off-balance) : Break Uke’s balance forward and slightly to the side (front-right corner) by pulling the sleeve and guiding the lapel.
- Tsukuri (entry) : Pivot on the left foot while placing the right foot extended in front of Uke’s ankles, as a low obstacle. Your body remains sideways or oblique to Uke, never turning your back completely (180°).
- Tsukuri (final positioning) : Position your right shoulder at the level of Uke’s sternum, hips low and aligned. Your back does NOT touch Uke’s stomach.
- Kake (throw) : Pull firmly downward and forward while rotating the trunk, throwing Uke over your extended right leg.
- Finalisation : Accompany the fall by continuing the rotation and circular pulling action of the arms until Uke touches the ground.
Key points
- The extended leg does not sweep but serves solely as a block and low obstacle.
- The initial forward off-balance must be established before entering the technique.
- Your body remains sideways or oblique to Uke, never turning your back completely (180°).
- The throw is achieved through trunk rotation and circular pulling action of the arms, not brute force.
- The timing of entry must coincide with the moment when Uke shifts their weight forward.
- Keep the left supporting leg bent to lower the centre of gravity.
- The toes of the extended right foot should point toward the supporting leg to avoid injury.
Recommendations
To maximise the effectiveness of Tai-otoshi, synchronise the placement of your obstacle leg with the pulling action of the arms.
Your right leg must position itself in front of Uke’s ankles exactly at the moment when your arms initiate the circular downward movement.
The left leg remains bent and supports all your weight, while the extended right leg creates a low blocking point.
The key lies in the rotation speed of your trunk and the pulling action of the arms, without turning your back completely to Uke.
Common mistakes
Beginners frequently make the mistake of bending the right obstacle leg or placing it too far back, transforming Tai-otoshi into a clumsy sweeping attempt.
This leg must remain perfectly extended and be placed in front of Uke’s ankles, creating a mechanical block.
By bending this leg, you lose the rigid structure necessary for tipping and compensate with the arms instead of using body rotation.
How to fix them
- Practise placing your right leg completely extended, with the foot on the mat directly in front of Uke’s ankles, while maintaining your weight on your bent left leg.
- Visualise your right leg as a rigid ruler that creates a straight line from your hip to the ground.
- Repeat the movement slowly in uchi-komi: pivot on your left foot approximately 90°, fully extend your right leg forward, and verify that your knee remains locked.
- Once this structure is acquired, progressively add trunk rotation and circular pulling action of the arms.
If you're getting back into judo after a long break, rediscovering your throws takes a progressive approach. Check the guide to returning to judo after 40 to get things back on track.