The 9 Lost Throws of Funakoshi Gichin: Karate’s Forgotten Takedown Techniques

By Jesse Enkamp

There’s tons of wild moves in Karate.

At least if you know where to look.

Having been around the world in pursuit of such techniques for many years now, I’m always amazed when I bump into Karate people who have no clue that there’s all kinds of crazy stuff in old-school Karate.

I’m talking joint locks, throws, ground fighting, strangulations, pressure points, takedowns and other unconventional methods of subduing an aggressive opponent.

But perhaps I shouldn’t be so amazed?

The modern 3K (Kata/Kihon/Kumite) systematization and subsequent sportification of Karate has unevitably led to the decline of many authentic Karate techniques, as their original intent was/is simply too dangerous for the more civilized setting in which Karate is commonly taught today.

I mean, what responsible parent would send her kids to Karate class if they were taught to cripple each other?

I wouldn’t.

Neither would you.

Still, we’re not kids. We’re adults – with fully functioning brains and a highly developed sense of good judgement – meaning we can, and should, strive to dig deeper into the treasure chests of old-style Karate to uncover those precious gems with the potential of making us bona fide Karate Nerds™.

So check this out…

Today I would like to take you along a journey through Karate history, by exploring the writings of the legendary Funakoshi Gichin, as we examine his historical outline of nine lost throwing techniques of traditional Karate (‘nage-waza’).

Obviously, these techniques weren’t really “lost” during sensei Funakoshi’s time. In fact, many of his peers repeatedly demonstrated similar techniques in their writings. It is only quite recently they’ve begun to disappear from dojos around the world, as “punch-kick Karate” is steadily taking the center stage of worldwide Karate attention.

Nevertheless, original Karate was far more than that!

So, with these words, let me to present to you ‘The 9 Lost Throws of Funakoshi Gichin: Karate’s Forgotten Takedown Techniques’.

Here we go:

#1. Byobu Daoshi: ‘Topple a Folding Screen’

As demonstrated in his groundbreaking work Karatedo Kyohan, the first of these nine throws by Funakoshi sensei is called byobu daoshi.

Byobu literally means a traditional folding screen, commonly used in Japanese society for dividing rooms and private spaces, while daoshi (taoshi) simply means to knock over, or topple, something.

Hence, as shown by Funakoshi sensei above, when the high punch (jodan-zuki) comes towards your face, slide back and block it with your open front hand, and proceed by quickly grabbing the attacking wrist with your blocking hand while forcefully slamming and grabbing the chin/throat of your opponent with your free hand.

At the same time, swiftly step behind your opponent and trip him backwards over your leg (similar to Judo’s osotogari throw).

Sweet, simple & dirty – just like it should be.

#2. Koma Nage: ‘Spinning Top Throw’

In this next throw, Funakoshi sensei beautifully marries a popular bunkai move from Tekki/Naihanchin kata with the “ju-no-ri” principle so common in Aikido, Ju-jutsu and Judo (and high-level Karate, of course).

As your opponent steps in with a middle punch (chudan-zuki), slide back and block the strike with a dropping block (otoshi-uke) from the outside this time. Immediately grab your opponent’s wrist with your blocking hand, pulling it strongly down to your hip, as you step forward with your leg slightly behind your opponent, placing your free hand on his elbow joint as leverage, effortlessly spinning him around and down to the ground.

The key to really making koma nage work is to utilize the opponent’s incoming force, executing the whole takedown in one smooth motion.

Think “Aikido” flow.

#3. Kubi Wa: ‘Neck Ring’

This throw starts out in a fashion similar to both of the previous throws.

As your opponent steps forward with a high punch towards your face (jodan-zuki), slide to the outside and block high with your front hand.

Quickly slide forward (yori-ashi) past the outside of your opponent’s attacking arm, striking him on the chin with your open hand (shotei-uchi). Then, as your opponent flinches, promptly step in behind his front leg (fumi-komi) and circle your outstretched arm behind your opponent’s neck, hugging it tight as your bring him down, simultaneously pushing with your free hand at the small of his back to increase the effectiveness

Interestingly enough, MMA fighters from my academy use a similar technique quite often – with great success!

