This section will periodically list new techniques, parts of techniques or techniques requested by viewers. 

When learning techniques you should always execute them slowly, with safety in mind, and be under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Please be aware that all pictures and descriptive text presented on this page are copyright 2000-2008 by George Kirby. They may not be reproduced in any form or manner, electronically or otherwise, without his expressed written permission beyond personal use.

The techniques presented here are for informational purposes only. Be sure to read the disclaimer on the Legal Notices page before you consider practicing any of these techniques.

Just click on the picture or name of the technique to go directly to the technique.

Ude Guruma Yubi Waza - Armlock with Finger Hold This armlock is ideal to use on a larger person or if you have small hands. It's an excellent alternative to the wrist press armlock & is now used by a number of major law-enforcement agencies. Once set you have a great deal of control over the person & it can be quite painful - so use caution! 

Initial Responses for Knife at Throat, Attacker Behind You: A knife at your throat from behind is a serious threat to your life [understatement]. If the person wants your possessions [money, jewelry, car, etc ...] give it to the assailant. They can all be replaced. YOU CAN'T! However, here are some initial responses that can be used to get the knife away from your throat if you have to defend yourself. You must immediately continue on with a follow-through technique to remove yourself from imminent danger.

Te Nage [Hand Throw] or Mae Heji Maki [Forward Elbow Roll Takedown] for a rear forearm choke attack and a knife coming up at your throat. Who thought of this attack? Charles Choi wanted my input on what to do for such an attack. 

Ude Guruma Makikomi - Figure-4 Armbar Winding Throw Setup: Setting up an attacker for a Figure-4 armbar can be achieved 100% of the time if you follow these simple setup steps - even against a taller attacker.

Ude Guruma Otoshi [Shoulder-lock Drop Throw] [3/03] This is a defense for a knife in your back, with your back arched. Practice this defense slowly to achieve smoothness. It is an extremely fast technique once proficiency is achieved because your constantly working in a circle. Be careful though. You can't complete this technique without posing the risk of serious injury to your workout partner.

Tekubi Maki - Wristlock Takedown & Press [3/03] This is a defense for a knife in your back & a forearm choke with your back straight. This is a more difficult situation than having your back arched as you don't have any "wiggle room." Be sure to check my footwork as you learn this technique. Footwork is always critical.

Don't Break Your Thumb in Randori or Grappling [5/04] When you grab a gi in randori/grappling it is common to see competitors grab their opponent's gi with a grip where their thumb grabs the gi from underneath [or opposite their fingers & palm] like when you normally grab something.

Two Simple Fixes for the Hand Throw [Te Nage] & Wristlock Takedown [Tekubi Shimi Waza] [1/05] One common mistake made by newer students is to place both thumbs next to each other when setting up the hand throw [te nage] or wristlock takedown [tekubi shimi waza]. The problem with this placement is that the tori is pushing down at two points, rather than one.  A second common mistake in setting up either the hand throw or wristlock takedown - shown here - is placing all your fingers of both hands on the inside of the uke's wrist.

Thumb Press Technique [Ube Shioku Waza] [1/05] In this counter for a hand shake, students will commonly press against the tip of the thumb & then try to lift the thumb away,

Carotid Artery Press [Figure-4 Neck Nerve Press] Fix  [3/05] The Carotid Artery Press can be an extremely effective means of putting your opponent out -- quickly. Unfortunately it also poses a high risk of serious injury or death if not applied properly throughout execution of the hold.

Cross-Cheek Press Takedown [3/07]
The Cross-Cheek Press Takedown is an effective alternative to the Carotid Artery Press [above]

Nose-Bridge Takedown [3/07]
This takedown is another safe alternative to the figure-4 carotid neck restraint. In addition to pressing down on the bridge of the nose, it also eliminates the person's vision until they are down; a fairly disorienting asset.