How To Perform Yoko Otoshi – Side Drop Sacrifice Throw

The Yoko Otoshi is one of the original 40 throws created by Kano Jigoro. Yoko otoshi roughly translates to English as “side drop”. The technique is classified as a nage-waza and sub classified as a side sacrifice throw (sutemi waza).

Although the yoko otoshi is a stand alone throw in its own right, due to its similarity to other sacrifice techniques, it is often confused with other throws such as uki waza. The name “side drop” is what distinguishes it from other similar throws. When performing the technique you are to drop sideways onto your opponent and throw them in this same direction.

Whilst the throw originates from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, it has since become a staple in both judo and sambo tournaments.

Entry To Yoko Otoshi

Yoko otoshi can be performed from a variety of grips, however, it is perfectly fine to set the throw up using a standard collar and sleeve grip. The benefit of using this standard grip is that because so many different throws use this grip, it is very difficult for the opponent to immediately telegraph what you’re going to do next.

From these standard grips, you next just need to make sure you are side on to your opponent’s body. This is done by stepping outwards to the side where you control the sleeve of the uke, followed by extending your far leg to the ground.

2 on 1 Sleeve Variation

Another setup is to get a cross grip on the sleeve of your opponent. With your free arm, you should circle around to the back of the opponent and grab their kimono or belt. In this position, you have full control of your opponent’s arm and should tuck in tightly to their chest with your head. In addition to this, you should close your elbows into your body.

This close contact forces the opponent to be connected to your center of gravity, which will soon be dropped to the floor.

Throw Mechanics

The fundamental idea of the yoko otoshi is to block a single arm of your opponent and throw them to this blocked side. You achieve this with your own bodyweight, performing a side sacrifice technique. The closer you are to your opponent’s center of gravity, the easier it is going to be to throw them. Not only this, but if you have already snapped your opponent off balance, this is going to make the throw a lot easier with the added momentum.

Your first step should align your inside foot with the outside foot of your uke. From here your outside leg should be planted outside your opponent’s body and be instantly dropped to the floor in a straight line. The outer leg is not really used to trip the opponent but can be used to block their legs. It is not a good idea to kick at the opponent or try to sweep their legs. The idea behind making this movement with your outside leg is to instantly drop your weight to the floor.

At the same time as your leg movement, you should be bringing the sleeve and collar of the opponent upwards and over to the side you want to throw them. Your momentum should carry your opponent to the mat.

It is a good idea to keep the grips on your opponents kimono and come up to the top position. If you don’t score ippon, then it is a good idea to try and submit your opponent from a dominant position rather than reset the fight standing again.

Yoko Otoshi vs Uki Waza – What’s the difference?

Firstly, it is a common mistake, or at least confusion to get these throws mixed up. Especially when tani-otoshi is thrown into the mix, all 3 throws look very similar to one another.

Yoko otoshi, Tani otoshi, and uki waza are all fundamentally the same throw. The key difference is in which way you will distribute your weight to throw the uke. If you have one technique learned, there is no doubt you can quickly learn the other two throws. With that being said, it is crucial to know in which direction you are able to throw an opponent. It’s no use having a perfect yoko otoshi if the opponent is overdistributing their weight to defend it. You must be able to switch between the three throws to capitalize on the opponent’s weight distribution.

Key Differences

Whilst you may have to be a judo snob to argue about uki waza or yoko otoshi when the throw is performed ambiguously at high speed. There are a few key differences between the two throws.

Yoko Otoshi:

• When moving left to right. If the uke is moving to your right, you slide out towards his advancing right and throw him in this direction.

• The uke is always thrown to the same side that they were going. You are using their momentum to unbalance them and throw them in the same direction.

Uki Waza:

• When the uke is moving forwards to you in a linear motion (example walking forwards in a straight line). You are to fall almost straight backward and extend your own leg. Whilst the uke is not thrown directly over your head. The end result is much more of a north to south position when compared with yoko otoshi.

• The uke is thrown backward in almost exactly the same direction they were going. Imagine a north to south on a compass.