#4. Katawa Guruma: ‘Cripple Wheel’

The katawa guruma, or cripple wheel (similar versions are also known as Fireman’s Carry) is a quite popular move in many fighting arts that involve throws (like Judo, Wrestling, Shuao Jiao etc.).

In this case, begin exactly like in thrown #2 (Koma Nage: ‘Spinning Top Throw’), by sliding back to the outside and blocking your opponent’s feeble attempt at crushing your solar-plexus (with a chudan-zuki). Next, move forcefully straight towards your opponent and wedge the attacking arm between the two of you, as you smoothly slide your blocking arm up and grab behind the neck of your opponent (here’s where the above images start to make sense).

Now, with your free hand, reach down between your opponent’s legs and seize his dumplings (or just grab a hold of his thigh), lifting up as high as possible while you pull his neck down to your right backside.

Naturally, you’ll recognize this exact bunkai move from several kata (like Kusanku/Kanku Dai, Passai/Bassai Dai, Unsu/Unshu etc.)

Awesome.

#5. Tsubame Gaeshi: ‘Swallow Reversal’

Funakoshi sensei was known for letting his poetry shine through when naming techniques, and this move is no exception.

To perform the tsubame (lit. swallow, yes, the bird) gaeshi, step back and perform a rising cross block (juji-uke/hasami-uke) with open hands to deflect your opponent’s high punch (jodan-zuki), and immediately grab the attacking arm from the inside, striking to your opponent’s jaw with a vicious backfist (ura-ken) strike.

Then (here’s the tricky part); move towards your punch-drunk opponent in a circular fashion, spinning around while at the same time dropping down to one knee, as you drag your opponent to the ground by twisting his arm around, pulling your hands to your hip.

Just like a drunk swallow landing in its nest.

#6. Yari Dama: ‘Spearing Through’

In yet another throw that  puts your opponent’s testicular fortitude to the test, your opponent tries to punch you in the mouth again as you slide back and block the punch with your open front hand from the inside (shuto-uke) – just like in the first throw (byobu daoshi). 

As always, immediately proceed by grabbing your opponent’s attacking wrist with your blocking hand, and then take a big step foward into a deep sumo stance (“but Jesse-san, that’s weird, we don’t have shiko-dachi in Shotokan!”) and slam your free hand into your opponent’s crown jewels. Laugh at your opponent’s newfound vocal range (note: if he didn’t turn into an opera singer after that last move, he’s probably not a “he”), then slide forward even deeper and finally finish the throw by pulling down to your left side, while lifting up strongly from below.

The main principle is very similar to the katawa guruma (#4).

#7. Tani Otoshi: ‘Valley Drop’

Although tani otoshi is one of the most common moves in competitive Judo nowadays, this throw by Funakoshi sensei more resembles the modern-day version of seoi-nage (albeit with a slightly broader stance) than anything else.

As your opponent lunges forward with a punch to your midsection, step back with your right leg and parry the blow with your front hand, immediately grabbing the attacking arm and pulling it to your side (the real meaning of hikite) while you execute a swift counter strike to your opponent’s soft spot.

As your opponent flinches (if you haven’t figured it out by now; the purpose of these numerous disruptive strikes (atemi-waza) is to take advantage of your opponent’s a natural flinch response, or elicit a pain withdrawal reflex, thereby setting up the subsequent takedown), step forward and swing your attacking arm under your opponent’s outstretched arm, spin around and throw him over your shoulder to the ground.

Finish off by threatening to end his misery, as in the last picture.

 #8. Ude Wa: ‘Arm Ring’

To demonstrate that these throws work when defending from attacks other than straight lunging punches, in this ude wa technique Funakoshi sensei defends against a double handed lapel grab instead.

