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Book Review: The Tao of Gung Fu

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Theme of the month October 2009: Handy hand-throws

Theme of the month returns, with a difference: This October we will focus on a particular area of the syllabus: Hand throws.

In class we will concentrate on the 10 hand-throws in our system, explore some of the principles that they embody, and finding connections to other techniques and especially to self-defence applications.


Hand throw #2: Uki otoshi

Note that while in the Kodokan's gokyo the shoulder and hand throws are considered a single grouping, in the Kawaishi classification the shoulder throws are split off as a separate group, leaving ten hand throws:
  1. Tai otoshi (Body drop): A handy take-down method for self-defence. Adding pain compliance makes it very effective. Note: The version that we do doesn't put the leg across.
  2. Uki otoshi (Floating drop): Almost like a half-sutemi, wherein tori drops to a knee rather than the back or side.
  3. Kuki nage (Minor floating throw): Performed as a combination technique
  4. Hiji otoshi (Elbow drop): Includes an arm-lock
  5. Mochiage otoshi (Lifting drop): A very useful technique for use in groundwork
  6. Sukui nage (Scooping throw)
  7. Sumi otoshi (Corner drop): Another effective self-defence takedown method
  8. Obi otoshi (Belt drop)
  9. Kata ashi dori (Single leg drop)
  10. Ryo ashi dori (Double leg drop): Similar to the double-leg takedown beloved by the BJJ-ers
Most of these throws are challenging to pull off in competition, since most offer limited connection to the partner: Feel and timing become all-important. Switch to self-defence though, add a little pain compliance, and it's a different story.

Practicing the hand throws instills effective body movements which are highly applicable to self-defence.
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