Tai Otoshi with Travis Stevens for BJJ
Travis Stevens shows a one-handed version of tai otoshi, judo's body drop throw.
Travis Stevens shows a one-handed version of tai otoshi, judo's body drop, adapted for the grip you get in Jiu Jitsu. It runs on the same mechanics as the standard throw, except you control your opponent with a single grip on the gi, which makes it a clean option when you only have one good grip in.
Watch it: Travis Stevens' tai otoshi.
Setting the grips
Your opponent grabs your collar with their same-side hand. You answer with a single grip behind their elbow, taking the gi just above the joint. That one grip is your only hold on the gi, and it is all the control you need. Expect them in an aggressive, forward stance, lead foot planted, closer to wrestling than a passive judo posture.
Breaking the balance
Lift that gripping arm up and open their arm away from their body, drawing a small circle with it. Raising the arm floats their weight forward and sets the off-balance before your feet move. Keep their arm traveling away from you, never dragged in tight to your chest.
The entry
Back-step and turn in. Here the one-handed version differs from the standard tai otoshi: instead of blocking across their shin from the outside, your back foot lands in the center of their stance, between their feet. As you back-step, your free hand swings across and your pinky catches in the pocket of their elbow while your foot catches their ankle. You settle at about a forty-five degree angle to their leg.
The finish
Drop your weight and pull everything down toward your lead knee while you extend your legs for elevation. Turn and drop in one motion and they go over the top. Drill it slowly first, then run it at speed: open the arm, back-step, catch the ankle, and bring it all down toward that knee.
The mistake to avoid
Almost every error here is in the arms. Most people pick up the footwork fast because it is a short, compact motion. The trouble starts when they bring the throwing arm in close to the body, because from there you cannot bring your opponent around. Keep their arm extended away from you so you can carry it out and through, the same as a regular tai otoshi.
See you on the mats.