As your opponent approaches you with both arms outstretched, quickly deflect them upwards and immediately sink into your opponent with double horizontal hammerfist strikes against the midsection (I recommend aiming for the cartilaginous medial portions of the ribs, since they break the easiest). As your opponent gasps for air, lean down and hug his legs tightly while pushing strongly against his hip bone with your shoulder, swinging his legs past yourself and dumping him on the ground.

A perfect example of the four principles of Quan-fa, by the way.

When you try this in the dojo, make sure your partner really knows his breakfalls (ukemi), or else there might be a nasty neck injury on the schedule.

Also, do I even have to mention what kata this bunkai is from?

#9. Gyaku Tsuchi: ‘Reverse Sledgehammer’

And lastly, my all-time personal favorite old-school Karate throw: the reverse sledgehammer.

Or, as pro wrestlers call it; the piledriver.

As your opponent desperately tries to attack you, deflect his high punch (jodan-zuki) by stepping back with a rising block (age-uke). Quickly slide forward and reach around his upper back with your blocking hand as your free hand slides in front of his belly. Now flip him over, laugh manically for a couple of seconds and finish off by dumping him on his head.

________

And that’s it.

Nine classic, yet pretty wild, Karate throws that you rarely see in the average dojo – straight from the horse’s mouth.

Try them out during your next Karate class!

In the meantime, I want to know what you think of Karate throws in general?

Are they really that useful? Do we even need them? Can they actually be performed by a weaker person (which, after all, is a prerequisite for any effective Karate technique)?

Let me know in the comment section.

Thanks for reading!

