Nage Waza

Throwing Techniques

Shotokan karate is not categorized as a grappling art like Judo or Jiu Jitsu; however, it incorporates Judo throws within its Kata, reflecting the common origins of both martial arts.

As students progress to a certain level, they are instructed on how to execute sweeps and various techniques for effectively throwing an opponent. We begin with fundamental throws and gradually advance to more complex techniques. The initial three basic throws taught are all derived from Judo: Tai Otoshi, which translates to "body drop"; Ippon Seoi Nage, meaning "one arm shoulder throw"; and O Soto Gari, referred to as "major outside sweep." These techniques can be found within the first five Heian katas.

After mastering these foundational Judo throws, students will then learn the nine karate throws developed by Gichin Funakoshi. Once these throws have been practiced to a proficient level, they can be applied in Ippon Kumite.

Nine throws of Gichin Funakoshi

  • Byobu Daoshi – to topple a folding screen

  • Komi Nage – spinning top throw

  • Kubi Wa – neck ring

  • Katawa Guruma – cripple wheel

  • Tsubame Gaeshi – reverse swallow

  • Yari Dama – spearing throw

  • *Tani Otoshi – valley drop (this is the old name for Ippon Seoi Nage - one arm shoulder throw)

  • Ude Wa – arm ring

  • Gyaku Tsuchi – reverse sledgehammer

Other Karate throws

  • Tani Otoshi – valley drop (different to that of Judo)

  • Seoi nage - shoulder throw

  • Hiza Guruma - Knee Wheel or cripple

  • Nidan Shuto Nage - knife hand throw

  • Uchi Nage – inside throw (Baseball bat throw – Karate)

  • Kata Guruma – shoulder wheel (karate and Judo)

  • Mawatte Gedan Barai - similar to that of tai Otoshi.

  • Kote Gaeshi - wrist throw (popular Aikido throw)

  • Nukite Nage or Te Guruma - lifting throw seen in kata Kanku Dai

  • Kubi Nage - neck through seen as application from Tekki Shodan.

  • Uke Otoshi - armbar throw

  • Hiji Makikomi - Nukite application

  • Osoto Gari – major outer sweep (Karate and Judo)

  • Morote Gari - double leg grab (rugby tackle)

  • Koko Hiza Kuzushi - Knee unbalancing

  • Ko Uchi Gari / O Uchi Gari - minor outside reap

  • Atame Guruma - thrown seen at the end of Bassai Dai or in Nijushiho

Judo Throws

  • Tai Otoshi – body drop

  • Ippon Seoi Nage – one arm shoulder throw

  • O Soto Gari – major outside sweep

  • Deashi Barai – advancing foot sweep