Obi-otoshi
帯落おびおとし
- Te-waza
Key idea
The defining action controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward.
Kodokan official demonstration
Kodokan technique list (opens in a new tab)YouTube (opens in a new tab)
VISUAL GUIDE
How to read the movement
The central principle of Obi-otoshi is the coordinated action that controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward.
- Tori
- the person applying the technique
- Uke
- the person receiving the technique
- Red line
- main direction or point of contact
AT A GLANCE
Classification representative
IN SEQUENCE
Three basic phases
- 1Create usable imbalance
- 2Enter and stay connected
- 3Complete the defining action
Original AI-generated educational illustration for TokyoWaltz, 2026. A simplified three-stage concept; practise under qualified instruction.
PLAY WHEN NEEDED
Watch the basic movement slowly
- 1Starting pointCreate usable imbalance
- 2Decisive actionEnter and stay connected
- 3CompletionComplete the defining action
1 / 3Starting point— Create usable imbalance
Follow the red line and phase indicator. The guide does not autoplay or loop.
How it works
The central principle of Obi-otoshi is the coordinated action that controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward.
Kuzushi
Create usable imbalance
Create the imbalance described by the official definition and continue it into the entry. Uke should not be able to recover stable support before the decisive action.
Tsukuri
Enter and stay connected
Enter with stable posture and continuous control. Use the official demonstration to check the required position, contact line, and direction.
Kake
Complete the defining action
Complete the defining action described in the official definition and shown in the demonstration. Maintain control through uke’s fall.
Key points
- To identify Obi-otoshi, watch for the moment the hand-led control becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward.
- When reviewing Obi-otoshi, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Obi-tori-gaeshi | 帯取返 | Obi-tori-gaeshi uses an over-the-shoulder belt grip and support at the arm or leg to lift uke over the shoulder; Obi-otoshi controls the front of the belt and hip from behind,. |
| Uki-otoshi | 浮落 | Uki-otoshi uses hand control and a sharp forward-corner pull to send uke down without loading the body onto the hip; Obi-otoshi controls the front of the belt and hip from behind,. |
| Sumi-otoshi | 隅落 | Sumi-otoshi takes uke toward a rear corner through hand-driven balance breaking and a well-placed step outside the foot; Obi-otoshi controls the front of the belt and hip from behind,. |
Reference
Open the detailed source material when you need definitions, technical distinctions, training context, or references.
Official definition
What this technique is
Within the Kodokan list, Obi-otoshi belongs to hand techniques. Its name is attached to the action that controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Obi-otoshi demonstration is therefore the best starting point for recognizing the technique before comparing variations in timing, grip or stance.
Core principle
The central principle of Obi-otoshi is the coordinated action that controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Obi-otoshi demonstration before the decisive action and check what support remains, where contact is maintained and whether tori is lifting, reaping, blocking, rotating, wrapping or applying controlled pressure.
Detailed execution
Key recognition points
- To identify Obi-otoshi, watch for the moment the hand-led control becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward.
- When reviewing Obi-otoshi, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Obi-otoshi is the hand-led control: controls the front of the belt and hip from behind, then lifts while directing uke backward. Compare that action with neighbouring names in the same Kodokan category. If the contact point, control route or sacrifice direction changes, the result may belong under a different official name even when the landing position looks similar.
Training and safety
Training and safety
Practise entries, controlled finishes, and ukemi under a qualified Judo instructor. Competition rules and permitted applications can vary, so confirm the current ruleset before competitive use.