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75 Comments

  • paulh
    Awesome! We do a lot of bunkai still today in our dojo (under direction from Nishida Sensei and Mabuni Sensei from Japan) We try to have a takedown involved at the end of every bunkai. I'm happy to say 8/9 of those you showed above are quite familiar to us, Gyaku Tsuchi being one I don't recall ever seeing before. Though I could be mistaken..I'm quite often used to demonstrate a new bunkai on from the more senior belts, and many times have no clue what I look like between punching and hitting the floor... lol Said it before, but... LOVE your website!
    Reply
    • Jesse
      Thanks Paul-san, I know the feeling! ;)
      Reply
      • Barry
        Hi Jesse, do you know of a list of common names of kumite takedowns/throws?
        Reply
      • Dave Shephard
        Point of interest. His ukemi in these pictures is Hironori Ohtsuka. No. 3 throw (Kubi Wa) is the same as Kumite Gata sanbonme (no.3) as practised in many a Wado Ryu dojo Dave
        Reply
        • Mike
          If that's Hironori Ohtsuka then Funakoshi really must have been tiny as he makes Ohtsuka look tall lol
          Reply
    • Ray McKinnon
      In 1925 Funakoshi meet the founder of Judo Jigoro Kano. He gave a demonstration of Karate at the National Athletic Exhibition put on by the Ministry of education (Kano helped developed the education system in both Japan and China ) they became friends and Kano wanted Funakoshi to teach at the Kodokan to start a "Karate division" Kano adopted certain Karate movements into Judo kata. Its said after Kano's death in 1938 whenever Funakoshi was close to the Kodokan either waking or street car he would bow in that direction out of respect for his Martial Arts friend.
      Reply
    • Daniel son
      Bunkai, self-defense, and tradition. I've discovered if the senior belts are not comfortable with grappling of any kind you will not see it unless it's part of the testing/promotion process. Sensei Jesse and Mcarthy have mentioned traditional karate isn't practical for self-defense in today's times. Although it does provide other wellness benefits, like reducing stress, exercise and focus skills. What is the purpose of Karate? Originally self-defense, however, as time changes, things evolve so does martial arts. I've asked but never received a response to further explain the negatives of traditional karate for self-defense. As they say, it comes down to the student and Sensei in training with purpose.
      Reply
  • Greg
    Great read as always, thank you for taking the time to impart found knowledge :) Greg
    Reply
    • Jesse
      My pleasure, as always, Greg-san.
      Reply
  • Boban Alempijevic
    Squeeeeee :) You made me night Jesse-San. Now we are talking, This is how Karate is in my eyes, Full of dirty brutal neck breaking tricks. Old karat is in my mind still filled with Well educated gentlemen that during the nights turned into brawling master street fighters you did NOT want to piss off :D
    Reply
    • Jesse
      Spot on, Boban-san!
      Reply
    • Leo
      Haha, that's exactly how I love to imagine karate: "Monsieur" -"Monsieur" (noises of pain following) . This article is wonderful. But one question remains: it surely is more a demonstration of principle than close combat reenactment, but does Funakoshi also mind the case in which the opponent has two arms? Except #8, where I find it hard to imagine that one can let both arms of an opponent unsupervised while hitting points which will likely result in the opponent jerking head and arms towards one's face. The principle is clear, yes, but I can't get rid of the thought "Do not think of winning. Think, rather, of not losing."
      Reply
      • Todd
        Leo, I find it interesting that Jesse will reply to nearly every post except yours. I have been a traditional Tae Kwon Do practitioner for 26 years, yet I am honest with my students when I teach them certain techniques. They need to know that a good portion of techniques will only work in a dojo, or a controlled Martial Arts situation. Opponents on the street do not get into a martial arts stance and deliver a mid section punch with their right hand, and then stand still as they are thrown or handled. Real opponents fight back. Traditional martial arts are just that.. traditional. As MMA competition has taught us, the Arts need to adjust and constantly grow in order to maintain their relevance.
        Reply
        • Ady
          its just a demonstration for photos dude. youd take these techniques and practice them against an opponent with increasing resistance over time. The whole gedan barai beginning and oizuki chudan punch is unrealistic yes. In olden days it would of been way closer and involving street techniques like pushing, shoving, throat grabbing, haymaker etc but this era of karate was a transition era where the old self defence stuff was being pushed aside for the new long distance sport stuff. They are showing old style self defense moves with sport style ranged attacking. Doesnt make any sense as sport karate and self defense arent the same.
