Video 41: Drop Osoto
Here’s another tournament-winning judo technique compliments of Ronda Rousey. She won her first-ever world cup with this one right here, folks. It’s the drop osoto and it will serve you well, blossoming judoka.
Here are the main things:
1. Let’s use a one-side (cross) grip.
You should remember this one. Grip the sleeve like you’d normally do, but then grab the lapel from the same side instead of the far side. This is Ronda Rousey’s favorite set-up for the drop osoto.
2. Instead of hopping forward, slide down and drop to a knee.
You don’t have good leverage and if you hop either direction, then you’d be off-balance or can be easily countered. To gain the distance and advantage you need, you’ll have to drop straight down.
3. Elbow bends and slides into opponent’s armpit.
As your knee comes down, the arm you have gripping the lapel needs to bend and slide into the opponent’s armpit. This should all be done at the same time, like the well-oiled judo machine that you have become.
4. Drive foward, then turn and throw.
With everything in its right place and the change in arm position, you’re in prime ippon territory. Drive forward with your body and throw. Remember to twist and push down with the lapel grip while pulling with the sleeve grip and you should finish by pinning the opponent down on the ground.
5. Force all of opponent’s weight onto hooked foot.
Your positioning forces all of the opponent’s weight onto the foot you’re hooking. The judo technique can’t be done if you allow them to have weight on their other foot, because then you’re countered and that’s totally not cool. So, make sure you follow all the steps and be mindful of weight distribution.
6. Drive with legs to complete the throw.
Your leg is going to drive through at the back. Since you’re low and have the opponent already off-balance, the drive of your back leg and the torque of your body should guide them straight down.
Now use your back legs to drive on over to the double sleeve osoto.