Judo technique
Tani-otoshi
Learn the valley drop as a close backward action with an unweighted leg.
Understand the technique
is a valley drop used as an attack or response. stays close, places an unweighted leg behind both of legs, and directs uke backward while turning toward them through the fall.
How it works
Turn close beside uke
Step diagonally beside uke and pivot to face the same close line. Bring the hip and torso toward uke so the backward direction comes from body connection rather than an arm pull from far away.
Extend without loading the leg
Swing the far leg behind both of uke's legs and keep the foot free of body weight. Direct uke backward and turn the throwing shoulder toward them during the fall to preserve control.
Common mistakes
Falling onto the knee line
Loading the extended leg or sitting into uke's knee changes the safe barrier into dangerous pressure. Keep the leg long and unweighted behind both legs, with the body connected above it.
First learning focus
First find the close backward line while the long leg remains unweighted. Then practice turning toward uke throughout the controlled fall.