          Reply
  • ky0han
    Hi Jesse, nice article. But: You just present the 9 throws that Funakoshi demonstrates in Karate Do Kyohan. He demonstrated 2 more trows in his first 2 Books. So there are 11 throws total that Funakoshi presented to the world. I guess these 2 are really "lost"! Keep rolling. Regards Holger.
    Reply
    • Jesse
      Thanks, I appreciate the input ky0han-san!
      Reply
    • Perry
      Hi Holger Do you know which throws they were? regards Perry
      Reply
      • ky0han
        Hi Perry, of course I do. In his 1922 book Ryukyu Kempo Karate Funakoshi listed 8 throws. Among them were Nodo Osae and Ude Daoshi. In his 1925 book Rentan Goshin Tode Jutsu he presented 6 throws. Here is the Nodo Osae also listed. In his 1935 book Karate Do Kyohan there are those 9 throws. Over the years some throws got new names and in the case of the 1935 Tani Otoshi, that throw is a completly different throw than the Tani Otoshi of 1922 and 1925. I wrote a blog post about that (it is in German though) were I have those throws listed in a table. If you are interested: http://www.karate-kyohan.de/wurfe-im-karate . I hope that helps. Regards Holger
        Reply
        • Perry
          Thank you Holger Perhaps I should re-look at Funakoshi's work
          Reply
  • Dave
    Jesse-San, excellent post yet again. History is a most valuable teacher! Having trained again for just over a year after many years out, I know this is the direction my karate is headed in.Osu! On another note, have you heard of a british fellow by the name of Iain Abernethy? Look him up, you two are certainly cut from the same cloth in many ways I think, and together with Taira Masaji Sensei are major influences on my own journey in Karate_Do
    Reply
  • Griff
    Hi Jesse. Great site. Rest assured here in Canada 'Chito Ryu' we are throwing each other all over the place. Thanks for the article.
    Reply
    • Daniel
      httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIf7hSyQRSA
      Reply
      • paulh
        henshuho? good stuff, we still practise that today as well.
        Reply
      • juan manuel
        Try trow me like these, and you will recive a big kick in your ass
        Reply
    • Jesse
      Good to hear, Griff-san! Thanks! :)
      Reply
  • Stu
    Are throws useful! Why damage my knuckles and feet on someone when there is a perfectly useful pavement down there to bash them against.
    Reply
    • Jesse
      Exactly, Stu-san! ;)
      Reply
  • Matthew
    I would love to become very proficient at all those throwing techniques! An important part of any karateka's training! Just have to avoid getting hurt when it's your turn to be a rag doll!
    Reply
    • Jesse
      Which is exactly why I advise Karate-ka who are afraid of falling to take up Judo or Ju-jutsu for a couple of weeks. Works wonders! :)
      Reply
      • Kitsune
        Or be proficient enough to teach your own students proper ukemi. You may never have to defend yourself in your life, but YOU WILL FALL! Ukemi is the most useful aspect of martial arts training in my opinion.
        Reply
  • Te'o
    Jesse-san! Loved this article, very informative. One of the important things that we try to keep in mind in our training, besides safety, is how do these techniques work outside the dojo. So at least once every couple of months we train in regular clothes that would relate to the season that we're in. Right now we have the students come in t-shirts, board shorts, and flip flops. Not only does this bring in the mental aspect of how to adapt the technique, but the physical now that there isn't as much to grab onto, etc. Ever tried to do an entering technique and step on your own flip flop? Actually, it's kind of funny...in training of course. Once again...great article, keep it up, and....I need a new KATA Gi!!!! Alofas Braddah!!!
    Reply
    • Jesse
      Te'o - as always, I love your approach to practical Karate! ;)
      Reply
  • Julia
    You sir, are obviously dangerous to my health. Open finding this article, I jumped up and began miming the motions for the throws in air. I think I was on the fourth throw when my hand slammed into the nearby door, causing me a great amount of pain. So thank you. So much.
    Reply
    • Jesse
      Julia-san - it was my PLEASURE! :D
      Reply
  • Diego Romero
    nice! i must say though that for the type of throw shown in numbers 1 and 3 i'd be more inclined to go for the face than for the chin. some people have crazily strong necks, but press hard into the face and slide up (compress the nose bridge), and either the head or the nose go, no questions asked. re: karate throwing (and joint-locking) in general, i'm more of a fan of not having specific 'formal' techniques, but rather of having knowledge of grappling principles and using them in conjunction with maai and tai sabaki and one big 'body control' whole (accentuated by well-placed atemi to soften up and/or finish the target), but of course one requires good knowledge of grappling in the first place (which is why god invented cross-training in judo). as for your specific questions: "Are they really that useful?" is a tsuki useful? "Do we even need them?" do we need a tsuki? "Can they actually be performed by a weaker person (which, after all, is a prerequisite for any effective Karate technique)?" THAT is why we need a useful tsuki first :p
