This is a physics research project based on the judo movement Tai-otoshi. The purpose of this project is to study judo and understand it through physics. Guided by questions such as, “How does rotation happen during kake?” and, “How does tori’s position help them throw uke?” we were able to model certain judo movements using physics.

 

Judo is a combat sport which originated in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. The idea for judo is mainly to throw the opponent on the ground. A person who practices judo is called a “Judoka”. The goal of judokas is to take the opponent down using judo moves. Judo has been an olympic sport since 1964.  

 

Although each judoka executes each move slightly differently, this project focuses on the basic movements essential to Tai-otoshi.