Uki Waza – Kōdōkan Jūdō

Uki Waza, or "floating technique," is a Jūdō sacrifice throw in which Tori breaks Uke's balance forward and slightly to a front corner, then drops diagonally to the mat while maintaining strong sleeve and lapel control. As Tori lowers their body, they place their leg lightly across Uke’s path — typically at the upper thigh or hip level — without blocking rigidly, allowing Uke’s momentum to continue forward. The upper body pulls in one direction while the body drop creates a pivoting axis, causing Uke to “float” past and rotate over Tori’s side. The technique relies on precise kuzushi, timing, and redirection rather than force, using Uke’s forward movement and the diagonal drop to complete the throw.