Technique of the month:
Tai Otoshi
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This is my all-time favourite throw. It combines speed, power and timing into one beautiful throw. It is unlike most hip throws in that it does not require you to lift your opponent over your hip. It has the ease of a trip with the amplitude of a full throw.
Description
Tai otoshi is a hand throw that should generate a lot of power with very little contact. It can create one of the hardest falls in judo, yet it relies on timing and kuzushi rather than lifting. The power comes from a fast rotating action that drives uke right into the mat. It is a very common throw, but one which must be studied thoroughly to have any chance of using it successfully on a resisting opponent.
Opportunity:
Usually applied as a forward throw, tai otoshi is easiest when your partner is coming towards you. It is often done in combination with leg throws that get uke into a favorable position.
Basic application:
Tai otoshi is applied by pulling strongly with both hands as you enter with your legs spread. Uke is then rotated around you by continuing the pull on the sleeve while the lapel hand pushes uke over your outstretched leg. With weight properly placed on both legs, you can rotate your body powerfully, and uke cannot recover his or her balance.
Key points:
Emphasize the action of your hands, and do not use your hips to throw.
When you attack, put your weight evenly spread between your legs (or maybe 60 percent and 40 percent) as considerable weight must be on each leg to succeed in the throw.
Train until you can enter quickly in one step so that you can take advantage of a momentary opportunity.
Check out one the greatest Tai Otoshi experts, Lee Won Hee, as he effortlessly throws his competitors for ippon.
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