Shihō Nage — Four Directions Throw for Multiple Opponents Situation (Technique and Strategy)

Shihō Nage, meaning “four directions throw,” allows Tori to project Uke in four distinct directions, making it useful in multiple-opponent scenarios. The objective is for Tori to throw the first opponent into a position between himself and the second opponent, effectively interposing them.

In this demonstration, Matthieu Jeandel Sensei shows four variations of Shihō Nage: Omote, Ura, and two older variations.
When the second opponent is positioned at a 90° angle to the outside, Shihō Nage Omote enables Tori to project Uke toward that side, directly in front of the second opponent. If the two opponents are aligned, with the second behind the first, Shihō Nage Ura allows Tori to throw Uke forward in the same line, again interposing the first between himself and the second.
When the second opponent is directly behind Tori, the first older variation enables projection of Uke backward, in front of the second opponent.
Finally, if the second opponent is at a 90° angle to the inside, the second older variation allows Tori to project Uke to that side, again positioning him in front of the second opponent.

Beyond being a set of techniques, Shihō Nage functions as a teaching device, emphasizing correct footwork and strategic placement in multiple-opponent scenarios. Even if Uke performs techniques other than Shihō Nage, the underlying principles of positioning and projection remain consistent.