I put together this bunch of clips so I could get a look at how different forms of karate executed a basic take-down (nage- waza in Jananese). When I started training (many, many moons ago), it was in Shotokan Karate. And, being a very hard Japanese style (Okinawan origins), it focused almost exclusively on the linear techniques. The basic stances, strikes and kicks (kihon) were drilled over, and over, and over. As I trained longer and got a little better at these, I kept waiting for the sweeps, take-downs and finishing holds that I just knew were coming. Eventually, they did, but very little emphasis was put on them. And, being young and impressionable then, I assumed that, where the fighting picture of karate was concerned, they must not be that important then.
Wait…I think I just heard everyone say: “WHAT?!” Don’t worry… whatI now know is that the take-down (however it happens, i.e. sweep, throw or joint lock) IS as much or more an integral part of the total fighting package that the martial arts are based on. After I joined the Marine Corps, I was moving around a lot and had the opportunity to train many different places and got exposure to different arts. I found that take-downs have so many different variations and possibilities for use that they almost create and art of their own. And I quickly learned that in many cases, done right, this type of technique can end/has ended the conflict immediately. Why, then, is it (or at least seems to be) a dying art in many traditional karate dojos? Is it the “showiness” of high kicks and cool stances in movies that is leading the “teaching market” and tournament scene of modern karate? Are the arts just getting naturally watered down over time? Or, have I just been looking in the wrong places? I don’t have the answers; but, at least I now know what to pass on to students, friends/training partners and family.
So…here are some different styles and techniques of take-downs. I hope you enjoy.
Marc G.
Here is a basic Shotokan takedown. There seems to be a very simple, no-frills or fancy techniques way about it. But, look at the small details Sensei Yamaguchi points out as he demonstrates…
Now this is about as no-frills as it gets. I’m not even sure if you could call it technique, but there is no denying the effectiveness…
A slightly different type og Goju Ryu takedown that is similar to a submission. But, that is just because the technique was stopped. There is no doubt it could have been finished.
Here, this Tae Kwon Do version shows a bit more flair; and is a little more complicated. It would work, but would probably take a lot more training time to perfect under real-world pressure.
NOW…Here we go on a ride! This is a form of jujitsu I have never heard of. (I know we were talking Karate, but I had to show this) I think you will agree it is very complicated and flashy. To me, that usually seems dangerous under stress in a real self-defense situation. It sure looks cool though!
For the sake of symetry, we end up right back where I started that is WE started…with Shotokan takedowns. This on has the same basic, nuts-and-bolts appearanceas the first one, but, well… you decide…