    Reply
  • Dave
    "blow before throw" is a useful little reminder of the mechanics of controlling the attacker. What's that 4 point principle again? entry/stick to them/destroy balance/finish...or something...anybody???
    Reply
    • Steve Gombosi
      Or, as the instruction for pretty much every technique in Morihei Ueshiba's pre-war book Budo begins: "First, smash your enemy's face."
      Reply
  • Vag
    And dont forget that Hironori Ohtsuka the founder of Wado Ryu and expert in JJ was for years his assistant.So...And If you look who is the opponent in the photos then thats your answer...
    Reply
    • shankar
      NO WAY. You've got to be right he looks a lot like Ohtsuka, unfortunately we can't be sure 'cause we only have photos of him in old age
      Reply
  • Kevin
    All the Okinawan systems I have ever studied teach 100s of throws, joint locks, and other things commonly aassociates with jujutsu, aikijujutsu, and chi'na. It is only modern Japanese and Korean and sportified karate in general that leaves them out.
    Reply
  • elC
    Hey great article! Very kind of you to show the karate world that there's more than zukis and keris. These 9 throws are actually part of the yodan test (yes, neither "Yoda" nor "yondan") within Ohshima's Shotokan. These are almost never practiced below shodan, maybe sometimes in a kata bunkai variation. I was lucky to visit a seminar where a sandan was preparing for that test, so we went through all 9 of them. I think we karateka should practice these more often, also to defend ourselves better from throws, trips, takedowns to stay on our feet. Check youtube for "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu vs. Karate", you'll find a great 6 minute video from 1975 (?)...
    Reply
  • elC
    Maybe you should add that the piledriver (#9. Gyaku Tsuchi) is even forbidden in most MMA rulesets, and should be practiced without slamming your partner down. But you can practice that with a bag.
    Reply
  • frederic lecut
    I have somewhere a video of Katsuoh Yamamoto - founder of Yoshukai Karate - student of Tsuyoshi Chitose - performing gyaku tsuchi at a demo in Florida in the mid 70's. Hard to believe...
    Reply
  • elC
    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP2OuIRXaDA
    Reply
  • edison rookard
    wow havent seen thoses throws in the oreganal settings way to go thanks jesse edison rookard (aka mr ed)
    Reply
  • IluvShitoRyu
    Thank you for the excellent essay. To each is own, but I long ago stopped looking for "hidden" judo throws inside the kata of traditional Japanese karate. Taking traditional judo classes 2X per week is much more effective, in my opinion.
    Reply
  • Mike
    Very cool. Also I believe that Hideyuki Ashihara carried this concept into his Ashihara Karate and we continue it in Enshin Karate(founded by Joko Ninomiya who was also a Judo Blackbelt). We have most of these same throws in our basic Kata. Osu!
    Reply
  • viking
    I always thought the throws fell into disuse because shotokan stance became lower, and the moves finished with focus which meant there was no momentum to throw anybody. Once both partoes have practiced the throws they just cancel each other out. I always thought Funkoshi's stances where higher and with freakish stnaces that shotokan developed into made the throws difficult with oppenent that knows the same moves and isn't going to punch through as they want to show the focus.
    Reply
  • Michael
    Goju-ryu still has its kakie which embodies many of these throws and is activity taught: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRg2XTIzhmI
    Reply
  • Ross
    Interesting to see that you include Kata Garuma as a technique. Any idea where the origins of this might be from since Kano Sensei was known to have learnt this from observing western wrestlers. It is interesting that it appears to exist in ?Okinawan circles when it wasn't used in Japan. Interesting subject.
    Reply
  • jane
    thanks alot. I really appreciate. Its like you read my mind. pls i would also like youtube links of these throws. Lastly i will need the link of the youtube vids posted here so i can share with friends. Thanks :)
    Reply
    • Todd Ward
      Open the vids up in Youtube and cut and paste the addresses. Youtube is pretty search friendly if you looked for the throws, but some are a little rare (i'm sure a search for gyaku tsuchi will get a lot of gyaku tsuki hits.
      Reply
  • Jon Doe
