How to Do a Judo Uki Otoshi

Uki otoshi, a common move in judo, is also known as the floating drop, since it involves pulling an opponent across your body until he flies through the air horizontally. This drop requires strength and precision to execute correctly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Face your opponent in a grappling position. Place your right hand on your opponent's lapel and your left hand on your opponent's sleeve, around his elbow.

2. Step backward quickly with your left foot while pulling your opponent toward you will all of your strength. The secret to executing this move is speed and surprise, so don't let your body language hint that you are about to employ the uki otoshi.

3. Drop to your left knee while you are pulling. Make this one fluid motion from the backward step you took. However, avoid immediately landing on your knee before you take the step, as doing so may injure you.

4. Use your lowered position as leverage against your opponent. As you pull your opponent quickly, exert your strength toward you and down to neutralize you opponent's defense.

5. Shift your body slightly to the side as you pull your opponent across your body. You don't want to cause a possibly painful collision. Allow your opponent to fly over your left knee on his way to the ground, pulling hard enough to force his entire body to become airborne.

6. Release your grip on your opponent as his body passes yours. If your opponent manages to grip your lapels on his way down, you will go tumbling right after him.

7. Repeat this move until you learn how to execute it fluidly, without any stops or pauses. The most important part of the uki otoshi is to move to the side quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• When defending against an uki otoshi in a judo match, don't stretch your arms out as you hit the mat headfirst. Assume a tuck-and-roll position to avoid spraining your wrists.

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