Drop Tai Otoshi / Korean Tai Otoshi

The drop-knee Tai Otoshi is a dynamic variation of Judō’s classic Tai Otoshi, executed as a hand technique (te-waza) with a lower center of gravity to maximize speed, leverage, and rotational power. The thrower generally uses a standard sleeve and lapel grip (or occasionally a cross grip for tighter control) and begins by breaking the opponent’s balance forward and slightly to the side, often using subtle up-and-down shakes of the sleeve and lapel to provoke a reaction. At the moment of commitment, the thrower drops one knee to the mat while spinning the torso, placing a fully extended leg across the opponent’s path. The upper body is pulled forward and rotated over the leg, with the sleeve hand continuing the pull-through to guide the opponent onto their back. Success depends on full commitment, light footwork, loose arms, and synchronized timing between the drop and rotational drive, ensuring that the combination of speed, leverage, and continuous pull generates maximum control and impact.