Nage Waza

Throwing Techniques

Shotokan karate is not classed as a grappling art like Judo or Jiu Jitsu, however hidden within Kata are judo throws, which makes sense since Karate and Judo originate from the same place.

Once a student reaches a certain grade, they will be taught how to correctly sweep an opponent and the various ways in which you can do this, followed by the different ways you can effectively throw an opponent.

We start off with the basic throws and build up to the more complex throws, the first three basic throws taught are all Judo throws. Tai Otoshi, meaning body drop. Ippon Seoi Nage, meaning one arm shoulder throw and O Soto Gari, meaning major outside sweep. These throws can be seen within the first five Heian katas.

Once these basic Judo throws have been taught, we then move on to teach the 9 karate throws of Gichin Funakoshi, and these throws once practiced to a sufficient level can then be applied to 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