“In karate, hitting, thrusting, and kicking are not the only methods, throwing techniques and pressure against joints are included.” ~ Gichin Funakoshi
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Many students, and instructors, who stand toe-to-toe and exchange techniques, forget (or should that be neglect?) that at some point in a self-protection/self-defense scenario, you will undoubtably end up in a clinch. This is, unfortunately an inevitable outcome. Therefore training at different ranges, getting in close, grappling and throwing, should be part of your training too. Inevitably, that’s where you could end up in a self-defense situation, close, really close.
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‘Nage-waza’ (投げ技) or throwing technique, is obviously not the principal source of self-defense used in the art of karate, it is, nonetheless, an indispensable component of effective combative principles, and also reflects a forgotten aspect from karate’s early origins.
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Judo throws are not best served in traditional pragmatic karate, as modern versions would not be suitable for the self-defense focused karateka, due to the need to stay upright on our feet, avoid fists, feet and weapons.
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We see differences in the way throws are applied due to the differing goals of modern judo (to score points), and traditional non-sport karate (self-protection focus). Those differences are in objective, nature of the attack and attacker, entry to the throw, method of execution, and following on from the throw. Of course techniques do have common ground, however, there are differences, and instructors need to ensure that students, who are being taught techniques for self-protection/self-defense purposes, understand these differences and teach students accordingly.
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I believe no one could dispute the sense it makes as a karateka, to be well prepared, and never need ‘nage-waza’, than to wind up in a clinch one day with the safety of your life or well-being left only to chance. ??
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? With thanks to Iain Abernethy & Patrick McCarthy.