How to Perform an Ooyopu Throw in Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu, Ninpo, the art of the Ninja. These are all synonyms for the same martial training needed to make one of the most effective epionists and guerilla combatants in the history of the world. Sadly, today the concept of a ninja has been perverted by many bad films and video games using them as the anonymous bad guys who attack in black clothing with swords and throwing stars. A ninja was trained in techniques of stealth and observation to act as a spy, either by disguising himself or moving unseen through enemy territory and structures. The belief that the ninja was a ruthless killer or a masterful combatant is a fallacy. Fighting was the last act a ninja would resort to, as it would mean his cover had been blown. Typically ninjutsu unarmed combat techniques involved a quick and non harmful take down against an enemy attack, followed by running away as fast as possible. Perform Ooyopu, also known as the thumb choke technique, as a defense to an attacker grabbing your shoulders or sleeves of your upper arms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Respond to your opponent grabbing you by the shoulders and sleeves. Place your right arm on the top of your opponent’s shoulder and the left arm against the back of his elbow. This is known as the Kunichi position and is common for many different grappling throws and holds. Mirror your opponent’s stance by keeping your weight forward on your left foot.

2. Place the palm of your right hand against the front of your opponent’s throat and snug the V of flesh between your thumb and index finger at the point where the throat gives way to the underside of the jaw. Lean your body’s weight back onto your rear right foot while firmly extending your right arm and locking your elbow. The point of this is not to harm your opponent, but force him to push slightly away. This means your opponent has to lock his own arms to keep hold of you, which is exactly what you want.

3. Shove your opponent back sharply by transferring your body’s weight back to your forward left foot and leaning forward. Take a half step to the left and drive your right heel into the inside of your opponent’s right knee joint. Again, this is meant to unsteady your opponent rather than do any harm. Your opponent is pushed to his left and has to release his left hand on your sleeve to regain his balance.

4. Take the opportunity that this moment provides to grip your freed right hand around your opponent’s right wrist. Step inward toward your opponent with your left foot while pivoting clockwise to put your back to him. As you do this, raise your opponent’s arm to rest his elbow across the top of your left shoulder. For this throw to be effective, the back of the elbow must be pressed against the shoulder, not the inside of the elbow.

5. Complete the technique by leaning forward at the waist while pulling your opponent around from your left, pulling the arm down as you do so to propel him into a rapid tumble as he will not be able to keep his balance as fast as you draw him around your body.

Resources

• Video demonstration of the thumb choke technique.

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