Shinsei Hapkido Projections
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Hapkido Projection Throw·Richard Milliken
Shinsei Hapkido Projections
Hapkido Projection Throw
SubFamilyHapkido・Projection・スロー(Hapkido Projection Throw)
Translation: hapkido projection throw
Overview
The Hapkido Projection Throw uses directional force alignment to project the opponent in the direction of their own momentum. [1]
Tu Hyung DunjigiDirectional Throw
History & Origin
Documented across multiple grappling traditions. [1]
Effectiveness
Proven in competition and cross-style challenge matches. [1]
Lineage
Multi-style grappling tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Hapkido Projection Throw-specific grappling mechanics
Position & Entry
From grappling position — Execute hapkido projection throw
Variants
Standard Hapkido Projection Throw
Videos
Shinsei Hapkido Sacrifice Throws
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Hapkido Projection Throw·Richard Milliken
Shinsei Hapkido Sacrifice Throws
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The Hapkido projection throw is a dynamic throwing technique executed primarily from punching attacks or forward momentum, where the defender extends the attacker's energy beyond their intended direction to launch them into the air. Richard Milliken's instructional videos on Shinsei Hapkido demonstrate that projections differ fundamentally from sacrifice throws in their application and mechanics. Projections typically originate from wrist techniques and punching defense, using soft blocks and minimal force to redirect the opponent's own momentum. Key variations include hyper-extension techniques where the defender pulls the attacker backward before reversing stance to throw toward their rear balance point; spinning projections that disorient through rotational control of the head and arm; fireman's carry applications effective against downward strikes or weapons; and arm-lock throws combining blocking with close-range positioning to lock the shoulder and elbow before executing the throw. Critical principles emphasized across all variations include maintaining close proximity to the opponent, keeping the arm control low rather than elevated, avoiding jerking motions that could cause injury, and using controlled trips that exploit the body's natural tendency to strain against balance disruption. The technique can be executed with one or both feet, and variations function effectively against haymakers and other aggressive linear attacks.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Richard Milliken — Shinsei Hapkido Sacrifice Throws: Established foundational throwing principles including control of the opponent's center of balance (Hara), proper foot placement, and post-throw positioning; demonstrated multiple sacrifice throw variations that share mechanical similarities with projections.
- Richard Milliken — Shinsei Hapkido Projections: Provided comprehensive taxonomy of projection techniques from punching and forward momentum, including hyper-extension, spinning projections, fireman's carry applications, soft-block variations, arm-lock throws, and one-foot reaping techniques; emphasized soft application, close-range control, and maintenance of opponent momentum throughout execution.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Positional technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal throwing technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— Unified MMA — Legal throwing technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Practise with controlled resistance (Sattler, 2007)
Common Mistakes
!Poor control
!Rushing
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Position → Hapkido Projection Throw
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Ultimate Guide to Grappling (Sattler, 2007)
1Book[1] Sattler, J. (ed.) (2007). The Ultimate Guide to Grappling. Black Belt Books. ISBN 978-0-89750-291-7.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Sattler, J
2Citation[1] Sattler, J. (ed.) (2007). The Ultimate Guide to Grappling. Black Belt Books. ISBN 978-0-89750-291-7.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Sattler, J
Community
Athletics
Good body control and flexibility
Notes
Hapkido projection throws launch the opponent forward using joint manipulation as the throwing mechanism — the wrist, elbow, or shoulder lock is what creates the throwing force. Unique among throwing arts because the joint lock IS the throw. (Ultimate Guide to Grappling; Hapkido texts)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key to controlling my opponent during a hapkido projection throw?
According to Richard Milliken, you need to control your opponent's center of balance, located at the Hara (approximately two inches below the navel and halfway in). Moving and controlling this balance point is the secret to executing effective throws.
How do I position my opponent when executing a projection throw?
Richard Milliken demonstrates landing your opponent face to face, cheek to cheek, which allows you to maintain control and transition into follow-up techniques like chokes or rolls.
What's the difference between a standard projection throw and one with a roll-up finish?
In a standard throw, you push almost straight up and down to drop your opponent directly in front of you for control. For a roll-up finish, you throw your opponent farther out to generate momentum that pulls you onto their chest, allowing you to roll up and maintain arm control.
How does the Hapkido Projection Throw work?
The Hapkido Projection Throw uses directional force alignment to project the opponent in the direction of their own momentum.
Where does the Hapkido Projection Throw come from?
Documented across multiple grappling traditions.
Is the Hapkido Projection Throw legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal throwing technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; UWW: legal — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman; Unified MMA: legal — Legal throwing technique; ADCC: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Hapkido Projection Throw?
Danger rating 3/10. Positional technique
How do I set up the Hapkido Projection Throw?
The standard setup chain: Position → Hapkido Projection Throw.
How do I defend against the Hapkido Projection Throw?
Standard counters include: Technique-specific counters.
What are the variants of the Hapkido Projection Throw?
Common variants: Standard Hapkido Projection Throw.
How effective is the Hapkido Projection Throw in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Hapkido Projection Throw?
Top errors to watch for: Poor control / Rushing.
What are other names for the Hapkido Projection Throw?
The Hapkido Projection Throw is also known as Hapkido Projection Throw, Tu Hyung Dunjigi, Directional Throw.