    These aren't lost throws ,they just aren't practiced by sport karate. Look at Karate-do Kyohan and Shotokan Karate of America. They haven't "lost" them.
    Reply
  • Danie
    We tend to study Jujitsu and Karate, and once you know both you start seeing throws in everything. It's loads of fun, too! These are all semi familiar in some ways, because of spending time figuring out what all is in those moves we do over and over again... but this makes me want to go and try all of them. Except maybe the pile driver. I like being able to practice with my ukis more than once. :)
    Reply
  • Richard Langenstein
    Not really new or forgotten. These are all the the Japanese version of Karate Do Kyohan, and an English copy can be bought from neptune-publications.com. The original English version left these and a lot more out.
    Reply
  • Eric
    Wonder if Isshin Ryu has any throws? I have heard in it's Wansu Kata there is one throw? Anymore?
    Reply
    • Darin Smith
      Certainly. There are implied throws in the middle sequence of Seisan, explicit throws in Seiunchin, Wansu, Kusanku, and Sunsu at least. There are also loads and loads of joint locks, kyusho, toe rakes, gouges, and everything else. You just have to observe with an open mind. My first sensei, who was a direct student of Shimabuku Tatsuo sensei, taught many of these as part of the standard curriculum.
      Reply
  • Peter G.N. GRIFFIN
    Dear All, Please refer to TWO (2) highly TRAINED and experienced teachers who ARE the authorities with contracts specifically to operators in Close Personal Protection Details, International Agencies, including the Special Branch Police, TOKYO, and others in JAPAN. These teacher names are : KATSUYUKI Kondo Hanshi (Daito-Ryu), and NARIYAMA Hanshi (Tomiki Aikido). One can observe simply by accessing these on YOUTUBE. In the REAL world - punching and kicking someone 99% of the time escalates the aggressor turning the odds in their favour not yours. Therefore, to survive a street attack, one MUST know and be able to perform Nagewaza WITH THE UTMOST FEROCITY AND SPEED ! Hence, throwing an attacker into concrete, (either a brick wall, or the ground) ALWAYS results in the threat being neutralized ! My suggestion for those without access to the aforementioned schools - attend a JUDO school with students that are police officers, and preferably with the Head Sensei being of ex-special forces background, or in Policing as these people live it in their professions ! This is also WHY most UFC / MMA bouts end up on the ground - however to an untrained attacker whose NOT an UFC / MMA champion is in for a rude awakening as being they being the 'UKE', one doesn't bounce on solid concrete.
    Reply
  • Dave J
    I teach my students ukemi as part of their regular training. Being an Aikidoka as well as a karateka I see Aikido throws in all the Wado Ryu kata and encourage my students to find them and practice to see what works for them. Typical throws found in Pinan katas are Tai Otoshi, Tenshin Nage, Irimi Nage, Juji Nage, Kote Gaeshi, Shiho Nage to name just a few. ALL katas contain throws if you look for them. It's simply a matter of finding the ones that work for you. Great to see someone else encouraging a return to original karate Jesse.
    Reply
  • Tan
    Hi Jesse, thanks for the information. But IMO I think there is a blurred line to claim these techniques as olden days Karate techniques, because I see most of them a lot more frequent in other martial art styles even in modern days. And here is why: #3 'Neck Ring' is common in Krav Maga. #4 'Cripple Wheel' I have seen that in WKF kumite. (this is alright) #8 'Arm Ring' is just double-leg takedown in wrestling. #9 As you have already mentioned, it is called 'Piledriver' in pro wrestling, and The Undertaker version is 'Tombstone Piledriver' lol. And the rest are very common in Judo and Aikido, that's all. We just got to admit that Karate doesn't move away from 'punch-kick'. It is more practical for a martial art style to be focused and specialized in a certain area rather than trying to be well-rounded. The problem with many traditional martial arts (not only Karate) is they always try to look 'well-rounded'. This way this particular martial art style will end up having everything a little but good at none! For example boxing doesn't teach you to wrestle at all but they are so good at fists, they have so many tactics and knowledge fighting with their fists. If you want to learn takedowns or grappling you better go for wrestling or BJJ as an additional class on top of your Karate training.
    Reply
  • vic
    Initially way back when I was taught major inner and outer O SOTO and KO SOTO geri as the most effective for self defense and circumstances proved that to be true during my 2 year stint as a door man at a local "bucket of blood" establishment.The inner outer minor reaps proved highly effective in tournament play also as they could be done hands free.'Done aggresively rather than defensively they work even better just have to overcome the hesitation to close with the opponent which seems prevalent in so much sport karate.That last throw was taught to us as "to pound a post"which left one with the impression it was a repeat as neccesary technique lol.
