Chapter 5
Throwing and Scoring Techniques
Forward Trip Throw
This technique in Judo is referred to as Taitoshi. The throwing
action (also known as the Body Drop Throw in Judo) can be
combined
very effectively with the Ankle Sweep described previously. Even
if an opponent successfully avoids your attempted ankle throw by
bending his left leg or withdrawing his left ankle out of harm's
way, in both cases it will be necessary for him to support his
body
weight momentarily on his right leg, which in turn weakens his
balance.
When your opponent evades your right foot, continue the sweeping
action of your right foot. Pivot on the ball of your left foot
in
a leftward circular direction until you face the same direction
as
your opponent. On the completion of this turn, bend your left
leg
and place your left foot, with the foot pointing outwards, in
front
of and outside your opponent's left foot.
While making these movements with your legs change the pulling
motion of your hands in such a way that instead of tilting his
upper body over his left leg, you tilt it forward. This is
achieved by pulling his right arm across your chest with your
left
hand, and pushing upwards and forwards with your right hand which
is gripping his left jacket lapel. Straighten your right leg,
and
by placing the sole of your right foot on the mat just outside
his
right foot, lodge the back of your right calf in front of his
right
ankle joint.
Keep the outside edge of your right foot clear of the mat to
ensure
that your right knee is turned slightly downwards, and that most
of
your body weight is supported by your left leg (Figure 1). Pull
at
your opponent's right sleeve with your left hand and push at his
left lapel with your right hand until he falls over your
outstretched right leg. Glide him to the mat on to his back
while
retaining your grip on his right sleeve with your left hand
(Figure
2).
Trip Throw Set-up
It is important during this throwing action for you to keep your
left leg well bent, in order that your hips are well below the
hips
of your opponent. You should on no account bend forward too much
from the waist.
Trip Throw Completion
Another essential point of the move is that the only contact you
have with your opponent is made with your hands and lower right
leg. If you allow him to push against your right buttock with
his
right thigh, he may succeed in regaining his balance and counter
the throw. A very quick-witted opponent may also try to stop
this
throwing action by bending his right leg in an effort to
stabilize
his balance, when you try to lodge your right calf against his
right ankle. However, if you make sure that your right knee is
always turned slightly downwards you will still be able to
complete
the throwing action.
There is also the possibility that an opponent will combat this
measure by pressing his right knee against the back of your knee.
If such an instance arises, bend your right leg, giving way to
his
pressure, and then straighten both of your legs. This
spring-like
action with your legs will allow you to easily throw an opponent
who is countering. Should the opponent manage to bring his left
leg forward before you have completed the throwing action, it
will
not affect the result provided you continue to tilt his upper
body
forward.