Uki-waza, Yoko-otoshi, Tani-otoshi: Comparing 3 Judo Throws

Comparison of Uki-waza, Yoko-otoshi, and Tani-otoshi

Sutemi-waza, or sacrifice techniques, are an essential part of Judo, requiring Tori to give up balance to throw Uke effectively. These techniques can be categorized into rear and side sacrifices, each offering unique advantages. I have compared Sutemi-waza before, but I have realised that I gave no description of their execution. Below you will be able to see the comparison of execution for Uki-waza, Yoko-otoshi, and Tani-otoshi in both the description and video.

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Uki-waza (浮技) - Floating Technique

• Category: Ma-sutemi-waza (rear sacrifice technique)
• Mechanics: Tori pulls Uke forward while dropping onto their back, often with a twisting motion to off-balance Uke.
• Execution: Uke is pulled forward and over Tori’s body as Tori sacrifices balance backward.
• Key Difference: Unlike Yoko-otoshi and Tani-otoshi, Uki-waza relies more on forward motion and a floating sensation rather than a direct block.

Yoko-otoshi (横落) - Side Drop

• Category: Yoko-sutemi-waza (side sacrifice technique)
• Mechanics: Tori drops sideways while pulling Uke into the fall, using momentum rather than a blocking leg.
• Execution: Tori falls directly to their side, pulling Uke straight down. The drop creates a void that causes Uke to collapse into the space.
• Key Difference: Yoko-otoshi does not use a blocking leg, unlike Tani-otoshi. It relies entirely on pulling force and body position to execute the throw.

Tani-otoshi (谷落) - Valley Drop

• Category: Yoko-sutemi-waza (side sacrifice technique)
• Mechanics: Tori steps behind Uke’s leg and sacrifices balance backward, forcing Uke to fall into the "valley."
• Execution: Tori blocks one of Uke’s legs while pulling them backward, using gravity and leverage rather than pulling momentum alone.
• Key Difference: Tani-otoshi uses a blocking leg to disrupt Uke’s balance, while Yoko-otoshi does not.

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Summary of Differences

Technique	Category	Direction of Throw	Key Mechanic
Uki-waza	Ma-sutemi-waza	Forward	Tori drops backward, pulling Uke over them
Yoko-otoshi	Yoko-sutemi-waza	Side	Tori drops sideways without using a leg block
Tani-otoshi	Yoko-sutemi-waza	Backward	Tori steps behind Uke’s leg and pulls them backward

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard
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