Ninjutsu Throws

Ninjutsu Throws (投げ技) are specialized techniques that use grappling to unbalance a combatant. Unlike sport-oriented martial arts, Ninjutsu throws are designed with combat effectiveness as their primary goal, often deliberately projecting the opponent onto their head to maximize impact and neutralize threats.

Throws (הטלות) in Ninjutsu utilize opponent unbalancing through several distinct methods:

1. Using the legs to block the opponent's legs while applying a pushing or pulling action to the torso. These throws are called Foot Techniques (Ashi waza‎).
2. Using the hands with a strong pulling or pushing action to unbalance the opponent in such a way that they cannot correct their center of balance by stepping. These throws are grouped as Hand Techniques (Te waza).
3. Using the hips as a fulcrum point to rotate or lift and rotate the opponent's torso or waist. These throws are called Hip Techniques (Koshi waza).
4. If the act of unbalancing and throwing necessitates an intentional falling action by the thrower, then the throw is considered a Sacrifice Throw (Sutemi waza).

Unique Aspects of Ninjutsu Throws

Strike-Integrated Kuzushi

A distinctive feature of Ninjutsu throwing techniques is the integration of strikes and kicks into the kuzushi (balance breaking) phase. Unlike pure grappling arts that rely solely on pushing, pulling, or redirecting force, Ninjutsu practitioners use atemi (striking) techniques to create openings, disrupt the opponent's structure, and facilitate throws. This approach makes Ninjutsu throws particularly effective in combat situations where an opponent is actively resisting or attacking.

Throw-Lock Relationship

Ninjutsu recognizes and exploits the dynamic relationship between throws and joint locks. When an opponent resists a throw attempt, their defensive posture often creates vulnerabilities for joint lock applications. Conversely, resistance against a joint lock frequently opens opportunities for throwing techniques. This interconnected approach allows practitioners to flow between throwing and locking techniques based on the opponent's reactions, making Ninjutsu a highly adaptable combat system.

Head Targeting

While many sport-oriented martial arts emphasize safe landing for the opponent, Ninjutsu throws are often specifically designed to project the opponent onto their head or neck. This combat-focused approach aims to maximize the impact and potentially incapacitate an attacker in self-defense situations. This tactical difference reflects Ninjutsu's historical development as a battlefield martial art rather than a competitive sport.

Judo Influence in Israeli Ninjutsu

Israeli Ninjutsu bears the distinct influence of Doron Navon, a 4th-degree Judo black belt who was instrumental in bringing Ninjutsu to Israel. This Judo background is evident in the refined throwing mechanics and technical precision found in Israeli Ninjutsu systems. The synthesis of traditional Ninjutsu principles with Judo's systematic approach to throwing techniques has created a uniquely effective methodology that preserves combat effectiveness while adding technical sophistication.

Execution Principles

Effective Ninjutsu throws incorporate several key elements:

• Kuzushi (Balance Breaking): Creating instability in the opponent's posture through strikes, positioning, or mechanical advantage
• Tsukuri (Entry): Proper body positioning to maximize leverage and minimize the opponent's defensive options
• Kake (Execution): The technical application that completes the throw with optimal force and directional control
• Zanshin (Continued Awareness): Maintaining combat readiness throughout and after the throw execution

The combat orientation of Ninjutsu throwing techniques is evident in their emphasis on controlling the opponent's landing position and impact angle, particularly when directing the fall toward vulnerable areas like the head or spine. This approach stands in contrast to sport-oriented throwing systems that prioritize clean execution and competition scoring.