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Tori: Kevin Reis
Tori's comments: Clearly my favorite technique (at the moment) is Tai Otoshi. The first time I attacked Chuck (a black belt) during self-defense practice, he used it on me (to great effect) about 4 times.
Although the setup/fit-in is a little complicated the power that can be generated from torquing the hips is impressive.
The greatest danger/risk is that the uke will collapse on your knee. So it is of paramount importance to have proper positioning.
Tai Otoshi presents the beginning student with their first practice of kuzushi. The throw works only with good body mechanics — brute strength won’t do it. Once the Tori has fit in and secured his grip on the Uki, the throw is completed with a drop and a twist. If the Tori blocking the Uki with his right leg he drops his weight into a left side lung. At the same time he twists his body as if to touch his left knee with his right shoulder using the left internal oblique and right external oblique.
Two points must be kept in mind for safety. First, The Tori’s feet are
parallel and slightly in front of the Uki’s feet. If the Tori steps
behind the Uki’s leg and jams against it the throw is more likely to
damage the Uki’s knee. This may be good for self-defense but is tough
on practice partners. Second, as Kevin points out above, there is a possibility
the Uki could fall on the Tori’s leg, particularly if the Tori is tentative,
uses poor technique, or the Uki resists. As you twist your torso (right shoulder
to left knee) turn your right foot to have your heel pointing away from you.
This will cause your knee to point towards the ground. If the Uki falls on
your knee the knee will bend as it was designed to do rather than break (which
it was not designed to do).
