How To Do The Uki Otoshi – Floating Drop Judo Throw

The uki otoshi is one of the original 40 throws in judo created by Jigoro Kano. It is currently classified as a throw within Kodokan judo and sub classified as a hand technique (te waza). Since the throw is very technical, a lot of people claim that uki otoshi is a kata throw. This is simply untrue. Whilst uki otoshi is difficult to perfect, it is a legitimate judo throw.

The uki otoshi (also known as floating drop) is a throw which heavily relies on kuzushi. Although every throw in judo relies on kuzushi, if you are stronger, faster or heavier than your opponent, sometimes throws can be “forced” even with poor technique. The uki otoshi is quite different since it requires a full understanding about balance and weight distribution.

Whilst the throw isn’t a typical judo competiiton throw, it is used in all forms of grappling as a counter throw. Uki otoshi is a very difficult throw to master but is one of the first throws to be taught to beginners. This is because it teaches you a lot about timing, movement and how to break the posture of your opponent. Not only this, but it also teaches you how to finish the throw in a controlled manner, rather than just simply following your own bodyweight to the ground.

Entry To Uki Otoshi

The uki otoshi is almost always performed with a standard collar and sleeve grip. Perhaps the most important element of uki otoshi is the footwork. Uki otoshi follows the pattern of your opponents footwork. It should be noted that your feet are meant to slide back and not step back. The purpose of this is to keep your balance and posture as much as possible whilst still being mobile.

It must be remembered that uki otoshi is primarly a counter throw. That’s not to say it’s impossible on it’s own, however it would be extremely difficult. It involves the opponent taking several steps forward towards you. Then you are able to use their weight and momentum to throw them in the same direction.

Osoto Gari Counter

When the opponent pops their grips upwards, they will look to shift their stance and step behind you with their closest leg. As the uki otoshi is a counter throw, you must already know this setup is coming and have your counterattack ready. By pulling your leg backwards, you can get a side on entry into uki otoshi.

At this point, the balance of your opponent will not be perfect since they have already positioned themselves poorly with a failed attempt at osoto gari. From here, you should be able to redirect their weight and momentum straight into a uki otoshi.

Mechanics Of Uki Otoshi

The uke must be pulled upwards with both grips at the same time. Your sleeve grip should be raised to approximately the same height as your collar grip. This movement brings the uke forwards, upwards and most importantly off-balance.

When performing uki otoshi you should always be throwing the opponent towards the arm on which you control the sleeve. Secondly, if you are going to drop your knee when throwing, it must be the opposite side to the sleeve you are controlling.

The easiest way to throw the uke is by moving backwards alligned with their steps. When you can feel the weight of the uke is unevenly distributed in a forwards momentum, you can drop to a single knee. Dropping to a knee is not 100% imperative to complete the throw. It does however allow you to get underneath the opponents centre of gravity. By doing this you make life a lot easier for yourself when completing the throw with your arms. You are not solely relying on the strength of your shoulders to complete the throw and it is more based on kuzushi.

Keeping Your Head Looking Forward

A strange and unnatural mechanic of the uki otoshi is to be looking forward as you finish the throw. This will seem very strange when you first start practicing since you will want to throw all of your upper body into the throw. When you are finishing the throw you should be looking the same way as when you started.

This may seem weird, but will force you to perform the technique correctly, rather than relying on strength and power to throw your opponent.

Uki Otoshi Outside of Judo

Uki otoshi is a legimate throwing option in other grappling sports such as BJJ and sambo. This is because it is a solid counter throw. With that being said, there are other much higher percentage throws and footsweeps when the opponent is moving towards you. Uki otoshi is likely not going to be your “go to” throw in any sport, but is useful in certain situations.

The throw is not too common outside of grappling with no kimono. This is because it’s hard to throw the opponent in such a manner whilst controlling both their arm and posture with no grips. A wrist grip simply does not give the control that a sleeve grip does.

There are some wrestling techniques which involve using an opponents downwards and forwards momentum. However, they are not too similar to uki otoshi. Sports without the kimono involve a lot more explosiveness and are less based on footwork when compared to judo.