VIDEO- How to Develop Core Throwing Power, Damian Ross of The Self Defense Company

This installment of "This Old Ass Kicker" (working title). Hell, I have to name these things something and it has to have a hook. I digress... this clip is an exercise from Module 10 Combat Throws and Take Downs. Before I start, I want to say something about "Throwing" in the street. It's an extra. Knocking a man cold with a strike is clearly the most efficient and easiest way to knock someone's "dick in the dirt". A knock out blow happens in a fraction of second while submissions take seconds and even a minute until the guy's out cold. Longer if you want him to stay that way. Getting someone to tap in the dojo is FAR EASIER than putting someone to sleep in the street. But if you look to further your study of self defense, submissions, throws and take downs give you some options. Especially if you are in law enforcement or security where you are required to apprehend a target. In the civilian world, special circumstances not withstanding, there's little need for submissions or take downs since according to law, you should be fighting for your life or looking to escape.

Though I must admit, throwing someone in competition or in the real world is pretty cool. There's nothing like taking another human body and hurling it through the air and when that body out weighs you by 50 to 100 pounds it's extremely exciting. I remember years ago, my Yonezuka Sensei, then 69 years old, was watching practice when a student who looked all of 300 pounds was looking for a partner. Yonezuka (Yone) suggested to one of the ranked players (a 220 pounder) to go with the 300 pound giant. The 220 pounder said no, that he was hurt ans didn't want to risk injury. Yone's reaction was priceless. At 180 and almost twice the 220 fighter's age, he got on the mat with the 300 pounder and launched him with ippon seionage. He might as well have just called the 220 pounder a pussy.

One of the exercises Yone had my do to develop that single shoulder throw was this weight sled pull. we feature this drill (and may others) in Module 10 of The Self Defense Training System.

The throws you use for combat are limited and simple. Sport has expanded the development of throws where the object is to get your opponent down on a matted surface and gain a dominant position with little regard for going to the ground yourself. The perfect combat throw takes your target to the ground while you remain on your feet. In Module 10 of The Self Defense Training System we go through the do's and don'ts of which throws to use and why. More important we show you which throws to avoid and for what reason.

For example, a double leg take down is a great technique for MMA and wrestling but not your first option for the street. First of all, it has a huge potential to put you underneath your target. In wrestling and in MMA, many time the opponent sprawls and buries your face in the mat. Rubbing your face, elbows and knees on the mat stinks, but smashing them on the concrete just plain sucks. Also, it automatically limits your mobility and forces you to be locked up with one single target for an extended period of time. You must always assume your target has friends. I had an experience where I took a guy down and was about to apply the old ground and pound when a few of his buddies did not like how the fight was going. The next thing I knew I was getting pummeled with kicks and punches. I was lucky to get out of there intact, I was glad to see the police.

Lesson learned. Hey, shit happens and yes, sometimes you do end up in some hairy situations but you never choose them. Never choose the ground, never put yourself in a bad position intentionally. In The Self Defense Training System you have a set of protocol that ingrains the tactics in your technique. There is a strict protocol to follow regarding the hierarchy of technique.

The following list is based on effectiveness, ease of use and time in training to be mastered.
1. Firearms
2. Edged weapons
3. Impact weapons
4. Sprays and foams (for escape)
5. Alarms (for escape)
6. Strikes
7. Take downs
8. Strangles
9. Joint submissions/dislocations
10. Throws

What the difference between a throw and a take down? A throw requires more hip movement and technique while a take down does not. In Module 10 of The Self Defense Training System you will see throws like the single side shoulder throw and the hip throw as well as take downs like the hockey take down and the bulldog take down.
Take downs are a lot easier to master as you can see from the list above.

In law enforcement where a group must subdue one, the take downs are your only option and throws are simply out of the question.

Train as much as you can, but keep your priorities straight. Look at the above list and move forward when you can do the previous skills proficiently.

Until next time, Train Honestly,
Damian Ross, CEO The Self Defense Company

www.selfdefensecompany.com Corporate Center
www.theselfdefenseco.com World's Most Lethal Self Defense
www.legaluseofforce.com Police Combatives Training
www.familysafeprogram.com Keep Your Family Safe
www.teachselfdefense.com Turn Your Passion into Profits
www.60minuteselfdefense.com Self Defense for Everyone
www.myselfdefenseresource.com Free Resource Material
FREE Training Forum http://theselfdefenseco.madmooseforum.com/