Belt throw

Obi-nage, the belt throw is a simple takedown, which is apparently unique to Goshin-Jutsu. Within Goshin-Jutsu, Obi-nage is reserved for at least intermediate students, not because of its complexity, but because beginner and novice students should concentrate on fundamentals. Like all throws, obi-nage is simple if you do everything by the numbers. 1. Kuzushi (Destroying balance): Obi-nage is a “towards throw;” which requires that the opponent’s energy moves towards you, like when the opponent is pushing or charging at you. Do not use an atemi to stun the opponent; since their momentum will help complete the throw. Do not use obi-nage if the opponent is leaning back or pulling you; fighting against the opponent’s momentum and balance is counter-productive.

Use your leading hand to grab the opponent’s lapel, at their collarbone. Use your trailing leg to grab the front of the opponent’s belt, either next to the knot, or in front of their same-side hip. Squat slightly and do not resist the opponent’s forward momentum. 2. Tsukuri (Positioning): Twist into the opponent, and pull their lapel to your same-side shoulder, forcing them to twist and hunch forward. This can be enhanced by hip checking the opponent’s groin with a Shakira-like motion as you enter. You need a solid, secure connection to transfer kinetic energy and momentum to your opponent, so your opponent must be snug against you. No light should pass through the space between you and the opponent, causing middle school dance chaperones to yell at you. For optimum efficiency and leverage, be mindful of the following posture quirks: • Your center-of-mass must sink lower that your opponent’s center-of-mass. This seems like a given, since obi-nage is a “sacrifice throw.” However, the position of your center defines the throw’s axis of rotation, and the throw becomes more efficient when the opponent rolls over top of you. Shorter people have a natural advantage over taller people with this technique. Taller or equally-sized people can still perform this technique, if they squat lower than their opponent’s belt knot. • Your feet must be inside of your opponent’s feet. Ideally, your inside-facing leg should be behind the opponent’s lead leg. 3. Nage (Throw): Swing your outside-facing leg up with a front exercise kick and immediately perform a side breakfall. Obi-nage is a “sacrifice throw,” because you must sacrifice your own balance and fall to execute this technique. While we do not normally advocate compromising your balance, this aversion adds an element of surprise.

As you fall, you will pull the opponent down and forward, forcing them into a dive roll. If you maintain your, you can ride their momentum up, and ideally kneel atop of them, straddling their chest (a “full-mount”) where you can apply joint locks, strangleholds, and merciless “ground-and-pound” beatings on an as-needed basis. Please note that this technique can performed from either side.

[video of obi-nage fast and slow, from different angles.]