The Rear-Fall Throw In Self-Defense

By Prof. Gene Roos

If an attacker is pushing you with one or two hands, you can grab the attacker's shirt, jacket or upper arms and pull him toward you as you do a controlled fall backwards and throw him over your head. Most assailants are unprepared for this type technique and it takes them totally by surprise.

Attacker grabs defender and defender does the same.
Defenders left foot arc steps, squats and pulls the attacker forward at 45 degrees to the left.
The defender places his right foot on the attacker's left hip
Defender swings his body to the right under the attacker, extends his right leg and turns his hands like a steering wheel to the left.
As the attacker is falling, the defender's left leg hits the attacker's right thigh.
This spins the attacker to a side fall.

This controlled rear-fall throw is known as "Tomeoe-nage" in judo. Here I illustrate the throw and how it is performed in judo when two opponents have grasped each other's uniforms in practice or in competition, but the throw was adopted from earlier jujutsu systems which used this technique for self-defense.

Note that the second step (where the defender's left foot arc steps, squats and pulls the attacker forward at 45 degrees to the left) is an extra move for training purposes.

If the defender (male beginner) brings his right foot up and places it on the attacker's left hip, there is a good chance that the attacker will be kicked in the groin by accident. Because of the different hip structure of the female (beginner), the bringing up of the leg and hitting the groin is lessened. In a combat situation, however, you are not concerned if you strike (with your foot) the attacker's groin.

This throw is also useful in the event that an attacker facing you is able to pull your head down in order to get you in a neck lock. In this event you sink down underneath him to throw him over your head.

Prof. Gene Roos
Prof. Gene Roos, 10th dan Ju Jitsu, and 4th dan in judo, is a member of the Board of Directors for the America Ju Jitsu Association. He is a frequent contributor to FightingArts.com. In 1958 was awarded Shodan (Judo) and won the Regional Judo Champion. In 1958 & 1959 was Judo State Champion. His instructors include: Harold Brosious (Ketsugo), Dennis Palumbo (Hakko Ryu Ju Jitsu, 8th dan), George Kirby, & Shizuya Sato (Ju Jitsu), Wally Jay (Small Circle Ju Jitsu), Dr. Sacharnoski (Hard Style Ju Jitsu & Ki) and Master Mochizuki (a student of Funakoshi, Kano, & Ueshiba). He is also the author of a series of upcoming books on Aiki jujitsu as well as a number of videos including: "Aiki Jujitsu" (a three video tapes series with manuals); "Deadly Attacks" (defense against 30 knife, gun, stick and empty hand attacks); "Deadly Attacks – Part II" (defense against an additional 30 knife, gun and empty hand attacks); "Deadly Attacks III" and "Devastating Throws and Other Deadly Attacks " (defense against 30 advanced combat throws, knife attacks, stick, and a rear shotgun attack).

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