The standard Uki Otoshi [in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu] is a really beautiful throw once you learn it. However, getting there can be a very frustrating process. I learned the throw after many hours of frustration and trying to believe that I could do the throw – get both of my feet off the ground straight out to the right side of my uke, snap turn to my left, and execute the throw. Much easier said than done.

In the mid 1970’s three of my junior high brown belt students showed me an easier way to learn the technique. We tried it with a few other students and discovered that the brown belts creativity had made a major breakthrough in helping student easily learn a “difficult” throw.

Learning the throw requires three people — tori, uke, and tori holder.

Please keep in mind that this uki-otoshi has a physical limitation. It works best when used against people who are bigger [taller & heavier] than you are unless you can execute this throw exceptionally well [which some people can]. Conversely if you try to do this on a person smaller [lighter or shorter] than you are you are liable to force them backwards onto the ground with you on top of them.

Thanks to Glenda Perl for being the tori, Byron Davis for being the uke, and Michael Langewisch for the photography.

This uki otoshi can be found on page 78 of Jujitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art – – Expanded Edition, or Technique #8 on video #3 of the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Black Belt Home Study Course.