Aikido Throws

Aikido throws can be hard or soft, depending on the fierceness of your opponent's attack, and how you respond to it.

If you just need to control someone, for example, to eject a noisy but not dangerous drunk, you can be reasonably gentle. As long as he comes along with you (and that uncomfortable hold) there is no need for any dramatic Aikido throws.

But two or three guys coming at you with baseball bats are going to find Aikido throws can be very hard and uncomfortable. You don't have to throw people to the floor, either. Because Aikido throws could just as easily slam them into a pillar or against somebody else.

Many Aikido throws work in a circular movement, and this circle can work on a horizontal place, a vertical plane or anywhere in between. (This is how the Aikido book The Dynamic Sphere got its name.)

Irimi-nage is a circular Aikido throw, so is Tenchi-nage (the Heaven and Earth throw) and Shiho-nage (Four Directions throw). But Shomen-ate, especially the Kyogi (sports) version can be Bang! - in a straight line.

I had a tooth smashed once from a Shomenate throw. It had to be extracted later. But that was much rougher than usual. That teacher used to be just a bit too rough.

Believe me, there are Aikido throws and holds for every kind of situation.

Aikido Tutorial