Foundation Principles of Balance Breaking

Before executing throws, the instructor establishes three foundational principles: kazushi (off-balancing), sukuri (positioning), and keiki (execution). The traditional judo grip uses the right hand on the lapel and left hand on the sleeve. The practitioner steps across with the right foot to draw the opponent off-balance, then wraps the hand around the waist and lifts to elevate the opponent, finally completing the throw by turning and drawing the opponent around.

Front Lever Throw from Lapel Grip

When an opponent grabs the lapel, the defender moves forward with a strike toward the groin area while assuming a deep straddle stance. The striking arm transitions into a lever position across the upper thigh using the arm's edge. By pushing forward and then drawing downward, the defender creates a fulcrum-and-lever mechanical advantage that projects the opponent to the floor.

Lever Throw Response to Punch Combinations

Against multiple punch attacks, the defender executes flexible blocking while stepping deeply with the shoulder lowered and hands securing the back of the opponent's legs. The throw is completed by projecting the opponent downward using the accumulated mechanical leverage. This technique demonstrates how lever throws can be applied defensively against committed striking attacks.

Double-Legged Lever Throw Against Overhead Attacks

When defending against downward blows or side strikes, the defender parries the attacking arm and steps in with the shoulder positioned low and deep between the opponent's legs. Both legs provide the mechanical base for lifting and projecting the opponent forward to the ground. This variation emphasizes the importance of deep penetration and dual-point contact.

Rear Throw from Strangulation Defense

Against rear strangulation attempts, the defender crosses their right leg toward the left heel and drives the elbow backward into the lower abdomen area. By reaching down and throwing the opponent backward over the extended leg, the defender uses the attacker's own forward weight against them. This demonstrates how defensive leverage can convert a dangerous position into a throwing opportunity.

Heel Kick Response to Rear Bear Hook

When an opponent applies a rear bear hook attempting to pin the arms, the defender extends the arms forward and executes a stamp kick to break balance. The defender then grasps both ankles from behind and throws the opponent to the floor. A heel kick follows before controlling the opponent's leg.

Leg Lever Throws Against Punching Attacks

Against face punches, the defender deflects the striking arm and applies strikes to the opponent's leg while stepping forward with the right foot. The left foot hooks around the back of the opponent's foot while the right hand strikes above the knee, rotating the leg and drawing the opponent to the floor. Variations include positioning the left leg in front of the opponent's leg with the right leg behind for alternative leverage points.

Arm Deflection Throws from Strangle Attacks

When an opponent initiates a strangle hold with forward motion, the defender places one hand on the attacking arm and pushes down while the opposite hand pushes upward. By reversing the stance backward against the opponent's forward momentum, the defender leverages the opponent's own energy to project them to the floor. The throw capitalizes on the opponent's committed movement.

Wrist and Elbow Lever Throws from Overhead Strikes

Against downward head strikes, the defender quarter-steps to avoid the attack and hooks the wrist while securing behind the elbow joint. The defender maintains pressure at the elbow to control the arm's direction and geometry. By reversing stance while keeping tight contact, the defender throws the opponent forward to the floor using the arm as the primary lever.

Cat Stance Throws from Straight Punch Attacks

When defending a straight punch, the defender moves backward into a cat-stance position while drawing the opponent forward. The defender's left arm crosses over while the right hand passes through, maintaining continuous forward pressure on the opponent. The throw executes by drawing the opponent backward to the floor from this seemingly defensive posture.

100 JU-JUTSU, JUDO THROWING TECHNIQUES

James Moclair
3 min read·10 key moments·PT1H7M29S video

Key Takeaways

  • Foundation Principles of Balance Breaking
  • Front Lever Throw from Lapel Grip
  • Lever Throw Response to Punch Combinations
  • Double-Legged Lever Throw Against Overhead Attacks

100 JU-JUTSU, JUDO THROWING TECHNIQUES. SOME OF THE THROWING TECHNIQUES ARE UNIQUE, OTHERS HAVE SMALL SUTTLE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about throw?

This video covers foundation principles of balance breaking, front lever throw from lapel grip, lever throw response to punch combinations. It provides detailed instruction from James Moclair.

How long does it take to learn throw?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing throw?

Against downward head strikes, the defender quarter-steps to avoid the attack and hooks the wrist while securing behind the elbow joint. The defender maintains pressure at the elbow to control the arm's direction and geometry. By reversing stance while keeping tight contact, the defender throws the opponent forward to the floor using the arm as the primary lever.