    Reply
  • Mel
    Ude Wa seems to be a bunkai from Wado-Ryu's 'Bassai'. Never performed it with the throw however, would be nice to train once in a while!
    Reply
  • Darin Smith
    I was always taught that the so-called "archer's block" in Seiunchin is really a throw--and it is (or can be). It is not unlike the tsubame gaeshi illustrated above.
    Reply
  • Adrian
    What a shame they abandoned so much practical fighting techniques, saddens me, i dont think the japanese carried funakoshis karate on very well.
    Reply
  • Steven Grant
    I didn't see the basic hip throw? Via the first turn in Taikioku Shodan/Nidan and often seen in Judo. Was this not one of Funakoshi's throws?
    Reply
  • BC
    Back in the 1960s and probably still, there was/is a throw like #6 in one of the katas, and it was explained to me just as explained here.
    Reply
  • Peter Kuhn
    Great article, Jesse, THANK YOU! In this context Funakoshi's preface to the throws chapter of his Karate-D? Ky?han 1935 seems to be additionally eye-opening: "One can say that Karate is a hard technique in contrast to J?jutsu, but of course the hardness also contains softness and the softness always contains hardness. In other words, to become soft you need hardness, to become hard you need softness; hardness and softness are originally one. Therefore Karate is not only simple hitting, kicking, thrusting, there are also throwing and armbar techniques. Depending on the strength of the partner, one does not use strong techniques such as thrusting, hitting or kicking, but performs soft techniques such as the adapted throwing technique, in which there is an indescribable kind of elegance. Furthermore, as with the previously explained Kumite and the Iai, there are countless, constantly changing methods, whether throwing technique or armbar technique. The most important thing is to transform oneself according to the opponent, which I leave to every learner. Only for beginners I will show a part by providing short explanations with illustrations as a reference. If you use this as weft thread and the basic kata as warp thread and accumulate it for each individual study and skill, you will probably achieve the state of mind of unconsciously receiving, throwing and toppling successfully." As you see in the last sentence, I translated "uke" by "receiving", according to your article about "blocks" of July 2015 in which you also showed pictures of Funakoshi's intros to throws ## 1, 5, and 6. And if I replace "to block" by "to receive" in your article about Funakoshi's throws, it becomes even more consistent and enlightening to me. So, thank you again for all your efforts to shed light on Karate, its history, its philosophy, and its – often hidden but – boundless possibilities! All the best, Peter
    Reply
  • Joe
    Our karatekas had a blast with these tonight thanks. Oss
    Reply
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  • Robert
    Small world: In judo we sometimes have discussions the other way round. "Does a judoka need to know punches?" "This is not judo". It is strange to attend kata training (e.g. goshin jitsu no kata), where the mechanics of basic kicks, punches or in contest forbidden locks are simply not understood - but taught. Tsubame gaeshi in judo means a foot sweep similar to de ashi barai countered with de ashi barai (same as in karate).
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  • Philip Trinidad
    I train in Wado Ryu. If you are familiar with this style, we have 8 techniques called Ohyo Kumite. We have 3 takedown techniques (#3, #5, and #7). I was curious if any of Funakoshi's 9 throws are involved in any of the 3 techniques. If not, would you know the names of those takedowns? Excellent article, Sensei Jesse!
    Reply
  • Mark Anthony C. Jamila
    So,jesse a lot of shotokan karate-do masters don't know what is this trows meant mh favorite trows is that you use old school karate Techniques the number 9. I see this before when i had a friend use this trows but always i see in your karate videos thanks jesse san oss.
    Reply
  • Tom Theodore
    Great stuff as usual Jesse. Question: Have you done any work on counter-grappling for traditional karate? As we know all cultures have wrestling and Judo and Sumo were huge. Were the trips/traps/adaptations that these schools taught to counter Judo/Sumo players? In the states 1960s/70s most schools taught some basics of both. Many believe that modern MMA rules were designed to favor the grappler, so it has great relevance now that everyone is a grappler....I hate grappling but recently added a BJJ purple belt to my Shotokan black belt - largely out of self defense. Your Bill Wallace video about how the UFC started was fantastic!
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