In your book "Effortless Combat Throws" you make mention of the head acting as a "first class lever" in relationship to the body.

What is a "first class lever" and are there other types of classes of levers.

Thank you, preemptively in addressing this question.

Hi Jason,

A first class lever has the fulcrum between the load and the point of application of force (like a see saw).

A second class lever has the load between the fulcrum and point of application of force (like a wheel barrow).

A third class lever has the point of application of force between the fulcrum and the load (like shoveling snow).

You give examples of three different types of throws: the arc, spiral etc... Do these correspond to the three types of levers or can each of these levers be utilized inside the "mechanics" of each of the types of throws?

Example:
Placing a leg behind an opponent and threading the needle- catching the opponent between your leg and arm throwing them over your leg. This over the leg throw would form a first class lever right?

And a push/pull variety throw would be an example of a third class lever correct? (Like pulling the leg in to you and pushing the head away).

In general, arcs are second class levers, with the load (opponent's body) between the point of application of force (usually the upper body or head) and fulcrum (opponent's feet).

Circle throws are most often second class levers as well, for example, a hip throw. Sometimes they are first class lever, like a foot in belly throw.

An example of a third class lever would be a low single leg takedown, where the point of application of force (near or below the opponent's knee) is between the load (opponent's body) and the fulcrum (the opponent's foot).

Push pull type throws are good examples of coupling, where linear forces in opposite directions cause a rotation around the center point between the forces.

I'll translate for the chi huggers:

cultivate your chi inorder to use your jin to disrupt your partner-in-conflict's root. Keep the tip of your tongue gently touching the roof of your mouth, to complete the heavenly circuit, as you rotate your dantien clockwise; cause your twin-in-turmoil to rapidly increase his understanding of the power of gravity and the solidity of mother earth.

We are all as one. One winning, one losing.
One laughing, one oozing.

Thanks for clarifying that for Master Cartmell.

Bob#2 thats good stuff!!!! Is the twin my doppleganger or reflecting mirror?

http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/euclid/euclid.pdf