Sumi Otoshi

Sumi Otoshi
General information
Domain	Tachi-Waza
Classification	Nage-Waza
Sub-Classification	Te-Waza
Kodokan	Yes
IJF Legal	Yes
Grouping	Dai-Gokyo
Related	Uki Otoshi
Complexity	Advanced
Arcs	Spiral Out
Technique name
Rōmaji	Sumi-otoshi
Japanese	隅落
English	Corner drop
Korean	모두 떨어 뜨리기

Sumi Otoshi (隅落), or "Corner Drop," is a Judo technique where tori (the person executing the throw) uses a sweeping motion to throw uke (the person being thrown) to the side by leveraging a combination of arm and body movement. It is classified as a Te-Waza (hand technique), where the throw relies on the use of the arms and body positioning to complete the technique.

Technique Breakdown

1. Tori begins by gripping uke’s sleeve and lapel, initiating kuzushi (off-balancing) by pulling uke forward and slightly to the side.
2. Tori steps to the side and slightly behind uke, positioning their body to prepare for the throw.
3. Tori then sweeps their arm or leg across uke’s leg or lower body while maintaining a firm grip on uke’s upper body.
4. Uke is thrown sideways as tori guides their fall with a sweeping motion of their arm or leg. Uke lands on their side or back while tori remains in a controlled position.

Key Points for Beginners

• Kuzushi is essential. Properly off-balance uke by pulling them forward and to the side before executing the throw. This helps ensure they are in the right position for the sweep.
• Positioning is crucial. Ensure you step to the side and slightly behind uke to effectively use your body and arm in the sweeping motion.
• Use your arms effectively. Sumi Otoshi relies on precise arm movement and positioning to execute the throw without sacrificing your stance.
• Uke should practice safe ukemi (falling technique) to ensure they land correctly and avoid injury. Proper falling techniques will make practice safer and more effective.

Common Mistakes

• Not achieving proper kuzushi. Without effective off-balancing, uke may resist the throw or not fall as expected.
• Incorrect positioning. Ensure you are close to uke and step to the side at the right moment to maximize the effectiveness of the sweep.
• Inadequate sweeping motion. The sweep should be aimed correctly and timed well to ensure uke is thrown effectively.

Application in Training

Sumi Otoshi is an effective technique for practicing the principles of kuzushi, positioning, and hand-based movement. It is often used in Randori (free practice) and can be applied in both training and competition settings. This technique helps judoka understand how to use their arm and body movement to control and throw an opponent efficiently.

References

• Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano
• The Canon of Judo by Kyuzo Mifune
• Judo: Basic Techniques by Michael DeMarco