Karate Essence ‘Reality Check’: Throws and Takedowns
Karate Essence
‘Reality Check’
Throws and Takedowns
This month’s ‘Reality Check’: ‘Throws and Takedowns’ are a group of techniques categorised as performing the same, or similar function, in that they render the adversary, vigorously, to the ground; placing them in a less than prime position.
As usual, with these ‘Reality Check’ techniques, each martial art has its own particular slant on how a Throw or Takedown is applied, and indeed in which situation they may, or may not, be delivered.
As with last month’s ‘Reality Check’, the ‘Sleeper Hold’, this month’s ‘Reality Check’ is more relevant to the grappling arts; and more specifically to those arts which have a sport combat component such as Judo, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and also, with certain throws and takedowns, Muay Thai may certainly be included.
All of the above, except the Muay Thai of course, are likely to go to the ground deliberately with the Throw or Takedown to take advantage of their opponent’s unfavourable position.
Table of Contents
Sport or Self-defence
Tai Chi Chan Throws
Kung Fu Throws
Muay Thai Takedowns
Jūdō Throws
BJJ Takedowns
Jujutsu Throws
Aikido Throws
Karate The 9 Throws of Funakoshi
Torakan Eye View
Conclusion
Sport or Self-defence
Needless to say, you will find Throws and Takedowns in both Sport Combat and Self-defence. Some throw and takedown techniques are allowed in certain combat sports, while not in others; and each art has very specific rules concerning their own particular sport. As you will see (and for their own particular reasons) their preferred Self-defence Throws and Takedowns can vary considerably.
Tai Chi Chuan Throws
Tai Chi Chuan, also known as Taijiquan, is an ancient Chinese form. During the 20th century Tai Chi was mostly promoted as a form of exercise. However, Tai Chi Chuan’s origins, originally created as a fighting art, date back over 700 years to Chen Village in Henan Province. The concepts of Tai Chi Chuan are rooted in the Taoism, and Confucianism of Chinese history.
Tai Chi Chuan is the Tai Chi art of self-defence, and has no ‘sport combat’ component. Those of you who are familiar with ‘Tai Chi’ but not ‘Tai Chi Chuan’ may be a little surprised, but Tai Chi Chuan is actually quite a versatile martial art and, as you will see from the following link, the Throws are an intricate part of that art.
Kung Fu Throws
Kung Fu is another art that, if you are not familiar with it, you don’t generally equate with throws.
I am familiar with several Kung Fu styles and find them to be multifaceted and quite complex, particularly the Shaolin styles. Their grading systems take a long time to negotiate simply because their skillset requirements are so broad; and, through the sheer multitudinous aspects covered, there is no way to avoid the massive amount of time it would take to cover everything, let alone perfect everything. Here are just a few Kung Fu Throws.
Muay Thai Takedowns
Muay Thai, as we know, is a sport; a fairly aggressive sport I will grant you but a sport none the less. Muay Boron is the battlefield martial art where, for the most part, Muay Thai originated. I have mentioned this, which you can check out in the following link, in a couple of previous ‘Reality Check’ Blogs but I mention it again here for the benefit of those who are just joining us.
As I also mentioned earlier, there can be differences in what is allowed in the sport and what is taught for real world conflict; and this is one art where that is quite evident. This first link gives you a fairly comprehensive demonstration of the ring art Takedowns: Muay Thai throws and Sweeps.
This next link gives you an insight into some of the differences between the art and the sport: Muay Boron versus Muay Thai
Jūdō Throws
Jūdō is almost, quite literally, a ‘game of Throws’, and there are so many throws in this sport that it would really need a whole Blog to just briefly introduce them.
Jūdō is a popular competitive, unarmed martial sport which has been part of the Olympic Games since 1964. Some of my readers might also know that the Founder of Jūdō ('the gentle way') was Kanō Jigorō, a Jujutsu Master, who founded Jūdō in 1882.
Because of the nature of Jūdō – being mostly a combat sport, as I mentioned earlier – having instigated the throw upon their opponent, that combatant might take advantage of the position he has set up by attempting a submission, or a pin (when a competitor holds an opponent immobile on their back). Having said that, I am not suggesting that any of the many Jūdō Throws are impractical for a self-defence scenario; merely that their main focus is geared toward their sport. As such, their throws are mainly designed for combat with one person, in a controlled environment. However, the following link to a series of Tai Otoshi Jūdō Throws displays how effective those Jūdō throws can be.
