Copyright © Geoff Thompson 2004
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A good throw can be spectacular and effective (although it is only the latter that we are concerned with), and for the advanced Judoka or wrestler, very accessible. In reality their accessibility is dulled by the very high skill factor that is demanded in pursuit of competence. They are far more effective in my opinion if preceded by a strike (head-butt, bite, etc.) as a weakener. As a singular attack, the throw can often quite easily be neutralised, even by a strong novice. If, however, you bite the opponent or butt him before you throw, the success rate of the throw elevates markedly.

It is also usual in a live situation for the assailant, if thrown, to also drag the thrower to the floor. Clean throws are not always possible unless the thrower is expert. Having said all of that, I do know judoka and wrestlers that can and have thrown many opponents in street confrontations without any problem, and finished the guy with the throw alone.

As with all applied techniques, use cunning and ferocity for the best effect.

Naturally, a throw can only be employed realistically whilst in grappling range and it is fair to say that if you are in grappling range it is because of an error on your part. Grappling, especially to the non-grappler, is unique. It is the non-grappler's quicksand because, unlike kicking and punching range where you may move in and out at will, once you're in grappling range you will very rarely get out of it before the culmination of the fight. So it is best avoided. Being human, of course, we do make mistakes, and to not prepare for such circumstances would be a major shortfall.

There are a myriad of different throws to be explored. Some may suit, others may not. The more complicated movements would not be applicable (for the beginner) in the street. The more basic the movement, the easier it is to apply. As with punching and kicking combinations, a bastardisation of the throwing techniques may be, accidentally or on purpose, sought and executed. As long as it is effective, use it.

It goes with out saying that to really get these throws 'off' you will need proper tuition.

Major outer reap

From the grappling range this throw is both simple and highly effective, though it relies, as do all throws, on a fast explosive attack.

Break the opponent's balance backward to the right corner as you simultaneously advance your left foot forward. Continue to draw the opponent's balance outward as you reap your right leg to the back of the opponent's right leg, throwing him backward. Always try to precede with a butt, bite or stamp to distract the opponent from the throw. To attack to the left side, reverse these instructions.

Hip throw

Break the opponent's balance forward to the right front corner, as you simultaneously advance your right foot toward the opponent's right foot. Make a body turning in entry and place your right arm around the opponent's waist (or neck). Make sure that both of your feet are inside his, your bottom is tightly into his groin and your knees are bent. Throw your opponent forward fast and explosively over your hip. This throw can be reversed.

Major inner reap

Break your opponent's balance backward as you simultaneously reap your left leg inside and around the back of his right leg, lifting his leg off the ground. Push the opponent (or butt him) violently backward.

May be reversed.

Shoulder throw

May be used on an opponent who grabs from the back as well as the front.

Break the opponent's balance forward as you simultaneously advance your right foot toward his right foot. Make a body turning in movement as you simultaneously pass your right arm under his right arm, gripping hold of his clothes. Try to keep both your feet inside his and bend at the right shoulder fast and explosively. May be reversed.

Minor outer reaping ankle throw

Break your opponent's balance to his right back corner, as you simultaneously advance your left foot forward and bring up your right foot. Reap the back of the opponent's right heel with your left foot. May be reversed.

Sweeping ankle throw

Advance your right foot forward forcing your opponent backward on his left foot. Take a wide left step as you advance your right foot inward to support your body weight. Break the opponent's balance to the right side and simultaneously sweep his feet together as you lift him upward. Throw him with speed and force. May be reversed.

Body drop

Break the opponent's balance to his right front corner. Advance your right foot toward his right foot. Position your body so that your right foot blocks the opponent's right ankle and your left leg is bent. Throw the opponent directly forward and over the back of your right ankle quickly and forcefully. May be reversed.

Inner thigh throw

Break the opponent's balance forward to his right front corner. Advance your right foot toward his right foot. Make a body turn in movement so that the left foot is positioned in the centre of gravity. Sweep your right thigh upward on the inside of the opponent's right thigh, continue sweeping your right thigh up and back, throw the opponent directly forward and over your right thigh with force and speed. May be reversed.

All the throws may be executed from your right or left side depending upon which you favour and your position in relation to the opponent at the time of the throw. Of course in theory, if at all possible, you ideally want to throw the opponent clean and clear of yourself. But more often than not, when you throw an opponent in the street situation, he maintains his grip upon you, even though he's been thrown, and pulls you down with him. The only solace one can extract from this fact is that you, the thrower, will usually end up on top: an enviable position.

Don't expect an opponent to just let you throw him, it can be a battle. For best results always try to distract the opponent with the aforementioned blow (butt, bite) before attempting the throw. If he does maintain his grip after the throw and pulls you down with him, try to land upon him with the point of your knee or elbow, and break free at the first available moment.

A word of caution: never deliberately seek grappling distance in order to execute a throw. Only attempt to throw if you find yourself trapped with no other options open to you. The element of surprise is pivotal in the execution of a throw: it must be fast and explosive. Neither speed nor force will come without a lot of practice.