Obi Otoshi Definition

Obi otoshi, or belt drop throw, uses a belt grip to lift and steer the opponent during the throw. Listed in the Kodokan syllabus as a te-waza (hand technique), it shares many similarities with the scooping throw (sukui nage).

Entry and Grip Establishment

The practitioner initiates with a standard kubikata (collar grip) and grabs the belt with the opposite hand, typically using a palm-up grip for increased lifting power. The belt grip is established quickly during grip fighting, with one hand controlling the lapel and the other securing the belt.

Hip Entry Mechanics

As the practitioner spins around, the movement resembles opening a door, with a hinging action at the hips. The entry involves stepping behind the opponent while maintaining the established grips and maintaining proper hip positioning.

Lifting and Leg Engagement

The belt hand lifts and punches backward as the practitioner scoots behind the opponent's legs. The practitioner grabs the opponent's leg or pant cuff while simultaneously driving with the belt grip to elevate the opponent off balance.

Lower Body Positioning

The practitioner lowers their center of gravity by squatting rather than bending at the waist, maintaining power generation through the legs. This low posture, similar to sitting in a chair, is essential for proper execution and throwing force.

Completion and Follow-Through

As the opponent is lifted, the practitioner drives backward using their body weight while maintaining the belt lift. The throw is finished by rotating into the opponent rather than falling beside them, maximizing impact and control.

OBI OTOSHI The Belt Drop Throw

welcomematstevescott
2 min read·6 key moments·PT5M30S video

Key Takeaways

  • Obi Otoshi Definition
  • Entry and Grip Establishment
  • Hip Entry Mechanics
  • Lifting and Leg Engagement

Obi Otoshi is the Belt Drop and it's not a commonly used throwing technique. It is part of the Kodokan Judo syllabus. Go to www.amazon.com or www.ymaa.com to get Steve Scott's books THE JUDO ADVANTAGE, SAMBO ENCYCLOPEDIA and JUJI GATAME ENCYCLOPEDIA. Join the Steve Scott Training Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1094841137237608/ Our channel was started in 2010 as an extension of our program at Welcome Mat. Welcome Mat was founded in 1969 by Steve Scott in Kansas City, Missouri, USA and has produced thousands of successful students, athletes and coaches in a variety of grappling sports. View over a thousand videos on the subjects of judo, freestyle judo, Shingitai Jujitsu, sambo, submission grappling and sport jujitsu are on our YouTube channel. Browse through our playlists to see what we have on our channel. If a video is listed as "private" is it because that video is still in development or scheduled for later viewing. Comments are moderated. Please keep your comments on topic and think before posting them. Comments containing profanity, racial, religious or sexual slurs and comments that are insulting will not be permitted and those posting such comments will be blocked from the channel. Criticism is okay but trolling isn't. You can subscribe for free to our channel at http://youtube.com/user/welcomematstevescott. We strive to provide fundamentally sound and technically innovative skills and information on a variety of grappling sports. We appreciate your support! Please tell others about our channel. You can help support our channel by going to our online store and purchasing items. Go to http://www.WelcomeMatStore.com. We have a variety of books, shirts and other items for sale. Music for the Freestyle Judo show provided by YouTube Copyright Free Audio featuring "Fiend" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks and "All This Down Time" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks. Visit our club web site at http://www.WelcomeMatJudoClub.com. For information on the Judo Black Belt Association, go to http://www.judoblackbelt.com. Thank you for watching our video. Please tell others about our channel. Our videos are all original material and are copyrighted. Reproduction or showing these videos without the specific permission of Steve Scott is prohibited. #ObiOtoshi #TeWaza #welcomematstevescott

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about obi otoshi?

This video covers obi otoshi definition, entry and grip establishment, hip entry mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.

How long does it take to learn obi otoshi?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing obi otoshi?

The practitioner lowers their center of gravity by squatting rather than bending at the waist, maintaining power generation through the legs. This low posture, similar to sitting in a chair, is essential for proper execution and throwing force.