BJJ Takedowns
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Takedowns are also geared toward the sport combat that they specialise in. Again, I am in no way suggesting that this means those techniques would be of no use in a real situation… I am simply stating the fact that they are designed and practiced as a sport that is conducted in a controlled environment. I have said on many occasions that, in an unexpected adverse situation, you react the way you repetitively train; and sportsmen/women train to react in a sporting way.
Those who wish to take part in sport combat will learn skills that would assist them in adverse situations; of that there is no doubt. However, I cannot state enough times: ‘you react the way you repetitively train’, and if you are a competitive sports person you, by virtue of your repetitive training, react accordingly. The following link is a comprehensive view of BJJ takedown techniques from the very simple to the more complex.
Jujutsu Throws & Takedowns
Traditional Japanese Jujutsu Throws and Takedowns come from a completely different point of view, baring little or no resemblance to the sport orientated BJJ approach. You’ll notice that in Jujutsu, while the recipient lands heavily, in most cases, the presenter of the takedown finishes on their feet.
I have read and heard various stories or versions of stories that depict either Jujutsu as the unarmed combat of the Samurai, or the combat used to take on the Samurai. One of the arts I have studied is Bushido, which teaches weapons use and Jujutsu, and where I was also told that Jujutsu was the unarmed combat of the Samurai. As a former Parachute Regiment soldier – knowing that an elite soldier or warrior trained in weapons must have a close-quarter combat backup – that version makes perfect sense to me.
The following link gives a rundown of traditional Japanese Jujutsu Throws and Takedowns. I would have preferred their demonstration to be against a variety of attacking techniques but it is an excellent demonstration of the actual takedowns nevertheless.
Aikido Throws
Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of Aikido, was a student of Takeda Sōkaku, who taught Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, which was originally called Daitō-ryū Jujutsu. The school's traditions claim to extend back centuries in Japanese history. Prior to studying under Takeda Sōkaku, Ueshiba Morihei studied several martial arts under various renowned masters; however, Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu had the most influence on the fundamental principles of Aikido. Of the several descriptions used to define Aikido my preference is ‘The Harmonious Spirit’.
Ueshiba Morihei founded the Aikido school in 1942; however, he began the development of his art in the 1920s and 1930s, initially calling it Aiki-Bodō.
From my limited connection with Aikido, I do know that their techniques do indeed adapt to adverse situations. Also, as a student of Iaido, I have an appreciation of the rhythm and flow of Aikido. The following link will take you to a demonstration of several Aikido Throws. My only criticism of this demonstration and indeed of any of the training and practice of Aikido is that, time and again, most of the defence is made against similar attacks. There are of course many different schools of Aikido now operating, and I have seen varied training, and indeed different styles and modes of training.
Karate Funakoshi’s 9 Throws
Sometimes termed, ‘The 9 Lost Throws of Funakoshi Gichin; because you will hardly ever see those throws, that Funakoshi documented, taught or practiced in any of the Shotokan dojos that have spread around the world.
The reason for this is quite obvious; the Karate of Funakoshi Sensei was meant, just as he had learned his Karate, to be practiced for health and fitness of body, mind and spirit, and for ‘civil self-defence’. That is defence for the general public against a would-be attacker or attackers, and not for fighting contests between karateka. Funakoshi’s nine forgotten throws.
Over and above those 9 documented throws there are two more lost throws from Funakoshi that he also documented separately: Funakoshi’s further 2 forgotten throws.
I have included some sport Karate takedowns here. For a combined period of about six years, as a sport Karate competitor back in the 1970s and 80s, I would have utilised some of the sweeps in the following link; however, with my focus well and truly in self-defence I have opted for a different approach: sport Karate sweeps and takedowns.
Torakan Eye View
This month, again we have something more widely taught in the grappling arts. Although – as stated in the above segment – there were originally eleven throwing/takedown techniques in the Shotokan Karate repertoire. Although, I must admit that, most of the throws/takedowns that I teach – and, figuratively speaking, have tested ‘in the heat of battle’ – I assimilated from outside the Shotokan system. I don’t generally work from a classical grapping position; for me it is all about self-defence, and even some of Funakoshi’s throws seem to begin a little impractically: the attacker executing an oi tsuki for instance.
