[T5.06] Tomoe-nage: Var-2 (Armpit Shoulder Circle Throw)

Translation: (Yoko) side (Tomoe) circle, (nage) throw

This throw is a version of tomoe-nage but is also referred to as yoko-tomoe-nage or side circle throw.  This throw can be made if the opponent tries a double leg takedown and places his/her head to the side of your body and you miss landing the guillotine choke.

You may be in trouble if the opponent is in too deep with his or her arms around your knees. Still, you have a few options left even in this scenario. First you can land on your back and place uke in the guard. Second you can turn this into a circle throw.  You will be in range three regardless of your decision. Try to throw the opponent to the side followed by a roll and a mount above the hip line. If you have a wrestling background, you can purposely under-hook one arm and uke’s head to make this throw, but it is generally made by wrapping your arms around the opponent’s chest and using his or her armpits to facilitate the throw.

Judo Category:

• Yoko-sutemi-waza (Side Sacrifice Throw)

AOKK Category:

• Sacrifice Throws

Opening Technique:

Uke shoots forward for a double-leg (Morote-gari) takedown.

Karate Version of Kuzushi:

This kuzushi is based on the opponent’s actions. This throw is a basic counter to a tackle or double leg takedown. In this throw the attacker breaks his/her balance as they lung forward.

Execution:

• Grasp uke around the armpits.
• Pull uke backwards and plant your foot in uke’s hip crease as you fall to the floor.

Note: Spin on your back to throw uke to the side.

• While on your back, straighten your leg and throw uke over your head and to the side.
• Roll with uke and place him/her in a top mount above their hipline.

Grips:

1. Wrap your arm around uke’s chest under his/her armpits.

Note: Tie off to the opponent’s clothing if possible.

1. Wrap one arm under uke’s armpit and one around his/her neck.

Warning: Keep your knees bent and roll with your opponent. You’ll automatically be fighting in range three at this point.

Note: Follow this technique with an arm-bar, mount above the hips. If the opponent pulls free begin open hand strikes, closed hand strikes, knees strikes, head butts and elbow strikes.

Two Key Components for AOKK Practice:

When practicing this throw there are to key components to the endeavor. The problem with this throw is the fact that it is a sacrifice technique. The ground may not be the best place to be in an altercation, so the student must first practice throwing his/her adversary and roll immediately into the standing position. This must become a reflex action. The second component is throwing the opponent and following him/her into a mount. This may be necessary if you’re trying to restrain an adversary until help arrives. This too can be used in the sport aspect of the art as well. These two components are one of the things that separate our practice from that of more sport oriented martial arts.