SAMPLE THROWS AND TAKE DOWNS

Introduction

Please note that many of the techniques described here can be executed against a variety of different attacks.  Also, in a self defense situation, it is advantages for each technique to be used in conjunction with distractions and/or strikes.  In order to focus on the technique itself, both of these factors have been left out of the descriptions below.  A good training guideline is to practice all techniques to both sides (i.e. you need to do both right handed and left handed throws).  Since most people are more comfortable doing right handed throws I have facilitated the training process by describing left handed throws (I knew you'd be pleased!).

2. Sweeping Hip Throw

Step in towards your opponent with your left foot (obviously if he is advancing ‘enthusiastically' towards you then this becomes a bit of a shuffle and you move quickly to step 2). The big toe on your left foot should end up pointing to the big toe on your opponents left foot, and 6 to 10 centimeters away (don't worry too much; you won't have time to measure). As you do this, take hold of your opponents left wrist with your right hand and pull it toward you – firmly, but don't jerk it (Fig 2a).

Figure 2a. Stepping in for the throw

Turn on the balls of your feet clockwise (assuming a clock face is on the floor) so that your left foot turns and your heel ends up between your opponents feet. You should now be facing the same way as your opponent. As you turn, draw your right foot towards your left so that both feet are now in between your opponent's feet and your heels are almost touching. At this point your toes should be facing outwards as if making two sides of a triangle (Fig 2b).

As you sink, you should keep your opponent close to you and pull him down with you.  Pull hard on his right hand, taking it across your body and close in to your right hand side.  As your opponent comes towards you, your left arm must bend above your left shoulder (Fig 1c).  It is important that you keep your arm in front of your shoulder.  As your left hand reaches your shoulder, push your opponent towards the floor in front of you.  At some point gravity will kick in, but that doesn't let you off the hook, you should continue to ‘assist' your opponent to the ground with as much ‘encouragement' as possible.  Keep hold of his right hand and pull it up towards you as he goes over.  In training this will help your opponent to break fall and in the street it will prevent him from rolling away and give you options to strike or arm lock him as seems appropriate (Fig 1d).

Figure 2b. Correct V shaped feet position

Now, this is the tricky bit; as you draw your feet together, you need to do two other things simultaneously.

Firstly, as you step in with your right foot you need to sink a bit by bending at the knees; this ensures that your centre of gravity is below that of your opponent's.

Secondly, you need to push your left arm under your opponent's right arm and place it across his back. Your fingers should point towards his opposite shoulder (i.e. his left). The intention here is to make sure that your opponent is close to you so that you have better control during the throw.

Thirdly (OK, I lied – told you it was tricky), as you turn in make sure that your hip has gone through far enough. Do not over do it; your hip should be in line with your opponents (more about this later) (Fig 2c).

Figure 2c. Push the hips in and start to execute the throw

To execute the throw, use your arm up the back to start to pull your opponent over your hip while straightening your legs. This will generate some lift and your opponent should at least be on tip toes. At the same time, pull his left arm around you to generate additional twist (ideally this should be a continuous movement from the original pull with your right hand).

Here is the acid test; you now need to lift your left leg off the ground and swing it slightly forward (this is equivalent to ‘cocking' your leg before a kick). Then swing it straight back behind you, smoothly but forcefully. Your leg should be straight, but do not lock the knee.

To be most effective as you swing the leg back, bend forward (for balance), pull with your right hand and ‘push' with your left hand all at the same time (Fig 2d).

Figure 2d. Sweep with the leg to complete the throw

Note: if you pushed your hip through too far then as you lift your left leg off the ground you will not be able to keep your balance and you will fall over (this is the less effective version and is not advised as it leads to bruises on your forehead – trust me on this!). As your opponent hits the floor, keep hold of his right hand and pull up towards you as he goes over. In training this will help your opponent to break fall and in the street it will prevent him from rolling away and give you options to strike or arm lock him as seems appropriate.

Tip : Do not be tempted to arc your sweeping leg as you swing it backwards, as it may cause you to lose your balance.

Ah but… what happens if his feet are together? The options are (1) execute the throw with your feet in front of his (you'll need to pull him towards you more), (2) do something to make him open his legs such as pull or push him sharply and then execute the throw or (3) punch him in the face, knee him in the groin and forget about the throw.

YDJ Graham Salt