Over a period of 30 years, while working in high-risk security and training teams of operatives in, among other things, close quarter combat. I came into contact with practical martial artists from many styles, and during workshop type seminars, if I saw something that worked I adopted it, but I usually also adapted it to suit my particular way (needs, style or priorities) and that then became part of my way, ‘the Torakan way’.
So, the following links are to some short clips of just some of the typical Torakan uses of throws/takedowns, for self-defence:
This first escape, in 1, 2 & 3, takes the form of a throw. This throw can be executed using the attackers opposite hand, resulting in a face first landing. We do not demonstrate that version as it can prove hazardous to the attacker; imagine though, the attacker being thrown facedown onto a concrete path say.
This next throw, in 4, 5 & 6, may appear aggressive here but in fact if it was not demonstrated with control and consideration the elbow would be smashed the opposite way very easily.
This next takedown, in 8, 9, 10 & 11, for the demonstration, the arm forcing the throw is across the top of the chest; however, in fact, it would be across the throat.
This take down, in 12, 13 & 14 would involve the pushing hand actually being a throat strike.
Conclusion
This month we are not just drawing a conclusion on one technique. So it’s not just a case of having an opinion on whether a particular style has a superior way of delivering a particular technique; although the conclusion is usually, ‘horses for courses’. Throws and or takedowns are something different; with multiple techniques for multiple situations there is no right or wrong way.
Having said that though, in a self-defence situation always expect there to be multiple assailants, even if it appears there is only one. In my experience, when it comes to being on the receiving end of an unprovoked attack, expect them to have back-up; and, especially if it’s not blatantly obvious, the danger is likely to be even more sinister.
It is my educated opinion that going to the ground is an option you don’t want to take. If in the course of your throw/takedown you should find yourself inadvertently going to ground, get to your feet as quickly as possible.
If your total experience of a throw/takedown is in the sporting arena, I would advise you to make some additions to your training and train for some real, adverse situations. In real life there is no do-over, and no referee to cry foul; and only one rule, that is to survive, at all costs.
Thank You
A shout out and a big thank you to Nigel Palmer and the Devonport Jūdō Dojo for granting us, at the Devonport Torakan Dojo, permission to utilise their excellent dojo to better display our throws and takedowns for this month’s Karate Essence ‘Reality Check’ Blog post.
Also, a big thank you to our demonstrators from the Torakan Dojo, without whose assistance of course the ‘Reality Check’ Blog would be sadly lacking; and this month that assistance was given by Alan and Tyler!
Thank You to the Readers
As always, thank you for following the Karate Essence 'Reality Check'.
Thank you also for the terrific response to the launch of my latest book, ‘A Budōka Odyssey’. The reviews are excellent!
Top review from United Kingdom
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2024
I have to say that I found this book to be compulsive reading. For someone who was born and raised in the West of Scotland I was immediately drawn to T.D. McKinnon’s Scottish roots. He writes in such a concise and realistic manner. As someone with no knowledge of karate and martial arts, I have nevertheless found the main themes of the book easy to follow and this has made me review experiences drawn from my own life. The concept of ‘gifts and lessons’ applies to all life, not just karate. I would recommend this book to anyone, particularly those who are deeply involved in a sport of any kind, and who is striving to be the best person they can be. Read, learn and enjoy. Thank you for this book, T.D. McKinnon.
Top review from Australia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in Australia on 28 May 2024
Written by a man who has lived the life of a modern warrior. His ability to recognise the lessons and gifts in any situation and the having the humility to seek out those who can help you better yourself are important traits we should all endeavour to achieve not just in our own martial arts’ odyssey but in life.
Top review from the United States
Minimal shopper
5.1 out of 5 stars
‘A Fine Man Shares a Life of Budō’
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
At over 500 pages there is a lot of content in this autobiographical journey. A quick overview is as follows:
Author Shihan TD McKinnon has had ALOT of fights in his life; starting under the age of 6! He tells the narrative of his life through all those fights and what he learned about himself and life along the way. I appreciate that he doesn’t make self-defense fighting seem glamorous and one sided. He talks about injuries, dangers, and making alternate choices to physical violence as a reality.
This book emphasizes lessons like ‘never quit’, ‘move on to the next venture’, ‘stay in the moment and learn what you can along the way’. I recommend it for young and old, karate people and non-karate folks. He carries the journey into today with a very relevant subject - training and aging. Take it on your next plane trip, or beach vacation. And if you’re a karate instructor, you can work it into your teaching. This book does not disappoint!
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