Ganseki Otoshi – Shirakawa Variation – Omote & Ura

In this video Ryuji Shirakawa Sensei demonstrates two non-classical versions of Ganseki Otoshi  (Omote and Ura). In the Omote variation the throw resembles Judō’s Kata guruma : Uke is carried belly-down on Tori’s shoulders and released in a circular, wheel-like motion. Shirakawa Sensei notes the mechanics are very similar to the classic Aikido Koshi Nage, except the load is taken on the shoulders rather than the hips. In the Ura variation Uke is positioned on his side across Tori’s shoulder, rather than belly-down as in Omote, or belly-up as in the classical form, and Shirakawa Sensei executes this version by dropping to his knees.