One of my favorite throws to practice is Tai Otoshi. There are many ways to do this technique when it comes to variations. The Kodokan classifies Tai Otoshi, meaning body drop, as a hand throw. I always understood from the beginning that my hands create most of the off-balance, structure and execution of the technique when practicing with a training partner; however, it wasn’t until last year that I asked, “Where is the body drop?” My Sensei Gustavo “Gerifalte” Sanchez told me to watch his body at the very end of the technique. It was at that moment I understood where the meaning and naming came from as I saw him almost bowing forward to drop his body.
Tai Otoshi is not an easy technique to perform without timing and experience. To see this throw completed without a series of techniques to setup it up takes a lot of skill. It is very common to see Tai Otoshi countered with your training partner stepping over the extended leg. This often leads to a counter throw such as ko osoto gake. The opponent’s ability to step over your leg isn’t an issue of being faster or setting up the throw better with one or two minor techniques, it is a better understanding of your hands. More specifically, if Tai Otoshi is indeed a hand throw, you need to focus on better leverage usage of your hands, how they are moving and when to perform the final actions to complete the technique.
There are, as mentioned, many variations in how to do Tai Otoshi. You might find one or two different instructors that you like to model your Tai Otoshi after. Do you like a low stance with your extended leg like the Russian competitors, do you like to distribution your legs evenly, do you like a bent leg vs. a straight leg or do you like a shorter stance? All of this can be variations of Tai Otoshi until you find your way and answer the question, “How can I stop the opponent from stepping over my leg?”… Again…look at what your hands are doing.
Dr. Sachio Ashida (1924 – 2009), Judo 9th Dan Red Belt, has an amazing approach to offer you in answering the question about preventing the step over the leg counter to your Tai Otoshi. He used a methodology similar to Tsuri komi goshi in regards to his hand and arm pressure taking the weight-distribution of your training partner outward and UP for Tai Otoshi. It after all is a forward throw to the front corner. In the video, below Dr. Sachio Ashida demonstrates the proper Kuzushi which is indeed the weak point of your opponent’s balance. I refer to this as continued-Kuzushi. Take a look:
From here and this understanding, there is much practice to be done. Tai Otoshi is a difficult technique to master. It is the first technique I use for Nage Komi where are get 10 throws with my training partner before he or she throws me 10 times. The next technique that I use in practicing Nage Komi is Tsuri komi goshi because of the basic arm positioning, lifting and structure of my hands. To me, Tsuri komi goshi is a foundational technique in Judo because it builds so many options for other types of throws. Tsuri komi goshi practice in Uchi Komi develop the legs and upper torso as well. Maybe that is an article for a different day because we have been exploring the body drop technique. And with that, we must first lift your opponent to take him to the tatame.
To The Reader
The author will be most happy to receive your comments, including criticisms and suggestions. Noteworthy comments may be included in future editions or books on this series.
For more information about Dr. Sachio Ashida, visit www.judokaiorlando.wixsite.com.
For more information about Tony Pacenski’s books and instructional in Martial Arts, visit:
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www.gunjiuniversity.com – Military Arresting Technique – Books, Instructionals, and Certifications.
– Prof. “little” Tony Pacenski
Yokota Air Base – Tokyo Japan
www.tonypacenski.com
