Obi Otoshi – Hand Technique (Te Waza)
By Neil Ohlenkamp
Obi Otoshi
Obi otoshi is very similar to sukuinage (scooping throw) in the foot position and the direction of the throw. The difference is in the hand position. One hand grabs the front of the belt in obi otoshi, instead of both hands grabbing the legs of uke. Because grabbing the belt is restricted under competition rules and grabbing the front of the belt gives away your intentions, there are seldom opportunities to apply this throw.
Opportunity:
Obi otoshi is a throw to the rear, so it may be tried when uke is pulling you or retreating, particularly if your opponent has one foot well in front of the other. You will need to be close to succeed with an effective throw and uke should be upright so you can grab the belt easily.
Basic application:
One hand grabs the front of the belt and pulls uke’s waist forward while you step deeply behind uke’s legs with your opposite foot. Your other hand goes in front of uke, either across the chest, grabbing the far arm, or grabbing the upper thigh of the far leg similar to sukuinage. At this point, uke should not be able to retreat because your leg blocks him, and you are controlling his upper body tightly to prevent him from turning. Once you have your opponent’s posture broken by pulling his waist with the belt while simultaneously pushing his upper body back, it is easy to complete the throw by rotating him over your leg and side.
Key points:
– Pull strongly on the belt to break your opponent’s posture and force uke to lean backwards.
– Take advantage of the opportunity by entering quickly and pushing uke’s upper body further back.
– Straighten your legs, pushing your hips forward, and scoop out his lower body as you rotate uke over your leg.