© 2013 T. Westermann

Rio ashi dori - holding both legs

UKE is in an upright position, with not too wide opened legs. TORI bends forward-right, with the inside of his left leg tightly against the outside of UKE's right leg. TORI's left foot must be behind the base line of UKE's feet significantly. His right foot is in front of the right foot of UKE; TORI now kneels with his right leg on the floor and brings his left side of the head by another bending his upper body to the left side of UKE, approximately at the level of the belt.

At the same time attacks TORI with both hands from behind UKE's knees (Kyusho) and pulls UKE's knee and obliquely upwards, while he strongly pushes with his left shoulder UKE backwards; UKE falls backwards. The refraction of equilibrium (Kuzushi) happens by pressure to the back or by taking advantage of UKE's pulling movement to the rear.

Usage:
This technique can be used effectively if an evasive movement is made downwards or the attacker is in a backward motion. The attacker, however, should be quite petite stature of the body. If the attacker has reached the bottom layer, beware of possible kicks.